Spikenard Essential Oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Overview
Spikenard may also be referred to as American spikenard, Small spikenard, Indian root, Spice berry, Spignet, Life-of-man, Petty morel. It is typically processed in India & Nepal using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the root.
Summary
Spikenard oil comes from the rhizome of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant. It has a floral scent. It has an antiseptic and sedative effect.
Essential Facts
- Aroma Description:
- Common Name(s): American spikenard, Small spikenard, Indian root, Spice berry, Spignet, Life-of-man, Petty morel
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Synonyms(s) for Nardostachys jatamansi: Fedia grandiflora, Nardostachys chinensis, Nardostachys gracilis, Nardostachys grandiflora, Patrinia jatamansi
- Botanical Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Botanical Genus: Nardostachys
- Chemical Family: Sesquiterpenes
- Major Compounds: Nardol, Formic Acid, a-Selinene, Dihydro-B-ionone, Nardol Isomer, Selinene Isomer, Propionic Acid, B-Caryophyllene, Cubebol
- Perfumery Note: Base
- Consistency: Medium
- Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
- Color: Pale Amber to Amber or Greenish-Amber in Color
- Countries of Production: India & Nepal
- Indigenous Country: Nepal
- Cultivation: Wild Harvested
- Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
- Part Typically Used: Root
- Shelf Life: 7-8 years
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Conservation Status:
[CR] Critically Endangered
- Wild Harvested
- Vegan
- Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
- Not recommend or safe for children
Essential Details
Benefits & Uses
May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:
Anxiety Bodily Congestion Dandruff Insect Repellents Insomnia Measles Menstruation : Cramp ( Dysmenorrhea ) Migraine Nervous Conditions / Tension Neuralgia Sciatica Skin : Mature Stress
Therapeutic Benefits of Spikenard:
Anti-anxiety Anti-bacterial Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-spasmodic Calming Cicatrisant CNS tonic Insect Repellent Sedative Tonic
Other Uses for Spikenard:
Cautions & Safety
Cautions when using Spikenard:
Tisserand and Young do not indicate any special precautions when using Spikenard Essential Oil. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 428-429.]
Safety Precautions for Spikenard:
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Contraindications of Spikenard:
The oil should not be applied at full-strength to the skin or used in excessive amounts.
Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities
Energetics and Chakras Qualites of Spikenard:
1st Chakra - Survival and Support 2nd Chakra - Relationships 3rd Chakra - Personal Power 6th Chakra - Perspective 7th Chakra - Higher Information Grounding Introspective Meditative Source Energy Transformative
Articles
Spikenard Articles or Publications:
- PubMed: The volatile oil of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in HUVEC cells.
- PubMed: The volatile oil of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma inhibits the oxidative stress-induced cell injury via reactive oxygen species scavenging and Akt activation in H9c2 cardiomyocyte.
- PubMed: Prolonged hypotensive effect of the essential oil of Nardostachys jatamansi.