Nardostachys grandiflora - Spikenard

Family:	Valerianaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.25
Width:	0.25
Synonyms:	N. jatamansii. DC.
Range:	E. Asia - Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to S.W. China.

Nardostachys grandiflora (Spikenard) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.25m and a width of 0.25m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Spikenard will flower in February to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Spikenard will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Spikenard prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Spikenard can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Rocks, ledges and open slopes, 3600 - 4800m[51].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun or light shade, especially from the midday sun[200, 238]. Dislikes growing in rich soils[238]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[238]. The hairy portion of the stem, just above the roots, has a strong aroma somewhat like patchouli[245]. The fresh root is fragrant, but the scent becomes more pronounced as the root dries[245]. This plant is the spikenard of the Ancients, it was once very popular as a perfume[1].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Used as a condiment[177]. No more details are given.

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
The root is antispasmodic, carminative, deobstruent, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, laxative, nervine, sedative, stimulant and stomachic[46, 61, 178, 218]. It is an excellent substitute for valerian, Valeriana officinalis, and is taken internally in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria and convulsive affections, nervous indigestion, insomnia, depression and tension headaches[51, 238, 240]. Externally, it is used as a deodorant and to treat rashes[238]. A paste of the root is used externally to treat haemorrhoids[272]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. Use this remedy with caution, overdoses are toxic[218].

• Antispasmodic - Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
• Carminative - Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
• Deobstruent - Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.
• Deodorant - Masks smells. Is this medicinal?
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Emmenagogue - Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
• Laxative - Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
• Nervine - Stimulates and calms the nerves.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
• Stimulant - Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[238]. The seed requires light for germination[238]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring.

Scented parts of the plants

Root : CrushedDried

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the root and young stems. It is harvested before the leaves unfurl[123]. It is used in perfumery[238] and as a hair tonic where it is said to make the hair grow faster and also to turn it black[46, 51, 61]. The dried leaves are used as an incense[272].

• Essential - Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
• Hair - Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
• Incense - Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flowers of the Himalayas.
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Author: Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Rating:
Publisher : A very readable and good pocket guide (if you have a very large pocket!) to many of the wild plants in the Himalayas. Gives many examples of plant uses.
Date of Publication : 1984

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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