What is Indian Spikenard? What are the Benefits of Nardostachys Jatamansi? How to Use Indian Spikenard? Side Effects of the Indian Valerian. Herbal Remedy of Hair Fall and Hair Growth.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Indian Spikenard, also known as Nardostachys Jatamansi, is a perennial herb that is native to the Himalayas and other parts of India. This herb has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. In particular, Indian Spikenard is renowned for its ability to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, making it a popular herbal remedy in the beauty industry. But its benefits extend far beyond hair care. From improving sleep to reducing anxiety and depression, Indian Spikenard has a wide range of medicinal uses. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Nardostachys Jatamansi, how to use it, and potential side effects to be aware of. Whether you're looking to improve your hair health or simply seeking a natural remedy for stress and anxiety, Indian Spikenard may be just what you need.

2. Common Names of Jatamansi

Indian Spikenard botanical name is Nardostachys Jatamansi, some other common names are Indian Valerian, Spikenard, Muskroot, Balchar, Valeriana jatamansi. This plant is mainly found in the alpine Himalayas especially at higher altitudes extending eastward from Kumaon to Sikkim and Bhutan.

Indian Spikenard is one of the first herb 12 herbs mentioned in the earliest European medical work and has been used in India for over 3000 years. It is an excellent substitute for the herb Valerian, botanically known as Valeriana.

3. What is Nardostachys Jatamansi?

Indian Spikenard is also known as Indian Valerian, it has long, woody rhizomes or an underground stem producing roots covered with fibers and small bunches of pale, pink, or blue flowers. The dried rhizomes and roots of this plant constitute the drug. The Indian name Jatamansi refers to the bearded appearance of rhizomes.

It contains a volatile oil that contains an unidentified ester, alcohol, and two alkaloids. The rhizomes of the plant contain jatamansi acid and essential oil, which has the same uses as the rhizomes. It is also used in preparations of medicines because of its aromatic.

Leaves

The leaves are large ovals, toothed around the edges, they are in two types radical as well as cauline. The radical leaves are large 15–22 cm, and six to eight in number, cauline leaves are sessile 2.0 cm × 0.6 cm in size, and in three pairs.

Roots

The roots are dark brown in color and densely covered with the remains of old leaves, looks like a heavy beard, that’s why its name is jatamansi. They are 6–9 cm long with about 20–30- cm-long. The roots are mainly used in Ayurveda for their medicinal benefits.

Flowers and Fruits

Flowers are pinkish-red to bluish-white, the flowering shoot is 30–40 cm high and bears 40–50 flowers. The flowering time is June to August, Fruit is covered with 4-mm-long hairs and the fruiting time is September to October.

4. Ayurvedic properties of Indian Spikenard (Jatamansi)

Jatamansi or Nardostachys jatamansi, is a highly valued herb in Ayurveda for its various therapeutic properties. The rhizomes and roots of the plant are particularly used for their medicinal benefits.

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Ayurvedic properties of Indian Spikenard (Jatamansi):

1. Rasa (Taste): Indian Spikenard is believed to have a combination of bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): It is cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Indian Spikenard primarily balances Vata dosha and, to a lesser extent, Pitta dosha. However, in excess, it may increase Kapha dosha.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Calming and Relaxing: Indian Spikenard is well-known for its calming and relaxing effects on the nervous system. It is used to manage anxiety, stress, and insomnia, promoting restful sleep.

2. Brain Tonic: It is considered a brain tonic in Ayurveda, enhancing memory, concentration, and cognitive functions.

3. Heart Health: Indian Spikenard is used to support heart health and manage certain heart conditions due to its cooling and calming properties.

4. Digestive Support: It is used to support healthy digestion and manage digestive disorders like indigestion and bloating.

5. Skin Health: Indian Spikenard is used in certain Ayurvedic formulations to support skin health and manage skin conditions like eczema and acne.

6. Anti-inflammatory: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to manage inflammatory conditions.

7. Mood Balancer: Indian Spikenard is believed to balance emotions and uplift mood, making it beneficial in managing emotional imbalances.

8. Antioxidant: The herb is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress.

5. What are the Health Benefits of Nardostachys Jatamansi?

Nardostachys Jatamansi nervine tonic, hypotensive, antiseptic, stomachic, carminative, tranquilizer, sedative, anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, and stimulant properties. The roots of the plants are aromatic, stimulant, bitter tonic, and antiseptic. It is useful in counteracting spasmodic disorder and facilitates secretion or excretion by the natural passage or pores of the body, including urine.

Here are some health benefits of Nardostachys Jatamansi

For Heart Palpitation

It is a good stimulant and hence useful in treating palpitation of the heart.

For Intestinal Worms

This herb is beneficial in treating intestinal worms, it can be given to children with a purgative like Jalap. For treating threadworms, an enema made of an infusion of the rhizomes is suggested.

For Low Blood Pressure

It helps to treat low blood pressure, nervousness, and intermittent pulse.

For Nervous and Convulsive Disorders

Indian Spikenard can be used in the treatment of several nervous and convulsive disorders such as hysteria, epileptic fits, and some disturbance caused by menopause. A very small dose soothes the nervous system and acts as a tranquilizer.

For Menstrual Disorder

The herb helps in menstruation and regulates the menstrual cycle. It is especially useful in dysmenorrhea or painful and difficult menstruation.

For Respiratory Disorders

Indian Spikenard is beneficial in the treatment of bronchitis and other disorder of the respiratory system.

For Hairs

It is a well-known herb for hair tonics, it is an important and useful ingredient for many hair washes and hair oils.

6. How to Use Indian Spikenard?

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Indian Spikenard / Nardostachys Jatamansi daily once a day.

Here are some dosages and uses of Indian Spikenard / Nardostachys Jatamansi

• Take powders of Indian Spikenard root and mixed with Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Acorus Calamus Root helps to give relief from mental stress.
• Take powders of Indian Spikenard root and mixed with Trailing Eclipta Leaf and Indian Gooseberry, helps to cure premature grey hairs.
• Indian Spikenard root powder mixed with Ashwagandha root powder, helps to treat insomnia and increase energy level.

7. Side Effects of the Indian Valerian / Nardostachys Jatamansi

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they have no side effects but may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have unique health issues.

Some side effects are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming.
• If you are suffering from kidney disease, consult the doctor first before consuming Indian Spikenard / Nardostachys Jatamansi
• Do not take Indian Spikenard / Nardostachys Jatamansi with liquor, it may interact with it and cause drowsiness.

8. Herbal Remedy for Hair Fall and Hair Growth

This herbal remedy is very effective to stop hair fall and promoting hair growth because all the ingredients are herbal, so no side effects.

Ingredients

• Indian Spikenard Root Powder – 2 tbsp.
• Indian Gooseberry Powder – 2 tbsp. 
• Trailing Eclipta Leaf Powder – 2 tbsp. 
• Aloe Vera Powder – 1 tbsp. 
• Hibiscus Flower Powder – 2 tbsp. 
• Red Onion Juice – 1 tbsp.
• Onion Seed Powder – 1tbsp.

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Buy Trailing Eclipta Leaf Powder

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Method

• Take a bowl and add all the ingredients and mix them well.
• Make a paste with help of water.
• Apply the paste to the scalp and hair and leave for 30-45 minutes.
• Wash the hair with normal water and let them dry.
• Wash the hair with soft shampoo after one day of the pack.

9. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What is spikenard called in India?

Q - Is jatamansi the same as spikenard?