# Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

**Spico nardo**

**Known today as.** The root of *Nardostachys jatamansi*, a Himalayan valerian.

Kind: Plant

## What did Canale use it for?

In the oil for the bewitched; blessed “by Christ, whose feet were anointed with your ointment by Magdalene” (ch. 9; Treatise Two).

## What does modern science say?

Aromatic; calming effects like those of its relative valerian have been shown in animal studies.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **jatamansone (valeranone)**: a sesquiterpene ketone shared with valerian
- **nardosinone**: 
- **calarene**: 
- **valerenic acid analogues**: 

**Mechanism.** *Nardostachys jatamansi* of the Himalaya, a valerian relative: its oil is sedative in rodents by the same GABA-modulating sesquiterpenes as valerian, and the Ayurvedic use for sleep and epilepsy rests on that; the ointment of Magdalene was a perfume in an oil base.

**Dose.** Safe at pharmacopoeial doses; the plant is endangered by collection.

**Standing.** In the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia (jatamansi); listed on CITES Appendix II since 1997 and as critically endangered in India.

## What lore surrounds it?

Folkard quotes the Canticles, “While the king sitteth at his table, my Spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof,” and Pliny's twelve varieties, the Indian best, at “one hundred denarii per pound.” He follows Rimmel on the ancients confounding spikenard with the fragrant grasses of India, “which would account for the report that Alexander the Great, when he invaded Gedrosia, could smell from the back of his elephant the fragrance of the Nard as it was trod upon by the horses feet,” and Sir William Jones's identification of the true plant as the Valerian the Arabs call Sumbul, “spike,” and the Hindus Jatamansi, “locks of hair.”

## What did the older authorities say?

**Mark 14:3.** The woman at Bethany breaks an alabaster jar of costly spikenard over the head of Christ.

**The Song of Songs.** “While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.”

## Sources

- Folkard, R. (1884). *Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics*, “Spikenard.” Project Gutenberg #44638.
- Folkard, R. (1884). *Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics*, “Baccharis.” Project Gutenberg #44638.
- Lyle, N., et al. (2009). “The role of antioxidant properties of *Nardostachys jatamansi* in alleviation of the symptoms of the chronic fatigue syndrome.” *Behavioural Brain Research* 202.
- Takemoto, H., et al. (2008). “Sedative effects of vapor inhalation of agarwood oil and spikenard extract.” *Journal of Natural Medicines* 62.

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*Spikenard.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-01. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/spikenard

Historical description, not medical advice.