Nardostachys Jatamansi (also called Jatamansi in Hindi and Spikenard in English) belongs to the family Valerianaceae. It has been traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as a neuroprotective agent for the treatment of hysteria, epilepsy, insomnia, and convulsions. The rhizome extract of this plant has been studied for its beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is also known to possess an antidepressant activity that helps in the management of psychological disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, mental fatigue, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What is Jatamansi?

Jatamansi is the root of Indian Ayurvedic Herb botanically known as Nardostachys Jatamansi and belongs to Nardostachys genus and Valerianaceae family.

Common Names

General Information about Plant

Nardostachys Jatamansi is commonly found in parts of India, China and Tibet. It is perennial herb having aromatic characteristics.

Medicinal Properties

Nardostachys Jatamansi has many similar medicinal properties like Bacopa Monnieri (Water hyssop) including anti-stress, anti-convulsive, and cognitive-enhancing abilities. However, unlike Bacopa, the research related to its medicinal value is still in its preliminary stage. It is an aromatic herb, which exerts cooling action in the body. Let’s have a quick look at its medicinal properties that responsible for its medicinal uses:

• Neuroprotective
• Anti-stress
• Anti-depressant
• Anxiolytic
• Anti-cataleptic
• Anti-seizure (Anticonvulsant)
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antihypertensive
• Deodorant
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal (Jatamansi oil)
• Carminative
• Stomachic
• Heart Tonic
• Mild Diuretic (by exerting stimulant action on kidneys)
• Anti-histaminic
• Mild laxative

Ayurvedic Properties

Indications

The main therapeutic indication of Jatamansi is mood and stress disorders. The list of its indications is as follows: –

1. Depression
2. Anxiety Disorders
3. Panic Disorders
4. Insomnia
5. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
6. Hysteria
7. Epilepsy
8. Convulsions
9. Intestinal Colic
10. Headache
11. Ulcer
12. Memory Loss
13. Heart Palpitation
14. Bad body odor

It also acts on the liver and digestive system. It increases appetite, decreases bloating, reduces abdominal pain and intestinal inflammation. Therefore, it is also indicated in following diseases:

• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence
• Bloating
• Abdominal distension
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease

Jatamansi Benefits & Uses

The amazing benefits of Jatamansi are attributed to its medicinal properties stated above.

1. It acts as a natural nervine tonic and a memory booster.
2. It relieves stress by inducing calming and relaxation effects.
3. It prevents neurological degeneration due to its neuroprotective action.
4. It provides a soothing sensation to the skin and promotes hair growth.
5. In Ayurveda, it is commonly prescribed to relieve stress, spasm, convulsions, epilepsy, and hysteria. In fact, it is one of the most commonly used and an effective herb to treat epilepsy.

Let’s start a discussion on its ayurvedic medicinal uses and health benefits in detail.

Epilepsy & Seizures

Nardostachys Jatamansi appears to offer strong protection against the oxidative stress. This action of the herb makes it an effective agent with strong neuroprotective properties. It can help in maintaining the balance of the hormones in the nervous system and thereby prevents seizures in the patients with epilepsy.

In ayurveda, its root powder is not used alone, but it is used in combination other herbs or ayurvedic medicines. The following herbal combination gives promising results in epileptic patients preventing seizures to a greater extent.

Dyskinesia & Catalepsy

Nardostachys Jatamansi is likely to be helpful in Dyskinesia & Catalepsy. In the rat study, it has shown a reversal of catalepsy and orofacial dyskinesia induced by RESERPINE. It significantly inhibited vacuous chewing movements, tongue protrusions, and catalepsy. (1)

Mental Fatigue & Nervine Weakness

Nardostachys Jatamansi acts as a nervine tonic and reduces mental exhaustion. According to ayurveda, it stimulates the healthy nervine functions and provides nourishment to the brain. Mental Fatigue is also linked to mental stress. Its preparations significantly reduce stress and provide a feeling of well-being. It improves cognitive performance, reduces nervine weakness and improves enthusiasm.

In mental fatigue, its Powder (Churna) should be started in a low dose. 500 mg twice daily is sufficient and effective dosage for reducing mental fatigue and inducing relaxation effects in the mind. It is best to take it in low dosage for a longer period instead of using high doses for a short period.

