SPIKENARD (Jatamasi)

Description

General Information
Spikenard, is a class of aromatic amber-colored
essential oil derived from Nardostachys
jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle
family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal,
China, and India.
Name: Spikenard
Scientific Name: Nardostachys
Nepali Name: Jatamasi

Details
An erect perennial herb 40-45 cm tall with rootstock covered with the
dark fibers. Leaves basal or radical, inner to lanccolate, acuminate, base
narrowed into petiole. Cauline leaves sessile or sub sessile with rounded
base. Flowers rose purple to pinkish while in terminal cymes arranged
in bunches Fruit capsule.
The plant is characterized by large spicy-smelling roots and is
cultivated as an ornamental. It grows 3.5 meters (11 feet) tall and has
leaves divided into three heart-shaped parts. The flowers are grouped
into numerous clusters at the end of the central stem.

USES
Spikenard, (Nardostachys jatamansi), perennial herb of the Himalayas
and its fragrant essential oil. The plant and its oil have been used since
ancient times in traditional medicines, and the oil, derived from its
woody rhizomes, is used as a perfume and in religious ceremonies.