Nardostachys jatamansi affectionately named Spikenard this deep green plant grows high in the Himalayan mountains; the plant’s oil has been used since ancient days for religious customs and medicinal uses. These plants grow wild and are handpicked producing a rich brownish oil from its root.
Spikenard is costly, reason being the extraction of its oil is slow and difficult, producing only a small amount from each root by steam distilling. Its oil is commonly found to also be used for mediation, prayer and other applications.
Nardostachys jatamansi is consider chief of the spikenard(s) a very precious ointment, because several plants have gone by the epithet.
Song of Solomon 4:13-14 “Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:”
Spikenard has references in the Old and New Testament of the King James Version of the Book of the Law, but notably recorded in the gospels to have been the anointing oil poured on Jesus (for his burial) by Mary. Raising the question as to why the oil was wasted Jesus supported Mary’s actions affirming “She hath wrought a good work on me.” {(See Mark 14:3-5; John 12:3; 12:5)}
References: Herbs that heal natural remedies for good health, Aromaweb.com, Britannica.com
