COMMON NAME: Spikenard, Nard, Jatamansi

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Nardostachys jatamansi

FAMILY NAME: Valerianaceae

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: India

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: India

HISTORY INFORMATION: In Tamil, a language in India, nar means having fragrance. It is possible that historically the word spikenard may have been a generic term used for perfume. There could be some confusion as to its historical references as a perfume. The oil called spikenard that is listed here has a scent like goats as described by Dioscorides, a Greek physician living 2000 years ago, and difficult to describe as perfume. Others describe the scent as like fresh earth. In the Bible, Spikenard is the oil used by Mary Magdalen or Mary of Bethany to anoint Jesus' feet a few days before his death (John 12:3). Historically the oil has been used in very special spiritual ceremonies. .

GENERAL INFORMATION: Spikenard is very closely related to Valerian. The plant is suppose to be rather miraculous as it is a blooming rhizome combining the qualities of root, sprout, and flower. It also produces another rhizome but it acts as root only and it is from this root that the oil is taken primarily. There is American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) and sometimes it is confused with Indian Spikenard. There is no relation and they belong to different families. Indian Spikenard is in the Valerian family and American Spikenard is in the Ginseng family. As far as I know there is no oil made from the American, but it is used herbally and there is an extract. Chinese Spikenard (N. chinensis) also produces an essential oil. There may be some contamination as it is gathered with other roots such as Musk Root (Ferula numbul). This is sometimes called Indian Valerian Root.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A herb growing to 2ft high producing two main rhizomes one producing pink bell-shaped flowers and the other rhizome acting as a vegetative root.

PARTS PROCESSED: Root.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Light yellow to amber.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Sesquiterpene/Ketone. Cafarene, aristolene, jatamonsone, valcranone.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperitif, calmative, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, laxative, sedative, tonic, tranquilizer. Used for allergies, rashes, psoriasis, skin inflammation, wound healing, rejuvenate skin, hemorrhoids, constipation, insomnia. Used to calm, relax, reduce stress, promote sleep, uplift moods, regulate male hormonal system, inspire devotion, give deep inner peace.

MENTAL USES: I may know what is right for me, but that may not be right for you. I direct and lead my own life secure that you are doing the same. I cannot be a teacher without also being a student. I am willing to give of myself, but I cannot give what I do not have.

EMOTIONAL USES: Confused, needing to be right, defensive, always on the go - no time to stop, out of balance TO calm, rested, spiritually centered, deep inner peace, balanced between spiritual life and worldly life, able to share what you have materially and physically.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have come to a special time in your life where you are re-examining your goals, motives, accomplishments, and relationships. You no longer have time to waste on things that do not pertain to your mission here. It is time to get connected with your guides and ground with the earth. Spikenard is especially good for balancing the heart chakra and solar plexus. You begin to ask questions: Who am I? Why am I here? It is a search for spiritual answers or spiritual teachers leading to a comfort with inner knowledge and guidance. Realization that humans act as bridges between the material or the earth and the heavens. It allows one to become that bridge knowing that nothing is asked of you except be yourself. It is about being. It allows us to see why we were born. What did we agree to do with this life. It allows for re-evaluation of self within that agreement and one may renegotiate.

APPLICATIONS: Bath, compress, inhaler, massage, mist spray, perfume.