In the past, spikenard was one of the most precious oils-it was used as a perfume and a medicine from India to Europe.
And, it’s even mentioned in the Bible when Mary of Bethany spends a year’s worth of wages to purchase the oil and anoint the feet of Jesus before the Last Supper.
Nowadays, is still used as an herbal medicine that can help alleviate stress, insomnia, digestive troubles, and a weak immunity.
What Kind of Oil Is Spikenard Essential Oil?
Also known as nard or nardin, spikenard is a plant from the Valerian family and it’s native to the Himalayas of Nepal, India, and China up to 10,000 feet.
It has beautiful pink and bell-shaped flowers. It has a lot of hairy spikes coming out of one root.
Its stems, i.e. the rhizomes are the ones crushed and distilled to make an essential oil with a strong aroma and an amber color. Its smell is woody, sweet, and spicy, resembling moss.
Below, read its best healing properties it has to offer!
The Best Health Advantages of Spikenard Essential Oil
Alleviates inflammation
Did you know that this oil can help you battle excessive inflammation which can cause a lot of problems and diseases?
Namely, according to a study from 2010 done at the South Korean School of Oriental Medicine, spikenard oil treatment of sudden pancreas inflammation reduced the severity of the pancreatitis.
Helps you relax mentally and physically
This oil is really soothing and relaxing for the body and mind. It sedates and calms you down.
Plus, being a natural coolant, it helps your mind get rid of aggression and anger. It will help you reduce depressive symptoms and restlessness.
Strengthens the immunity
Spikenard is a great way to strengthen your immune system and help your body function better.
And, being a hypotensive plant, it will help you reduce blood pressure naturally and bring down your risk of heart attack, diabetes, and stroke.
Namely, it will dilate the arteries and lower oxidative stress.
Helps fight off insomnia
Whether a primary or a secondary issue, insomnia is unpleasant. We need regular and sufficient sleep to be able to function properly and keep our health optimal.
Spikenard can help insomniacs relieve insomnia naturally, without the need of meds. This is achieved thanks to laxative and sedative advantages it has to offer.
Helps women preserve the health of their ovaries and uterus
Spikenard may help women cleanse their ovaries and uterus and encourage estrogen and progesterone secretion.
It’s commonly used in Ayurveda as a stimulant for menstruation, relieving painful menstrual cycles, and lowering uterus inflammation.
There is anecdotal evidence that it alleviates PMS symptoms naturally and helps the bleeding regulate.
Helps in the fight against bacteria and fungus
When applied topically, this oil can help destroy wound bacteria and speed up the healing.
When taken internally, it will relieve bacterial infections in the kidneys, urethra, and urinary bladder.
What’s more, it also possesses antifungal properties that are great for improving the health of the skin and fungal infections. It may also be of aid for dermatitis.
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