Description
Spikenard essential oil is an antibiotic, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, deodorant, fungicidal, laxative, sedative, tonic, and antioxidant.
Native to the Himalayas, spikenard was traded along the ancient spice routes. The Bible mentions Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus’ feet with spikenard oil. North American Indians used spikenard for bruises, wounds, swellings, and inflammations. This upright herbaceous perennial grows to a height reaching up to 60 cm high.
The medicinal part of spikenard is the rhizome (root). Spikenard lengthens the time that the brain chemical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a natural relaxant, circulates through your system, therefore extending sensations of relaxation. When applied topically, spikenards relaxing components are absorbed through the skin. Spikenard has a sedative and calming effect on the nervous system. In studies spikenard demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect (Ali 2000). The oil has also shown to reduce oxidation of lipids on the liver (Tripathi 1996). An increase in neurotransmitters was also observed during a 15 day administration of spikenard (Prabhy 1994). It is also used to fight infections, reduce inflammation, vivify dull skin, and acts as an anxiolytic.
