By: Kimberly Daun, Certified Aromatherapist
Oh Spikenard, Oh Spikenard
What peaceful sleep you bring me!
Invoking a sense of peace and encouraging calm feelings are only a couple of the reasons why I enjoy Spikenard so much.
Like Valerian, the therapeutic properties are in the thick root. Leaving the crown, stem, and a little of the root often means that you can replant and it will re-root. This means you will get an endless supply and promoting sustainability.
Spikenard, also commonly known as Nard or Jatamansi, grows high in the Himalayan mountains, approximately 13,000 feet above sea level. The plant grows to about 3 feet in height and blooms only in August and September. Plant Therapy sources Spikenard from Nepal. It takes approximately 350 pounds of dried root to produce 3 pounds of steam distilled essential oil. [1]
The subtle energy properties of Spikenard include promoting a sense of wholeness, hope, courage, resolution, and clear communication. It is a comforting essential oil that helps to balance emotions. Using Spikenard can help encourage forgiveness and compassion. [2] It can calm anger, lift feelings of sadness, ease grief, and encourage an overall sense of wellbeing.
Spikenard is great for mature skin and may also help with hair loss. It supports a healthy respiratory system and eases tension in your head. Also, it is very helpful with dry skin and may reduce the perception of inflammation in joints. [3] It can also helpful in easing digestive upset.
Top 6 uses for Spikenard:
- Digestive Support
- 1 ounce carrier, 6 drops Spikenard, 6 drops Cardamom, 6 drops Ginger Root
- Respiratory Support
- Diffuse 3 drops Eucalyptus, 2 drops Spikenard
- Support healthy/youthful skin and hair/scalp
- 1 ounce carrier, 4 drops German Chamomile CO2, 3 drops Spikenard, 2 drops Frankincense Frereana
- Encourage Sleep
- Diffuse 3 drops Spikenard, 2 drops Valerian, 2 drops Cedarwood Atlantica
- Ease Grief
- Diffuse 3 drops Neroli, 2 drops Spikenard, 2 drops Frankincense Carteri CO2
- Mood Boost
SPIKENARD PRODUCT TEMPLATE SHEET
| [1] | Project Profile, “JATAMANSI,” Project Profile, [Online]. Available: http://www.primaryinfo.com/jatamansi.htm. [Accessed 10 12 2016]. |
| [2] | J. K. &. R. Bull, Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques, CreateSpace, 2015. |
| [3] | V. A. Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Novato: New World Library, 2016. |
Bring this one back!
Hi, Pete! So glad you love Spikenard – it is a favorite of many! However, we do not see us carrying this any time in the near future. Spikenard is actually a severely endangered species and there is no way to get it in a sustainable manner 🙁
I was wondering also why you no longer carried Spikenard. In December of 2016 it was Plant Therapy’s oil of the month. I did not realize it is endangered plant species. That would explain why so few places are carrying it now. Is there another oil similar you recommend?
You might try using Vetiver in place of Spikenard. It’s another oil distilled from the roots of a plant and it’s incredible for sleep and relaxation.
I love that Plant Therapy follows up on the OOTM oils with additional ways in which to use it. It is so helpful. And a great way for us all to learn how to “break out” of the use of our standard “go to” oils and try something new. Thank you.
Now I am going to ask the standard and much asked question: if I don’t have Valerian what is a resonable alternative. I did try looking up the highest constiuents in Valerian and then tried using search to find something else as an alternative. That didn’t work. I do have Vetiver, Lavendar, Roman and German Chamomile and the other OOTM oils. I signed up when you started the program. Can you make any suggestions for substitutes for: Valerian and Neroli?
Thank for any help.
Vetiver I think is a great alternative to Valerian to encourage sleep. Roman Chamomile for this purpose is a good alternative to Neroli. Spring Blossom has a high amount of Neroli, I highly recommend investing in that synergy for this purpose.