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spikenard

Scientific Name: Aralia

Family: Araliaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Spikenard: An Aromatic Herb with a Rich History

Spikenard, also known as nard, nardin, and muskroot, boasts a long and fascinating history, from ancient medicinal applications to biblical mentions.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Nardostachys jatamansi (also mentioned as Nardostachys grandiflora)
  • Common Names: Spikenard, nard, nardin, muskroot. Also, American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) and Spignet, Life of Man, Pettymorell, Old Man's Root for the American Spikenard.
  • Family: Valerianaceae (for Nardostachys); Araliaceae (for American Spikenard - Aralia racemosa).
  • Note: The name "spikenard" has been applied to several plants throughout history.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Nardostachys jatamansi is indigenous to India, particularly the Himalaya Mountains.
  • American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is found in rich woodlands and thickets.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Spikenard is an aromatic rhizome and perennial herb.
  • American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a rhizomatous, shrubby-looking, soft-stemmed, herbaceous perennial.
  • Nardostachys grandiflora has rose-purple flowers.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Spikenard was highly regarded in India as a perfume, health-supporting herb, and skin tonic.
  • It was a costly aromatic ointment in biblical times, preserved in alabaster boxes.
  • Spikenard has many biblical references, including being one of the eleven herbs burned in the holy temple.
  • American Indians used its roots for a variety of medicinal purposes.
  • The Egyptians used Spikenard early on as one of their oils.
  • Spikenard root has a mild, pleasant licorice-like flavor and has been used as a substitute for sarsaparilla.
  • Modern uses by aromatherapists include treatments for rashes, wrinkles, cuts, insomnia, migraines, and wounds.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary is located in Floyd, VA.

Quirky Facts

  • The botanical name Nardostachys has its roots in the Hindu word "Jatamansi," which means "lock of hair."
  • Spikenard is known in aromatherapy circles as a "woman's oil."

Further Resources

  • See Spikenard in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
  • Dictionary.com offers a definition of spikenard.
  • Star Child Aromatics has a product information page for Spikenard Essential Oil (Nardostachys jatamansi).