Sampaguita – The National Flower of the Philippines

Sampaguita – The National Flower of the Philippines

Sampaguita, the National Flower of the Philippines, is local name for a species of jasmine native to south Asia (Jasminum sambac). It originates from India, possibly imported into the Philippines in the 17th century from Himalayan areas.

In the Philippines, the flowers are gathered and strung into leis, corsages and crowns and can be commonly found for sale in the streets and shops. It is a symbol of purity, simplicity, humility and strength.

It was adopted as the national flower on 1 Feb 1934 by the Governor-General (Frank Murphy of the United States) who named it the national symbol because of its “popularity, ornamental value, fragrance, and the role it plays in the legends and traditions of the Filipino people.”

Sampaguita, a Spanish term, comes from the Pilipino words “sumpa kita,” which means “I promise you.” It is a pledge of mutual love. In early days, a young couple exchanged sampaguita necklaces much like a bride and groom exchange wedding rings nowadays. To this day, garlands of sampaguita are offered to welcome guests.

The garlands are also used as an offering or adornment in religious altars but also can be seen used as natural car fresheners hanging inside cars. The flowers have a number of reported medicinal uses including treatment for: fever or cough, ulcers, abdominal distention, and diarrhea, Reddening and swelling pain in the eye, as a lactifuge, flowers (or leaves) are applied to the breasts, headache, asthma and skin eruptions. Sampaguita flowers do not bear seeds, therefore the plant is cultivated by cuttings.