Spikenard Essential Oil: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Spikenard essential oil is derived from the root of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, also called nard, nardin, jatamansi, and muskroot. This oil have been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions ranging from anxiety and insomnia to indigestion and skin inflammation. Spikenard essential oil is said to have a calming and grounding effect on the emotions, making it useful for easing anxiety and stress. In addition, spikenard oil is believed to promote restful sleep and help relieve symptoms of indigestion. When applied to the skin, spikenard oil is thought to be helpful in treating inflammation and skin conditions such as acne.

Essential Oil Profile / Monograph

Botanical Name: Nardostachys jatamansi

Common Names: Spikenard, nard, nardin, muskroot

Plant Family: Valerianaceae

Countries of origin: Nepal, India

Extraction Method: Steam distillation

Parts Used: Root

Essential Oil smell: Woody, musky, earthy

Essential Oil Color: Brown to amber

Viscosity: Thick

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Blends Well With: Rose, vetiver, patchouli, cassia, ginger

Therapeutic Properties: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, sedative

Uses: Anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, skin inflammation

Contraindications: None known

Side Effects: None known

Types: 100% pure essential oil, blended essential oil

Chemical Constituents: Alpha-pinene (0.4-2.4%), β-pinene (0.2-1.6%), limonene (trace-0.8%), myrcene (0.3-1%), cis-ocimene (0.1-0.5%), trans-ocimene (0.2-0.6%), α-terpinene (trace-0.4%), terpinolene (0.1-0.5%), linalool (0.3-1.2%), geranial (trace-1%), neral (trace-1%), camphene (trace-0.8%), α-terpineol (0.2-1.2%), α-cubebene (trace-0.4%), cubebol (0.1-0.5%), Caryophyllene (0.3-1%), selinene (trace-0.4%), aromadendrene (trace-0.4%), β-bisabolene (0.1-0.5%), farnesene (0.1-0.5%) andtrans-nerolidol (trace-1%).

What is Spikenard?

Spikenard is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oils derived from the root of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant. These oils have been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions ranging from anxiety and insomnia to indigestion and skin inflammation.

What are the benefits of Spikenard Essential Oil?

Spikenard essential oil is said to have a calming and grounding effect on the emotions, making it useful for easing anxiety and stress. In addition, spikenard oil is believed to promote restful sleep and help relieve symptoms of indigestion. When applied to the skin, spikenard oil is thought to be helpful in treating inflammation and skin conditions such as acne.

Uses

Spikenard essential oil can be used in a variety of ways to promote health and well-being. It can be added to massage oils and lotions for a relaxing massage, diffused in an aromatherapy diffuser to fill the room with its calming scent, or diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

Historical Use

The use of spikenard as a herbal medicine dates back centuries. In ancient times, it was used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and indigestion. It was also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Topical Use

Spikenard oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin. It is said to be helpful in treating inflammation and skin conditions such as acne.

Spikenard essential oil benefits for skin

Spikenard essential oil is believed to be beneficial for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When applied topically, it is thought to help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Additionally, It is said to be helpful in treating acne by reducing sebum production and fighting off bacteria that can cause breakouts.

Spikenard essential oil benefits for hair

Spikenard essential oil is also believed to be beneficial for the hair. When applied to the scalp, it is thought to help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Additionally, spikenard oil is said to be helpful in treating dandruff by reducing inflammation and itchiness.

Aromatherapy

Spikenard essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and ease stress. It can be diffused in an aromatherapy diffuser or added to a bath for a relaxing soak.

Diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Spikenard

1. Spikenard and Lavender: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and lavender essential oils to your diffuser for a calming and relaxing scent.

2. Spikenard and Bergamot: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and bergamot essential oils to your diffuser for a citrusy and uplifting scent.

3. Spikenard and Peppermint: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and peppermint essential oils to your diffuser for a refreshing and invigorating scent.

4. Spikenard and Rosemary: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and rosemary essential oils to your diffuser for a stimulating and energizing scent.

5. Spikenard and Lemon: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and lemon essential oils to your diffuser for a refreshing and uplifting scent.

6. Spikenard and Jasmine: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and jasmine essential oils to your diffuser for a floral and romantic scent.

7. Spikenard and Chamomile: Add 3 drops each of spikenard and chamomile essential oils to your diffuser for a soothing and calming scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

References:

Nardostachys jatamansi extract prevents chronic restraint stress-induced learning and memory deficits in a radial arm maze task