Spikenard

Aralia racemosa is a tender aromatic herb which has an intensely pungent aromatic rhizome root which is highly valued now as it was ages ago. Spikenard root is steam distilled in India and Nepal where it is typically wild harvested, as it is native to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. This ancient time honored  root is referred to as  Nard in India.  In Greek it is named Nardos, it is called Jatamasi in Sanskrit as mentioned in the Vedas. The Persian name is Sumbal and in the Bible as Spikenard itself, known as a Biblical anointing oil for Spirit-Mind-Body-Soul.

Spikenard is a  costly and prized cosmetic and parfum component used by the Ancient Egyptians, Indians, and mainly in other exotic cultures. Today, as in Biblical times, Spikenard is carried on a camels back in alabaster boxes to preserve the essential parfum. Once this substance was used exclusively by Priests, Priestesses, Kings and High initiates.

This treasured oil assists the intuitive senses as it calms and eases passions and pains allowing a deep Spiritual connection giving one faith. This venerable underground aromatic with its pungent Earthy aroma comforts the brain and stabilizes the nerves bringing Peace of mind. Spikenard is etheric in its nature even though it is intensely grounding. Spikenard restores and replenishes energies allowing inner emotional balance, bringing tranquility. Naturally body anointment with Nard as a component will ease stress, relieve tension and often clear the head  even from what are referred to as migraines. The tonifying actions calm cerebral-spinal activity allowing restoration of many body systems. The liver is appeased with the hepatic actions that bring restoration and rejuvenation to all  of the senses. 

Spikenard nourishes and soothes the skin, being particularly excellent for maturing skin. I find the scent to be quite powerfully sedating, so the proportion I add in formulations is minimal; a tiny bit adds much depth and character. In blending for the chakras I find that this is most suitable to the Base chakra which of course makes perfect sense. As far as a parfum base it is also of immeasurable value. Of course the synergy is what makes the parfum unique, corresponding to our full selves…Body, Mind, Spirt and Soul. 

This is an unusual rhizome root which blossoms, showing this connective link from the Earth to the cosmic heavens. This harmonizing plant carries with it three holy types of energy affecting the heart as the link to all. This Earthy root contains all the effects of flower, fruit and seed along with leaf and and also wood oils. This connection harmonizes all three blood circulations being of the heart itself, the large body of circulation and the lung circulation. A quote from Dietrich Gumbel: ”Indian Nard is an integration, a fusion of all 3 regions and plant organs into 1 unit, into an entirely now and apparently unique plant appearance.”