Botanical name Nardostachys jatamansi
Family Valerianaceae
Source Root
Origin Nepal
Processing Method Steam Distillation
Color/Consistency A slightly viscous golden yellow to greenish liquid.
Aroma A base note with a strong aroma, Spikenard Essential Oil has a harsh, earthy, woody smell that is slightly musty.
Blends With Lavender, Patchouli, Pine, Vetiver and Spice Oils.
Product Abstract
The traditional use of this plant was for the skin and female reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries. Due to its earthy and somewhat wet, soil-like smell, which resembles the smell of moss, it is also used in aromatherapy as a sedative and calming agent. Jatamansi is a natural brain nervine tonic and a memory enhancer, which has calming, peacefulness and relaxation features. It is an endangered ayurvedic medical herb had been used since the ancient times for many medicinal purposes.
History
Also known as Nard and Musk Root, Spikenard was one of the early aromatics used by the ancient Egyptians and is mentioned in the Bible in The Song of Solomon, and in the Gospel Of John where Mary used it to anoint the feet of Jesus. It was used in ancient Rome in perfumes and beauty preparations.
Harvesting/Extraction Information
The essential oil of spikenard is extracted by steam distillation of the resin obtained from this plant and it contains aristolene, calarene, clalarenol, coumarin, dihydroazulenes, jatamanshinic acid, nardol, nardostachone, valerianol, valeranal, and valeranone as its chief components, which are the sources of its medicinal properties.
Common Usage
Caution
There are no inherent threats from this essential oil. This oil is non-irritating and non-toxic.
Key constituents
Nardol 10.1%
Formic acid 9.4%
a-Selinene 9.2%
Dihydro-b-ionone 7.9%
Nardol isomer* 4.8%
Selinene isomer* 3.9%
Propionic acid 3.4%
b-Caryophyllene 3.3%
Cubebol 2.9%
a-Gurjunene 2.5%
a-Caryophyllene 2.3%
g-Gurjunene 2.3%
Selinene isomer* 2.2%
7-Hexadecene 2.0%
(E)-Nerolidol 1.9%
Calamenene* 1.1%
Epoxy-ledene 1.0%
Safety summary
Hazards None known.
Contraindications None known.
Organ-specific effects
Adverse skin reactions No information found.
Systemic effects
Acute toxicity No information found.
Carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic potential No information was found for spikenard oil, but it contains no known carcinogens.
Comments
Because of threatened over-exploitation, Nepal has banned the export of unprocessed Nardostachys grandiflora, and in recent years cultivation has been encouraged, in order to minimize the picking of wild plants. Limited availability.
