Night-blooming jasmine, also known as night-scented flower, belongs to the family Oleaceae. It is a popular ornamental plant that emits a pleasant fragrance, especially at night. However, night-blooming jasmine is toxic and is not suitable for indoor cultivation as an ornamental plant.
Growth Characteristics of Night-blooming Jasmine
Night-blooming jasmine mainly grows in subtropical and warm temperate regions, in the forests. It prefers a warm, humid, sunny, and dry climate. Night-blooming jasmine is highly adaptable to its environment and has strong vitality. When it blooms, its flowers emit a fragrant smell, especially at night.
The Toxicity of Night-blooming Jasmine's Fragrance
Night-blooming jasmine is not suitable for cultivation in bedrooms because it stops photosynthesis at night and releases a large amount of waste gas, which is the strong floral fragrance people smell. This fragrance can be extremely detrimental to human health, causing respiratory difficulties and other symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, it is not recommended to grow night-blooming jasmine indoors.
The Fragrance of Night-blooming Jasmine Can Repel Mosquitoes
Although the fragrance of night-blooming jasmine is toxic and can cause discomfort to humans, mosquitoes also dislike this scent. Therefore, night-blooming jasmine can be effectively used to repel mosquitoes. It can be cleverly planted outdoors or near windows, so as to avoid any harm from its fragrance while also repelling mosquitoes.
The Medicinal Value of Night-blooming Jasmine
The flowers and leaves of night-blooming jasmine can be used as medicine. They have the functions of clearing the liver and improving vision, removing opacity, detoxification, and promoting skin regeneration. They can be used to treat red and swollen eyes, opacity covering the eyes, and ulcers.
The Edible Value of Night-blooming Jasmine
Although the fragrance of night-blooming jasmine is toxic, it does not prevent the flowers and buds of night-blooming jasmine from being enjoyed as a delicious semi-wild vegetable.
Night-blooming Jasmine Porridge
Ingredients: 15g dried night-blooming jasmine flowers, 60g glutinous rice, 40g gypsum. Boil the gypsum with 1500ml of water, and when the remaining liquid is about 1000ml, remove the residue and take the juice. Add the glutinous rice to the juice and cook until the porridge is ready. Then add the flower petals and bring to a boil before consuming.
Efficacy: It has the functions of clearing heat, detoxification, calming the mind, and lowering blood lipids. It is especially suitable for patients with coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and menopausal syndrome.
Night-blooming Jasmine Tofu
Ingredients: 30 night-blooming jasmine flowers, 400g tofu, a pinch of salt.
Instructions: Pluck and wash the night-blooming jasmine petals, then add them to the pot with tofu and an appropriate amount of water. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, add salt, and it is ready to serve.
Efficacy: It can clear the liver and improve vision.
