Spikenard Root (Indian ) - Nardostachys Jatamansi

A sacred healing herb of old - Spikenard was considered precious even in Biblical times, when Mary Magdalene used it to anoint Jesus' feet at the last supper. No wonder it was precious, coming all the way from the foothills of the Himalayas, which in biblical times might as well have been somewhere near the gates to the Garden of Eden. Its Hindu name 'Jatamansi' means 'lock of hair' in allusion to the hairy rhizome, which is the source of the essential oil. Spikenard is a member of the Valerian family and in Ayurveda it is used similarly to Valerian in western herbalism. Throughout Asia, Spikenard is highly valued as an incense ingredient. In the West it is still shrouded in mystery and just as precious as it was in biblical times, though not on account of its distant origins. Sadly, its preciousness today is related to its rarity, which stems from the fact that it is being over-harvested in the wild. Luckily some cultivated sources are becoming available, so maybe this ancient sacred herb may have a chance to survive in the wild.

Spikenard is an immune system booster; it calms the body and allows it to function properly. Spikenard is a natural hypotensive, so it naturally lowers blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted, causing extra stress on the heart. Long term-high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes.

Using spikenard is a natural remedy for high blood pressure because it dilates the arteries, acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and decreases emotional stress. Spikenard also relieves inflammation, which is the culprit for a host of diseases and illnesses.

A 2012 study conducted in India found that spikenard rhizomes (the stems of the plant) exhibited high reduction capability and powerful free radical scavenging. Free radicals are very dangerous to the body’s tissues and have been connected to cancer and premature aging; the body uses antioxidants to prevent itself from the damage caused by oxygen.
Like all high antioxidant foods and plants, they protect our bodies from inflammation and fight free radical damage, keeping our systems and organs running properly.

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