If the patient has excess mental exhaustion even after a little work, then other strengthening herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and Yashtimadhu (Licorice) should also be used in addition to its powder.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Many people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) also suffer from depression and stress. Jatamansi root powder along with Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is an excellent solution for the management of stress linked CFS. Anti-stress and antioxidant activities of these herbs also help to lower oxidative stress caused by CFS. (2)

Insomnia (Sleep Disturbance)

In reduced dosage (i.e. 500 mg twice daily), it exerts calming effects and improves quality of sleep and reduces sleeplessness. Along with Tagara (Valeriana Wallichii) and Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), it gives good results in the treatment of insomnia.

However, it might be less effective than Tagara (Valeriana Wallichii) in inducing sleep as found in a comparative study. (3)

Still, it also shows good results in insomnia. In ayurveda, it is not used alone for insomnia; it is used in combination with other herbs for best results. It is much more effective for people awakening with a feeling of unrefreshed or feeling of having the low energy level and with symptoms of irritability, depression, and stress.

Headache

According to ayurveda, Jatamansi is an effective solution for headache characterized by severe pain, tearing pain near ears, excruciating pain around eye and vertigo. In ayurveda, this type of pain is categorized under VATAJ SHIROSHOOL (Headache with dominant Vata). It is a drug of choice for VATAJ SHIROSHOOL in ayurveda. If the patient feels the sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead, it should be given with Vacha Churna (Acorus Calamus powder).

Forgetfulness & Memory Loss

Nardostachys Jatamansi improves memory and reduces forgetfulness. It acts as memory restorative agent in people with memory loss. (4) It also has a protective role in stress-induced memory impairments. (5)

According to ayurveda, it has memory enhancer effects. It also improves learning and cognitive functions. It is more beneficial for people with mental stress. If it is used in conjunction with Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Vacha (Acorus Calamus) or Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis), it provides good results.

Depression

The de-stressing effects of Nardostachys Jatamansi help to combat depression. It works as an anti-depression agent by inducing a sense of calmness and serenity.

Scientific studies have found that it increases the cerebral levels of a chemical called GABA (GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID). It is likely to reduce depression by increasing the levels of monoamines in the brain. (6, 7)

No doubt, it is an effective medicine for depression and used as a drug of choice for its treatment. It mainly provides benefits in depression with aggressive symptoms if it is used alone. It reduces aggressive, self-destructive and violent behaviors. It also reduces restlessness, angry outbursts, frustration, irritability, sleep disturbances, and feeling of lack of energy. It increases vitality and vigor.

Melancholic Depression

Jatamansi along with Hing (Asafetida or Ferula Assa-Foetida) and Loha Bhasma is used for the treatment of Melancholic Depression. The mixture is prepared in following ratio:

Anxiety

Jatamansi has anti-anxiety action. It reduces the feeling of restlessness and nervousness, normalizes heart rate, and controls worrying, trembling, trouble sleeping in anxiety, so it is used to control and treat anxiety disorders. It is more effective to control trembling in anxiety disorders.

Hair Fall & Premature Hair Whitening

Nard oil or Jatamansi processed in sesame oil is helpful for reducing hair fall and preventing premature whitening of hair. Traditionally, it is used for blackening hair and making hair smooth and shiny. It also controls dandruff. A regular use of nard oil results in smooth, silky, voluminous and healthy hair. Internal intake of Nardostachys Jatamansi powder or extract is also helpful in the growth of the hair.

How to Use: Its oil should be mixed in sesame oil in following ratio:

The mixture of Spikenard and sesame oil should be applied over the head, in the hair roots, and on white hairs. The application should be repeated daily. For best results, it should be applied at night before sleep and leave it on the scalp overnight. If the daily application is not possible, then it should be applied at least thrice a week.

Action in hair fall is observable within first 2 weeks of its use and it takes 3 to 6 months to show results in premature hair whitening.

Skin Glow

Jatamansi preparations can be used to improve the skin complexion and ensures a glowing and youthful appearance. The root of the powder, when mixed with water and applied on the skin, promotes its tone and texture.

Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Jatamansi has antispasmodic and mild emmenagogue actions, which promotes a proper menstrual flow and reduces pain associated with menstruation. In dysmenorrhea, its powder should be used in dosage of 500 mg thrice daily with water or its Ark in a dosage of 10 ml twice daily can also be taken. It should be used for a period of 2 to 3 months for a complete relief.

