– NOT FOR EPILEPTICS –

SENSITIVE, MATURE & DRY SKIN

INGREDIENT FEATURES

anti-inflammatory

anti-bacterial

anti-infectious

antiseptic

antispasmodic

calmative

deodorant

digestive stimulant

anti-fungal

neurotonic

rejuvenating

sedative

USER BENEFITS

calms the nervous system

deodorizes

diminishes swelling

enlivens

helps stabilize and balance emotions

neutralizes insects

neutralizes fungus

neutralizes microbes

promotes sleep

reduces redness

rejuvenates skin

relieves stress

stimulates circulation in the extremities

stimulates the digestive system

strengthens

USES

allergies

dandruff

dry hair

dry skin

inflammation

mature skin

psoriasis

rashes

insomnia

migraine

nervous indigestion

normal skin

stress

tension

active

fragrance

ABOUT THE PLANT

A native species to the mountainous regions of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim, at elevations between 11,000 and 17,000 feet, Spikenard is a tender aromatic herb that typically only reaches a height of 3 feet. A member of the Valerian family, it has many similar medicinal properties to that of Indian Valerian root. Also known as Nard, Indian nard, and ‘false’ Indian valerian root.

Nardostachys jatamansi is an endangered plant due to its widespread use and to unsustainable harvesting practices. Be sure to buy only sustainably harvested Spikenard essential oil from Nepal.

ABOUT THE OIL

One of the oldest, rarest and most precious of oils, Spikenard essential oil is highly regarded as a calming, sedative, stabilizing oil. Rare and precious, this essential oil is steam distilled from the dried, comminuted 'rootlets' of Nardostachys jatamansi plants and is also called Jatamansi.

Spikenard oil is similar in quality to Valerian, but is considered preferable because it is less dulling in its effects and possesses a sweeter and more pleasant fragrance.

OF INTEREST

Spikenard was very precious in ancient times, used only by kings, priests and high initiates in Egyptian, Hebrew, and Hindu civilizations. In this vein it was used as an aid in spiritual release, and for its calming effects for meditation.

The most famous of Spikenard's biblical references is that of Mary of Bethany anointing the feet of Jesus with the oil before the last supper: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of Spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."

Like Frankincense and Myrrh, the biblical association of Spikenard makes it very special and mystical. It has traditionally been used to treat skin diseases, throat troubles, ulcers, leprosy and diseases of the blood.

The best women perfumers of ancient Greece and the famous 'ungentarii' of Rome used Spikenard oil to create one of the most renowned perfumes and wine flavoring agents of the time called 'nardinum'. Mughal empress Nurf Jehan used it in her rejuvenating cosmetic preparations.

As a flavoring ingredient it is used as a modifier for valerian, hop, gingers, calamus, cardamom, etc., and its warm and rich body will help rounding off sharp notes in the flavor composition.

Nardol

Formic acid

α-Selinene

Dihydro-β-ionone

Nardol isomer

Selinene isomer

Propionic acid

β-Caryophyllene

Cubebol

α-Gurjunene

α-Caryophyllene

δ-Gurjunene

Selinene isomer

7-Hexadecene

(Ε)-Nerolidol

Calmenene

Epoxy-ledene

stability | faith | surrender

encourages forgiveness

instills calm and balance

promotes resolution

reduces fearfulness

stabilizes the Mind (Shen)

settles the emotions

supports tranquility and peacefulness

ENERGETICS

Jatamansi is among the more revered herbs in Ayurvedic healing. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Jatamansi is a supreme remedy for problems caused by Vata (Wind), which causes deterioration of tissue, depletes energy and creates dryness, fatigue and persistent dissatisfaction. By balancing "wind," Spikenard oil will greatly assist in slowing down the overly active mind and will support tranquility and peacefulness. Spikenard oil is also cooling in nature and therefore is good for some Pitta (fire) related problems, especially those of the mind (such as anger and rage).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is considered dry, has a neutral temperature, and regulates the flow of Qi.

neutral temperature

dry

MAIN ELEMENT: FIRE (& WOOD)

SUBTLE AROMATHERAPY

Spikenard is described as the ultimate essential oil to find inner balance in the emotional, spiritual and physical interplay of energies. The essential oil's use in modern aromatherapy is most often in regulating the actions of the nervous system and the heart. Its psychological effects pertain mainly to the heart-center and ethereal soul. With its warm and earthy aroma, Spikenard helps sooth the deepest forms of anxiety, and like Myrrh, can instill a profound sense of peace. Its comforting and grounding properties help one work through and release subconscious trauma, and is therefore one of the most important herbal medicines for dealing with grief after losing a loved one. It can also be used to anoint those who are transitioning from life to death.

PERFUMERY

Oriental bases

Heavy florals

Fougère

Woody bases

Animal-ambre types

AROMA NOTES

warm

earthy

peaty

bittersweet

woody

pungent

heavy

warm

medicinal top note

spicy-sweet middle notes

rich earth undertones

wet wood undertones

reminiscent of Valerian, Ginger, Cardamom and Atlas Cedarwood oils

Spikenard essential oil blends well with: Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Labdanum, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Oakmoss, Palmarosa, Pine Needle, Patchouli, Rose Absolute, and Vetiver oil.

Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Miny Green

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay

Essential Oil Safety, Second edition by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin by Steffen Arctander

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition by Salvatore Battaglia

The Fragrant Heavens, the Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism