|
|
|
 Spikenard Essential
Oil ProfileSpikenard A tender aromatic herb with a pungent rhizome root. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the dried and crushed rhizome and roots. Spikenard is one of the early aromatics used by the ancient Egyptians and is mentioned in the “Song of Solomon” in the Bible, as well as being the herb Mary used to anoint Jesus before the Last Supper. The oil was also used by the Roman perfumers, in the preparation of nardinum, one of their most celebrated oils. It was also a herb known to Dioscorides as “warming and drying”, good for nausea, flatulent indigestion, menstrual problems, inflammations and conjunctivitis. Spikenard is native to mountainous regions of northern India; also China and Japan. |
| Botanical Name: | Nardostachys jatamansi DC. |
 | |
| Family: | Valerianaceae |
| |
| Synonyms: | Nardostachys grandiflora, nard, false Indian valerian root. |
| |
| See Also: | |
| |
| Parts Used: | Dried and crushed roots |
|
| Extraction Method: | Steam distillation |
|
| Colour: | Pale yellow to amber |
|
| Consistency: | Thin to medium |
|
| Aroma Description: | Heavy, sweet-woody, spicy |
|
| Historical Uses: | Spikenard is one of the early aromatics used by the ancient Egyptians and is mentioned in the “Song of Solomon” in the Bible, as well as being the herb Mary used to anoint Jesus before the Last Supper. The oil was also used by the Roman perfumers, in the preparation of nardinum, one of their most celebrated oils. It was also a herb known to Dioscorides as “warming and drying”, good for nausea, flatulent indigestion, menstrual problems, inflammations and conjunctivitis. |
|
| Modern Uses: | Spikenard essential oil has been used for allergies, inflammation, mature skin (rejuvenating), rashes etc., insomnia, nervous indigestion, migraine, stress and tension. |
|
| Cautions: | Non toxic, non irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. |
|
| Main Constituents, % |
| Bornyl acetate |
|
| Isobornyl valerianate |
|
| Borneol |
|
| Patchouli alcohol |
|
| Terpinyl valerianate |
|
| Terpineol |
|
| Eugenol |
|
| Pinenes |
|
| Others |
|
|
| Physical Actions |
| Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, bactericidal, deodorant, fungicidal, laxative, sedative, tonic. |
|
| Toxicity |
LD50 - (oral) rat >not known mg/kg; (dermal) rabbit >not known.
Irritation/Sensitisation - Not available
Phototoxicity - Not available
|
|
|
|
|
|
