Spikenard for Health

Frankincense has always been thought to hold many healing properties and it is said to be the “king of oils.” Another oil thought to have the same scientific properties as Frankincense and even more, is the flowering plant from the Valerian family, Spikenard.

Also called nard, nardin and muskroot. This essential oil was mentioned several times in the Christian Bible, in Catholicism and in the Jewish Talmud, and was considered to be an extremely precious commodity in ancient times. The expense of Spikenard was said to have cost a whole year’s pay and was only used to anoint the feet of rulers and kings. Spikenard has a very strong woody, earthy smell. It has been used for and in perfumes, medicines and incense.

It’s a beautiful round, pink flower shaped like little bells. Spikenard essential oil in a therapeutic form is actually derived from the roots of the plant. The Spikenard flower and plant grows indigenously high up in the Himalayas of Nepal, India and China, usually above 10,000 feet. The roots are crushed and then steam distilled to extract the essential oil.

Because Spikenard has been known for many years to help the skin, it’s amazing at fighting bacteria and fungus and quickly healing wounds, the essential oil has also been used to help with everything from toenail fungus to skin issues like itching, to more severe issues like dermatitis.

At Western Regional Medical Center in California, a study was done using Spikenard (along with Marigold, Ginger Root, Jasmine, Patchouli, Gardenia, Cedarwood, Celery, Carrot Seed, Mugwort and Orange Bitter oils.) Spikenard was very effective against C. jejuni, a bacteria found in animal feces, one of the most common causes of human gastroenteritis in the world. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12380738

In a separate study at a graduate school in Kyoto, Japan, Spikenard oil had significant sedative effects on mice, when used with a vapor inhalation method. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404340

The mice that were treated with the oil actually slept 2.7 times longer!!! Due to these sedative effects, it has been utilized in Eastern medicine for mood and brain support to help rid the mind of anger, depression, aggression and stress. Used over the years for chronic fatigue syndrome and also insomnia. It has also been used for many, many years in aroma, reflexology and massage therapies because of the relaxing properties it holds.

Spikenard is also considered a great anti-inflammatory, and has been used to help with things like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, high cholesterol and Parkinson’s. Many recent studies indicate that inflammation starts in the stomach. The theory goes, treat the stomach, treat the problem. If the gut holds less inflammation, the body will also hold less inflammation and less disease.

Fights free radicals too? Why yes it does! Spikenard was studied in India and was thought to help in free radical scavenging.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272761092_A_Review_on_Spikenard_Nardostachysjatamansi_DC-_An_’Endangered’_Essential_Herb_of_India

Probably one of the most incredible properties that Spikenard holds is that it stimulates the immune system and is a natural hypotensive. It naturally helps to dilate the arteries, calming the body and lowering the blood pressure.   

Now that you know a bit more about this incredible oil, you probably feel like I do and want to rename it the “Superman” of oils! Remember to always find an extremely good source for your oils and make sure to let your doctor know prior to use.

Please feel free to write to me at ahealthyresidual@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you and welcome your questions and comments.

For free consultations, to book an Aromatouch session or more information about how to use or purchase essential oils, please contact Shelly Berkowitz, Reflexologist & Holistic Health Coach at (714) 514-3737. Shelly can also be reached via email at ahealthyresidual@yahoo.com and her website can be viewed at www.mydoterra.com/shellyberkowitz. You can also find her on Facebook at A Healthy Residual

FDA Disclaimer:  The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils.  User submitted testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results – what works for one may not work for another.