- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- High Himalayas of Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet. Nardostachys jatamansi
- Sanskrit
- Jatamansi
- Other names
- Indiase nardus
Asia · Herb · № 130
Nardostachys jatamansi
Herb · Asia
Spikenard (jatamansi)
Nardostachys jatamansi
Used in Ayurveda as a calming remedy for insomnia and restlessness. There is mostly animal research; clinical evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
The wild plant is critically threatened by overharvesting and listed in CITES Appendix II; choose only certified cultivated material. May increase drowsiness.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Do not take the oil internally yourself.
Preparation
The fragrant rhizome as powder, oil or in Ayurvedic blends. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The costly spikenard ointment of the Bible and Roman perfumery probably came from this Himalayan plant. Ody describes it as a relative of valerian with a long history in the incense and perfume trade.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antifungal, antibacterial, relaxes the nerves, carminative, laxative, antispasmodic, diuretic.
Preparation and amount
simmer 1 tsp dried root in a cup of milk as a tonic for tension; decoction (with cinnamon or gotu kola) for poor appetite and constipation; syrup 1–2 tsp for cough; tincture up to 40 drops as a sedative (alternative to valerian); 1–2 drops of oil in 1 tsp almond oil for athlete's foot.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Bitter, aromatic, antispasmodic, diuretic, promotes menstruation, calms the nerves, tonic, carminative, stimulates appetite; substitute for valerian in hysteria, palpitations, nervous headache, flatulence; for digestive and respiratory diseases, jaundice; promotes hair growth.
Preparation and amount
Liquid extract, tea or decoction 28–56 ml (3 times a day); powder 1–1.5 g; with sesame oil on the head.
Caution: Do not take the oil internally yourself.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTinctureSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen