Spikenard Essential Oil

The herb spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), which is a member of the Valerian family, is native to the western Himalaya mountains. Spikenard essential oil is steam distilled from the roots of the herb.

In India, spikenard was used as a perfume, health-supporting herb, and skin tonic. The ancient Egyptians and Romans made an ointment from spikenard. In the New Testament, Mary Magdalene used spikenard ointment to anoint the feet of Christ at the Last Supper. Do not confuse this Indian and biblical spikenard with American spikenard (Aralia racemosa).

Using Spikenard

Properties reported for spikenard oil include that it

• may help fight bacteria, fungus, and inflammation,
• is relaxing,
• helps stimulate the immune system,
• is a nerve and liver tonic that may be helpful for nervous indigestion, insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations, and
• may help balance hormones in both women and men.

According to aromatherapist KG Stiles, spikenard is especially useful during onset of puberty and for menopausal issues in women.

Stiles also reports that spikenard oil lifts your spirits and inspires your heart and mind to selfless acts of devotion and quiet inner peace. Aromatherapist Valerie Worwood, in The Fragrant Heavens, states that the emotional healing effects of spikenard essential oil are to encourage forgiveness, fearlessness, balance, and resolution. Diffuse spikenard for meditation or to help you sleep.

Spikenard essential oil also helps nourish and regenerate the skin through stimulating circulation of blood, lymph, and nerve supply. The oil is good for all skin and hair types but especially effective for dry or mature skin.

The oil may help relieve scalp irritation, skin inflammation, rashes, and psoriasis. To use on your skin, dilute spikenard oil in a carrier oil and apply to skin. Patch test first to make sure you are not sensitive to the oil.

Cautions

Do not use spikenard oil if you are pregnant. Consult a professional healthcare provider if you have a medical condition. Also, seek out high-quality essential oils, as cheap, synthetic copies of oils are less likely to be effective and more likely to cause side effects.

Other Sources

Essential Oils Desk Reference

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

You can order high-quality spikenard essential oil here. When asked for a Sponsoring Distributor Member Number, please use 1030500.