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Nardostachys jatamansi
Nardostachys root extract is widely known by its native name spikenard which is obtained from the Himalayan mountains of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet. This plant has aromatic perennial herbaceous characteristics of a shrub with long thick roots and lavender flowers resembling a spike. Nardostachys jatamansi is a member of the Valerianaceae family that is mainly harvested for roots that have a healing effect on treating epilepsy and improving sleep to valerian and succory. Nardostachys jatamansi is costly to grow and harvest while it takes several years to mature, increasing its price on the market.
Nardostachys and other Valerianaceae
Alongside Vasily Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), other Valerianaceae family members include Nardostachys species which include Nardostachys lobulata and Nardostachys grandiflora are sometimes compared on a qualitative basis. These roots are analgesic, anti-convulsant, hypnotic anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. They also have a positive effect on emotional well-being like reducing depression and anxiety and promoting mental clarity.
Nardostachys root extract has various uses that cut across multiple domains ranging from traditional Ayurvedic medicine to modern phytotherapy and aromatherapy.
Traditional Medicine
Nardostachys root extract is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine as a therapeutic substance to treat various ailments. It is commonly used to relieve stress, enhance sleep, and treat ailments like headaches and cardiovascular conditions. It has also been used to boost vitality and energy.
Aromatherapy
Nardostachys root extract produces essential oil which is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, emotional balance, and mental clarity. The essential oil is highly aromatic and is also known for its earthy-spicy fragrance with floral overtones. Nardostachys root extract is also known as spikenard oil, which is derived from its roots and used as a sedative to promote restful sleep.
Cosmetics
Nardostachys root extract possesses anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore used in developing cosmetic products. Nardostachys root extract is used to formulate creams and serums aimed at rejuvenating the skin and maintaining its glow.
Phytotherapy
It is gaining usage in Western herbal medicine where it is valued for its calming and stabilizing effects on mood. It is often recommended to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other stress-related disorders.
Excipients and flavoring agents
Nardostachys root extract is also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages due to its aromatic properties. It is also used as a natural preservative because of its antioxidant properties.
Nardostachys root extract has multiple benefits that touch on health, emotional well-being, and even cosmetic and therapeutic uses.
Health Benefits
Nardostachys root extract has multiple health benefits. It has antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections and skin diseases. Because of its strong antioxidant activity, it helps in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, and therefore preventing cell damage. Nardostachys root extract is also an adaptogen meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes homeostasis, hence improving overall health.
Mental well-being
Nardostachys root extract has a positive effect on mental well-being. It is known to enhance emotional stability by decreasing anxiety and promoting a positive mood. Nardostachys root extract accomplishes this by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Cosmetic Benefits
Nardostachys root extract has cosmetic benefits like anti-aging properties resulting from its ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. This is due to the presence of antioxidants and the ability to promote collagen production. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin irritation and redness and therefore calm and soothe the skin.
Spiritual and Therapeutic Benefits
Nardostachys root extract has been used for centuries in religious and spiritual practices, particularly in meditation and rituals, to promote a sense of peace and grounding. Its calming effect can deepen relaxation during meditation and help focus the mind and center oneself.
Essential Oil
The extract is also used to make the spikenard essential oil which is known for its calming and grounding properties and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. Nardostachys root extract is sometimes called spikenard oil which helps in promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Cool and Dry Place
Store Nardostachys root extract in a cool and dry place that does not receive direct sunlight. Avoid excessive heat and humidity as these will degrade the potency and quality of the extract over time.
Airtight Containers
Use airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and oxygen, which are known to cause degradation through oxidative processes. Glass containers are better because they are less permeable than plastic and will not absorb the essential oil or any aromatic substances from the extract.
Refrigeration
Although not always necessary, refrigeration is recommended if longer-term storage is required. This is particularly helpful for highly concentrated extracts like essential oils which may lose their potency if stored at room temperature for extended periods. Cold temperatures help preserve their aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits.
Labeling
Properly label the containers with the type of extract, date of storage, and the duration of storage. This will help in knowing when to consume or use the extract before it loses potency or goes bad.
Short-Term Storage
If the extract is intended for short-term use, storage at room temperature is acceptable for several months as long as it is kept in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container. For long-term storage, refrigeration is more effective in preserving the extract.
Authentication
Nardostachys root extract is compounded with other roots and plants, making it hard to identify without proper botanical knowledge. This has made some unscrupulous business use substitute plants or improperly identify the plant in order to make the extract. Consider extracts from certified suppliers and producers who clearly identify Nardostachys jatamansi as the source.
Appearance and Aroma
Quality spikenard root will have a distinctive earthy, woody, and somewhat sweet aroma with floral undertones. If the root material is visible, good quality spikenard root will look like large, thick, branched pieces resembling a dried carrot or ginger.
Testing and Certificates of Analysis (COA)
Spikenard root suppliers should provide COAs for the extracts indicating they have been tested for purity, contaminants, and correct concentrations of active compounds. Reputable sellers perform both third-party and in-house testing for spikenard root to verify its quality. Certificates of analysis will also reveal the authenticity of the extract by providing information on the chemical make-up to ascertain that it is not mixed with extracts from other plants.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Select Nardostachys extracts harvested using sustainable and ethical practices, especially if buying from wild-harvested sources. Respectable brands put information on their extraction methods, whether wild-harvesting or cultivation, and the impact on local communities and ecosystems.
Comparison of Forms
Evaluate the quality of Nardostachys root extract in different formats like powdered, liquid, or encapsulated. Each form will have advantages based on concentration and ease of use, but demands careful comparison of quality across different formats.
Nardostachys root extract can be used daily and is often included in herbal regimens and aromatherapy practices to promote relaxation, improve sleep, enhance emotional balance, and support skin health without severe side effects. However, moderation is essential for sustained use to prevent tolerance and ensure continued effectiveness.
To enjoy its benefits without side effects, Nardostachys root extract should be taken continuously for several weeks, typically between 6 to 8 weeks, before taking a break for 2 to 4 weeks. This will prevent the body from building a tolerance to the extract.
Nardostachys root extract is not safe during pregnancy because it contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions and affect hormonal balance. This poses risks such as premature labor or miscarriage.
Nardostachys root extract helps regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Nardostachys root extract is also called spikenard which contains active compounds that modulate glucose uptake in cells, promoting better utilization of sugars and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
People with high blood pressure can take Nardostachys root extract because it has vasodilatory properties that help lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow. This makes it particularly useful for people with hypertension or cardiovascular issues where better circulation can alleviate some symptoms.
