Product Description
Spikenard is a 10 to 60cm tall (perennial rhizomatous) herb found in the sub alpine and alpine regions of Nepal. It is found within the altitudinal range of 3600m to 4500m in open rocky places. The rhizomes are aromatic, brown in colour and covered with hairs. Leaves arise from the base of the main flowering stem and are slender and elongated, elliptic-lanceolate. Flowers arise in the top of flowering stalk and are minute, pinkish white in colour. Flowering occurs in June-August and fruiting in August-September. The rhizomes are mostly collected by uprooting the whole plant during September-November.
Extraction
Spikenard oil is extracted from the steam distillation of fresh or dried rhizomes of Nardostachys grandiflora. The yield percentage of Valerian oil ranged from 0.5% to 1.8% on a dry-weight basis. The amount of Spikenard oil varies depending upon the age of the plant, habitat, and drying and storage method. Generally, higher levels of essential oil content have been reported in populations growing in rocky and drier habitats as compared to meadows and shrublands.
Uses
Nardostachys grandiflora has medicinal, social, and commercial uses. Rhizomes are used as incense in the Himalayas. Rhizomes are used in wounds, cold and cough, chronic fever, fever due to poisoning, high blood pressure, and stomach diseases. They are also used to treat conjunctivitis, gastritis, dyspepsia, piles, mental disorders, and diabetes. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, laxative, and sedative uses. It is used to cure various skin ailments such as allergies, inflammation, rejuvenating matured skin, rashes, etc from aromatherapy. Similarly, its aromatherapeutic properties are used to treat various nervous complaints such as insomnia, migraine, stress, and tension.
The oil is used in various industrial preparations such as perfumery and hair care products.