The jasmine plant was brought to China by Persia in the third century AD. However, it did not become popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest of all jasmine teas. Other popular blends are Dragon Phoenix Pearl, Xiang Pian, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being one of the most popular scented tea in the world.

To make jasmine green tea, they start with a Chinese green tea for a base. Two popular ones are pouching and oolong and a few start with a black tea base. The tea leaves are picked and processed in April and May. Then they are kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in late August and September.

Timing is everything when gathering the flowers. They must be fully open and for this reason they are harvested at midnight, or early in the morning. Then the open flowers are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed into the tea over the next four hours. After this the flowers are removed. This process is repeated from two to seven times over a month. Then the tea is ready for sale. The grade of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. High grade jasmine tea has had up to seven scentings over the month. Low grade has had two to three scentings.

What's so great about this stuff? Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols. These are plant-based substances that have proven to fight cancer, viruses, and have antioxidant properties. By eliminating free radicals the tea helps prevent certain cancers and slow aging. Jasmine reduces blood sugar for diabetics, and also reduces high blood pressure. This helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

A partial list of jasmine tea health benefits would include the ability to reduce blood sugar, reduce the risk of blood clot, keep fluid balance, prevent allergy and flu, and boost the immune system. It provides oral care and fluoride that helps protect the teeth from decay. Jasmine tea improves intestinal conditions by blocking the development and growth of bad bacteria and by strengthening good bacteria.

In addition, jasmine tea gargled is an effective way to fight influenza because of its ability to fight viruses. Jasmine green tea also helps with the consequences of food poisoning, including piccoli (causing gastric ulcers), cholera, and dysentery.

Jasmine is also known as an effective anti-depressant, helping with problems such as post-natal depression and menopause problems. It has also been used to help in childbirth and milk production. Jasmine tea can help relieve chronic back pain, muscle and joint pain, and is even considered a romantic enhancer. One wonders if the woman in Proverbs 7 decked her bed with jasmine flowers.

Try using jasmine green tea to lose weight. In one three month study, people who consumed tea with jasmine green tea extract lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. Perhaps the catechins in the jasmine trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and by stimulating the body to burn calories.

To prepare a cup of tea, simply steep about one half teaspoon of tea in water from 170F to 190F for two minutes. You can repeat the steeping up to two times. You should consume at least four cups a day. This tea is served with strongly flavored foods or served alone. It is good with curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with fruit and flower salads, or desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers.