Aromatic Spikenard Rhizomes - The Source of Essential Oil From a Flowering Plant!

Spikenard is a flowering plant (known as Nard) in the honeysuckle family, indigenous to the Himalayas region. Its botanical name is Nardostachys jatamansi. It grows up to 100 cms in high altitudes and bears purple bell-shaped flowers. Its rhizomes are more fragrant and are the source of essential oil.

So, the spikenard essential oil is derived from the rhizomes and not the beautiful flowers, by steam distillation. It is a thick amber-colored oil with a warm rich earthy misty woody heavy aroma. It contains nardol, formic acid, a-salinene, b-ionone, nardol & selinene isomers. The oil provides base notes with medium strength to any cosmetic, perfume, or aromatherapy blend.

The oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, sedative, antibacterial, and laxative properties. In earlier times, Romans and Egyptians used spikenard oil in the preparation of beauty products and body mists. They even used it to embalm mummies. Japanese people extended its uses for wellness purposes.

The aroma inhalation of spikenard essential oil relaxes the nervous system and relieves anxiety and stress. It induces sound sleep and is effective in conditions of muscular contractions or spasms, sciatica, and exhaustion.

How to Use Spikenard oil in Daily Life?

Following are the ways to use spikenard oil in daily life for wellness and aroma purposes

• Add 3-4 drops of spikenard and 2 drops of citronella oil to the water in a diffuser. Turn it on before sleeping as it contains a lot of calarene that brings sedation. It will also repel the mosquitoes.
• Prepare a room freshener with 1 ml spikenard oil, 3 drops rose otto essential oil, 3 drops of Lime oil and 3 drops rosemary essential oil as well as 20 ml spikenard hydrosol and 80 ml distilled water. Put all these in a spray bottle and spritz the liquid on linen, curtains, corners, and surfaces of the space to bring a fresh smell.
• Make a body mist with 5 drops of spikenard oil, 2 drops of rosewood essential oil, 2 drops of spearmint oil, and 2 ml sweet almond oil. Mix all these in the palm and apply it to underarms, near earlobe, back of the ankles and knees, and between the chest. 
• Note- As the oil blends well with geranium, frankincense, orange, and vetiver, the users can blend any of the oils.
• Add a few drops of the oil to your daily night or day face care cream or body lotion to get its anti-aging advantages.
• Dilute 10 ml sesame oil with 5 drops of spikenard oil and 3 drops of clove oil, apply it in circular motions to the sore knees or body parts. Spikenard oil 3% dilution in jojoba oil is also available for convenience.

Safety Concerns

Spikenard essential oil manufacturers claim its usage is safe for inhalation and topical application. They recommend diluting it with other carrier oils to avoid any allergy. They do not recommend its ingestion for health purposes without the guidance of healthcare experts. It is suitable for use by adults and its use should be avoided near eyes or other sensitive areas.