Cape Jasmine

Cape Jasmine or Gardenia is a glabrous, unarmed, much branched tropical shrub which belongs to the plant family Rubiaceae. It grows 1-2 metres high and the oval shiny leaves are opposite, short petioled and tapered at the base. The 5 cm. wide flower is often of the double variety which is solitary, terminal, and arising in the leaf axils. The fragrant buds open into white flowers in the day and turn faint the next day. On the third day , the flowers falls off. The fruits are ovoid or ellipsoid, and yellow, with longitudinal ridges.

 MEDICINAL USE:
*Intermitten fevers, dysentery, muscular weakness, urinary problems, abdominal pains.
*Helps in expelling gas from the stomach and aids digestion. Swelling on the breasts and

headache.
*Laxative, expels worm and prevents spasms.
*Antiseptic or an agent that kills bacteria.
*Callous or hardened skin ulcers, sores and toothache, scalds, burns and swelling.
*Jaundice.
*Antifungal and antibacterial action.

HOW TO USE:
*The decoction of the gardenia bark is used in intermittent fevers, dysentery, muscular weakness,
  urinary problems, and abdominal pains.
*The decoction of the root is recommended in cases of flatulence or gas in the stomach and
  indigestion.
*The leaves are used as a poultice over swollen breasts, and for headache.
*The fruit is considered to be a laxative, expels worms from the intestine, and prevents and relieves
  spasms.
*Externally used, the fruit is antiseptic. It can be applied to callous ulcers, sores, aching teeth, scalds,
  burns and swellings.
*The fruit is used in jaundice and is reported to have antifungal and antibacterial action.

PARTS USED:
*The whole plant.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp

1 litre = 7 or 8 cups