Spikenard Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Nardastachus jatamansi
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Dried and crushed rhizome and roots
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Heavy, sweet-woody, spicy-animal odor, somewhat similar to valerian oil
Largest Producing Countries: Nepal and USA

Traditional Use: Little used these days, usually as a substitute for valerian oil.

Properties: Antibiotic, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, bactericidal, calmative, deodorant, fungicidal, laxative, sedative, and tonic.

Benefits: Allergies, anxiety, hysteria, inflammation, insomnia, mature skin (rejuvenating), menstrual problems, migraine, nervous indigestion, rashes, stress and tension.

Blends Well With: Clary sage, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, juniper, labdanum, lavender, lemon, myrrh, neroli, oakmoss, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, and vetiver.

Of Interest: Spikenard is one of the early aromatics used by the ancient Egyptians and is mentioned in the Song of Solomon in the Bible.  It is also the herb that Mary used to anoint Jesus before the Last Supper: ‘Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.  The oil was also used by the Roman perfumers, or unguentarii, in the preparation of nardinum, one of their most celebrated scented oils, and by the Mughal empress Nur Jehan in her rejuvenating cosmetic preparations.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing in most individuals. Not to be used while pregnant.

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Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier).