Spikenard
Nardostachys grandiflora

Family: Valerianaceae

What it is like

Nardostachys grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Rocks, ledges and open slopes, 3600 - 4800 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to S.W. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Used as a condiment. No more details are given.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The root is antispasmodic, carminative, deobstruent, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, laxative, nervine, sedative, stimulant and stomachic. It is an excellent substitute for valerian, Valeriana officinalis, and is taken internally in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria and convulsive affections, nervous indigestion, insomnia, depression and tension headaches. Externally, it is used as a deodorant and to treat rashes. A paste of the root is used externally to treat haemorrhoids. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. Use this remedy with caution, overdoses are toxic.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.

Deodorant: Masks smells. Is this medicinal?

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil is obtained from the root and young stems. It is harvested before the leaves unfurl. It is used in perfumery and as a hair tonic where it is said to make the hair grow faster and also to turn it black. The dried leaves are used as an incense.

Deodorant: A pleasant smelling plant that is used on the body to mask the human smell.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun or light shade, especially from the midday sun. Dislikes growing in rich soils. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. The hairy portion of the stem, just above the roots, has a strong aroma somewhat like patchouli. The fresh root is fragrant, but the scent becomes more pronounced as the root dries. This plant is the spikenard of the Ancients, it was once very popular as a perfume.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed requires light for germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

N. jatamansii. DC.