Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Jasmine oil, Linalool, Benzyl acetate
- Also Known As
- English: Arabian Jasmine, Mallika
Sanskrit: मल्लिका
Hindi: मल्लिका, मोगरा
What is Arabian Jasmine?
If you have ever walked past a garland seller in India at dusk, you have probably smelled Mallika before you knew its name. In Ayurveda this fragrant flower is valued for more than its scent: the classical texts tie it to clear eyes and a healthy complexion.
Mallika is the Sanskrit name for Arabian Jasmine (botanical name Jasminum sambac Ait.), known in Hindi as Mogra. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, a classical herbal encyclopedia, describes it as a specific type of jasmine with semi-double or single flowers, distinct from the other jasmine varieties, and used for similar purposes as other jasmines.
Its oil is rich in fragrant compounds such as linalool and benzyl acetate, which is a large part of why the flower smells the way it does.
Benefits of Arabian Jasmine
The classical record for Arabian Jasmine is short, but it is specific. Here is what the texts support.
Eyes
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Mallika as good for the eyes (Netrya). The Ashtanga Hridaya, one of the three great classical texts, describes a practical use: after eye treatments, the person binds the eyes at night with a pad of jasmine flowers.
During nights he should bind the eyes with a pad of flowers like Malati, Mallika (Jasmine varieties).
Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana, Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi
Its cold potency (Sheeta Virya), meaning a cooling effect on the body, fits this soothing role.
Skin and Complexion
Mallika is also called a complexion enhancer (Varnya). On that basis our knowledge graph links it to skin disorders (Kushtha), the broad classical category for skin disease.
Its bitter taste (Tikta Rasa) and cooling nature are qualities Ayurveda generally associates with calming heat, the hallmark of Pitta, the fire and water principle in the body.
How to Use Arabian Jasmine
The classical sources give one clear method for Arabian Jasmine and no internal dose. The table reflects only what the texts record.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh flowers as an eye pad | A pad of flowers over closed eyes | Soothing the eyes after eye treatments | At night |
The Ashtanga Hridaya describes this flower pad as part of aftercare following classical eye therapies. Our sources record no powder, decoction or other internal preparation, and no seasonal guidance, so any internal use should be decided with a qualified practitioner.
Safety & Side Effects
Our classical sources record no contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Arabian Jasmine. The texts describe it briefly, so this silence reflects limited information rather than a confirmed safety record.
The one documented use, a pad of flowers resting over closed eyes, is external. If you try it, use clean, fresh flowers free of pesticides, and stop if your eyes become irritated.
If you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, taking medication, or have an eye condition, speak with a qualified practitioner or doctor before using it.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest way to start with Arabian Jasmine is the one the Ashtanga Hridaya describes: at night, rest a soft pad of fresh, clean jasmine flowers over your closed eyes. It is gentle, cooling and costs very little.
If fresh flowers are hard to find, jasmine products are widely sold. For skin concerns, our skin disorders page explains the wider Ayurvedic approach.
Find Jasmine Sambac Flowers on Amazon ↗ Jasmine Floral Water ↗
Safety note: keep anything other than fresh, clean flowers away from your eyes, and see a doctor for any eye condition.
Arabian Jasmine vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources do not compare Arabian Jasmine head to head with other herbs, so this table sets out the practical choices the texts do raise.
| Comparison | Arabian Jasmine | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallika vs Malati (other jasmine) | Semi-double or single-flowered Jasminum sambac | Malati, another jasmine variety | The Ashtanga Hridaya names both for the night eye pad, so either serves that purpose. |
| Mallika vs other jasmines generally | A distinct cultivar | Other jasmine varieties | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says it is used for similar purposes, so the choice is largely about availability. |
| External vs internal use | Eye pad use is documented | Internal use, no dose recorded | Stick to the documented external use unless a practitioner advises otherwise. |
Arabian Jasmine for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources say nothing about Arabian Jasmine in pregnancy or nursing. Avoid internal use and check with your doctor or practitioner before using it at all.
Children
No pediatric guidance is recorded. Children's eyes are sensitive, so do not use flower pads or any jasmine product on a child without professional advice.
Elderly
The texts give no specific adjustments for older adults. Anyone with an existing eye condition should have it assessed by a doctor first.
Athletes
Our sources record no use of Arabian Jasmine related to athletic performance or recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mallika the same as Mogra?
Yes. Mallika is the Sanskrit name and Mogra is a common Hindi name for Arabian Jasmine, Jasminum sambac.
Is Arabian Jasmine cooling or heating in Ayurveda?
It is cooling. The texts give it a cold potency (Sheeta Virya), a bitter taste and light, unctuous qualities.
What is Arabian Jasmine used for in Ayurveda?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it good for the eyes and a complexion enhancer. The Ashtanga Hridaya describes binding the eyes with a pad of jasmine flowers at night.
What gives jasmine its scent?
Its oil contains compounds including linalool and benzyl acetate, which contribute to the familiar fragrance.
How to Use Arabian Jasmine by Condition
Explore how Arabian Jasmine is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
during nights, he should bind the eyes with a pad of flowers like malati, mallika etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi
During nights he should bind the eyes with a pad of flowers like Malati, Mallika (Jasmine varieties).
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.