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Spikenard Essential Oil

Spikenard oil is one of the most popular oils in the world and is used extensively in aromatherapy for the wide range of benefits that it offers.

More widely known in the ancient world for its beneficial properties, spikenard was one of the early aromatics produced by the Egyptians and is mentioned frequently throughout ancient writings. It is considered non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing, and is closely related to common valerian (Valariana officinalis) with which it shares many of its sedative and tonic properties. It was traditionally used to anoint persons of high honor due to its expense and is considered to have spiritual applications for blessing and protection.

Spikenard Oil Information

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is a tender aromatic plant with a pungent rhizome root. The oil is steam distilled from the dried and crushed rhizome and roots to release a heavy, amber-colored, animalic essence with many principal constituents. It is indigenous to the mountain regions of northern India, China, and Japan, but is currently distilled mainly in Europe and the United States. The oil was used by the Roman perfumers in the preparation of nardinum, which was one of their most reknowned scented oils.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

The circulatory system is the body’s main system of transport. Although there is continual research into the specific pathways and effectiveness of each oil, essential oils are generally absorbed into the circulatory system via absorption through the skin or mucous membranes. Once the oil molecules have entered the bloodstream they travel throughout the body and effect it according to their properties.

Primary Aromatherapy Methods:

  • inhalation – add two or three drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming hot water and breathe in the steam for a few minutes with a towel draped over your head to capture the steam with the essences.

  • vaporization – the most preferred method of vaporization is to add pure essential oils to a nebulizing diffuser for dispersing micron-sized particulates into your immediate environment for aromatherapy benefits.

  • bathing – add four to six drops of pure essential oils to a hot bath along with a dispersant (such as alcohol or milk) to break up the oil on the surface of the water, which avoids the oil sensitizing your skin. Or, alternatively, you can add 1 teaspoon of golden jojoba, as the carrier oil of choice, to protect the skin.

  • massage – using 15 to 20 drops of pure essential oil in 1 ounce of massage oil base is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic ways to receive the aromatherapy benefits of the oils, along with the detoxification of the body through lymph drainage and the stimulation of the entire circulatory system.

  • spray – adding 1 teaspoon of essential oils to 7 ounces of distilled water along with 1 ounce of vodka or 90% isopropyl alcohol (to emulsify the oils) and then spray on bedding, linens, towels, and use as a room spray to deodorize and disinfect the air.

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Where to Buy Spikenard Oil?

Spikenard oil is a very popular oil, with one of the richest cultural and spiritual history in the world, and there are many qualities produced in several parts of the world. Even with good distillers, there are naturally variations in the composition of spikenard oil from season to season because of changes in the weather, soil, and many other factors. That is to be expected. But, many online sellers of “spikenard essential oil” are selling low-quality, or diluted, adulterated oils… and saying they are high-quality when they definitely are not. So, it’s important when buying pure essential oils to know the source and production method.

Essential oils are the compounds found within aromatic plants that contain immune-boosting and therapeutic, tonic effects for the body. Each essential oil offers something different in its healing abilities and has a wide range of accepted usage in the indigenous environment where its cultivation and use for health is longstanding.