Botanical Overview
Nardostachys jatamansi (Family: Caprifoliaceae), commonly known as Spikenard, Indian spikenard, or Jatamansi, is a perennial herb native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The medicinal parts used are primarily the root and rhizome, which have historically been valued for their calming and restorative properties.
Energetics
Nardostachys jatamansi exhibits a cooling and moistening energetic profile, with bitter and pungent tastes. Its directionality is primarily descending and inward, reflecting its calming effects on the nervous system. It is classified as relaxing in tonicity and is associated with the nourishing of shen (spirit) in traditional medicine systems.
Primary Actions
- Anxiolytic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Nervine
- Sedative
- Spasmolytic
Indications
Western
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Epileptic seizures
- Digestive spasms
- Hypertension
- Menstrual cramps
Syndromes
- Nervous tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Hypertension
- Digestive upset with spasms
TCM
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Headache
Syndromes
- Shen disturbance
- Liver qi stagnation
- Heart blood deficiency
Ayurveda
- Mental agitation
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Nervous disorders
- Menstrual disorders
Syndromes
- Vata disorders
- Manas Rogas (mental illnesses)
- Apasmara (epilepsy)
Unani
- Convulsions
- Epilepsy
- Nervous debility
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Sadar-e-Qalb (heart palpitations)
- Khafaghan (epilepsy)
- Malikholiya (melancholia)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemical groups in Nardostachys jatamansi include jatamansone (nardostachone), sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils, which contribute to its sedative, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered root: 1–3 grams daily
- Decoction: 3–6 grams dried root boiled in water
- Tincture 1:5 in 50% ethanol: 2–5 mL 2–3 times daily
- Essential oil used topically or aromatically in small amounts
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe when used appropriately. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to limited data; also use cautiously during lactation. Due to mild sedative effects, it may potentiate central nervous system depressants. Avoid in combination with other CNS depressants without medical supervision.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Saturn
Elemental ruler: Earth
Selected References
- Plant Resources of South Asia (PROTA), V. Ramachandran, 2002
- European Medicines Agency, HMPC Community herbal monograph, 2014
- Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Government of India, Ministry of Health, 2002
- Kumar et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013
- Nicholas Culpeper, The Complete Herbal, 1887