Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines and Indonesia.
It is classified into three kinds of flower according to the formation and arrangement of petals.
The first classification is the single-petal flower with five oval shaped petals.
The second classification is the double-petal sampaguita flower with elongated single and double petals.
The third group is the double double flower with semi doubled and doubled petals.
The elements that compose a sampaguita flower include iron, glycosides, tannin, fats, silicon, and calcium oxalate.
A sampaguita flower is not only used as a decorative plant or flower.
It can also be useful in some other ways.
Since Sampaguita has a very fragrant odor, its oil is often extracted and added as a constituent in making cosmetics such as perfumes, deodorants, hand and body lotions, and hair oils.
Some countries like China and India even use its scent on products for hair enhancement.
For herbalist and health conscious people, sampaguita can be made as herbal medicine.
There are many people who utilize it to manage common complaints like cough, headache, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pains.
It is a therapeutically important flower in which its petals can be used in making herbal tea.
Another medicinal purpose of sampaguita is by grounding its roots and using it as a cure for wounds and snake bites.
Its leaves and petals also contain essential ingredients that can be used as antipyretics and decongestants.
More commonly, especially in the Philippines, sampaguita is used to make garlands that are given during special occasions.
It is usually given to welcome guests coming from other countries.
Most countries believe that sampaguita is auspicious and a sign of good luck.
It is frequently used during religious ceremonies.
The beautiful varieties of sampaguita and its unique uses make it a promising flower.
No wonder that there are countries that chose it as their national flower.