Botanical Name | Nardostachys grandiflora Dc. |
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Common Name | Spikenard |
Family | Valerinaceae |
Parts of used | Rootstocks |
Method of extraction | Steam distillation |
Distribution | 3200- 5000m. throughout Nepal |
Type of product | Wild Crafted |
Nardostachys grandiflora (Spikenard) is an erect perennial herb 40-75 cm tall with rootstock covered with the dark fibers. The leaves are basal or oradical, linear to lanceolate, 15- 20 cm long, acuminate, base narrowed into the petiole. Cauline leaves are sessile or sub-sessile with a rounded bottom. The flowers are rose-purple to pinkish-white in terminal cymes arranged in bunches. Fruit are capsule.
Spikenard oil is extracted from the rootstocks/dried rhizome of Nardostachys grandiflora collected in the forest in the Himalayan districts of Nepal in between 3200- 5000m. The oil possesses antiarrhythmic activity with possible therapeutic usefulness in cases of auricular flutter. The spikenard essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the resin obtained from this plant. The oil contains aristolene, nardol, nardostachone, valerianol, valeranal, valeranone calarene, clalarenol, coumarin, dihydroazulenes and jatamanshinic acid which are the sources of its medicinal properties. The oil has characteristics of an antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, deodorant, laxative, sedative, and uterine substances. Spikenard is native to Nepal and is called Nardostachys grandiflora in botanical terminology.
The spikenard essential oil constitutes valeranone (jatamansone), spirojatamol, patchouli alcohol, norseychelanone, ά – and β – patchoulene, jatamol A and B, jatamansic acid, terpenic coumarins-oroseol, and jatamansin.
It is used to treat allergies, fever, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and the pain of angina, as well as aiding in the regeneration of cells, the healing of wounds, the circulation of blood and lymph, and the secretion of hormones and enzymes.
In aromatherapy, this oil is used to inducing mental peace, harmony, and truthfulness. It sedates inflammations in the digestive and nervous system, irritations, nervous afflictions, convulsions, depression, stress, and feelings like anxiety, anger, and panic. It also sedates cardiac problems, such as abnormal palpitations and restlessness.
Spikenard oil is used in various perfumes and cosmetics preparations.