Menopause

Jatamansi reduces menopause symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbance, difficulty in concentrating, memory lapses, headaches, irritability, dizziness, fatigue, stress, anxiety and tingling extremities. In these symptoms, it can help and induces a feeling of general well-being.

Jatamansi and Saraswatarishta both are very helpful for controlling the undesired symptoms of menopause. For additional support, Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) can also be used along with it. For best results, one can use the following Combination:

Fever with Burning Sensation & Restlessness

In some cases of fever and infections, the patient feels burning sensation, fatigue and restlessness. In these symptoms, Jatamansi is highly useful along with Praval Pishti.

Heart & Blood Pressure

Jatamansi has cardioprotective properties. It works as an excellent cardiac tonic. It enhances the functions of the heart and regularizes the heart rate. It preserves lipid metabolism and prevents oxidative injury to the cardiac tissue. In a study, its extract significantly prevented alterations in lipid profile (cholesterol, phospholipids, fatty acids & triglycerides). (8, 9)

In Ayurveda, Jatamansi is believed to improve blood circulation and normalizes the blood pressure. Its main effect is on blood circulation. It helps in all conditions causing poor circulation in the body. In both conditions Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure), poor circulation is observable. Therefore, it can be used to normalize the blood pressure in both conditions. However, it alone may not significantly help, but one can use it with other herbs like below:

Intestinal Gas & Abdominal Pain

Jatamansi has mild carminative and strong antispasmodic actions, which helps in releasing gas and reducing abdominal pain. In these diseases, it is used along with Dalchini and Elaichi (Cardamom or Elettaria Cardamomum).

Glycosuria (Sugar in Urine)

In ayurveda, Jatamansi is used to reduce the excretion of glucose (sugar) into the urine. Along with Chandraprabha Vati, it improves kidney functions and restores the normal renal threshold. One should also take appropriate anti-diabetic medicines if elevation in blood glucose is the main cause of sugar in the urine.

Medicinal Parts

Dried rhizome and roots of Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) are the main medicinal parts. The basal leaves of Spikenard (Jatamansi) are also used in herbal and traditional medicine.

The Rhizomes or the underground stems are crushed and distilled to get a spikenard essential oil that is intensely aromatic and has a thick consistency. The Spikenard Oil is used as essential oil due its deodorant, sedative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. This oil has been used as a perfume and medicine since ancient times. It is also known as spikenard, nardin, nard, or muskroot.

Chemical Constituents

Jatamansi roots are natural source for the type of an intensely aromatic essential oil called spikenard oil (nard oil). The chemical components of Nardostachys Jatamansi have been studied in several different studies. The compounds of this plant include:

1. ARISTOLEN-9BETA-OL
2. ACACIIN
3. OCTACOSANOL
4. URSOLIE ACID
5. KANSHONE A
6. NARDOSINONEDIOL
7. NARDOSINONE
8. OLEANOLIC ACID
9. BETA-SITOSTEROL

The rhizome component of this herb has been found to contain:

• NARDAL
• JATAMANSIC ACID
• JATAMOL A AND B
• NARDIN A AND NARDIN B
• NEOLIGNANS (UNIDENTIFIED)
• TARAXERONE
• URSOLIC ACID
• SPIROJATAMOL
• NARDOSTACHYSIN (TERPENOID)
• VALERANONE
• VALERENIC ACID
• VALEPOTRIATES
• FERULIC ACID
• PROTOCATECHUIC ACID
• CHLOROGENIC ACID
• SYRINGIC ACID
• AROMADENDRENE

Jatamansi Dosage

Jatamansi Root Powder, Jatamansi extract and Jatamansi oil (Spikenard or nard oil) are used for therapeutic purposes. Each formulation has different dosage.

Jatamansi Root Powder Dosage

Root Extract Dosage

However, some rodent studies have been conducted with dosage around 250-500mg/kg body weight Jatamansi root extract. (10, 11) Jatamansi extract dosage estimated from these studies for human consumption is likely to be 40 mg to 80 mg per Kg body weight. The estimated dosage is still significantly high for a human. This dosage for Jatamansi extract is not suggestible in ayurveda. According to our opinion, it is significantly very high dosage for a human. When you calculate it for a person having 60 Kg body weight, it will be 2.4 to 4.8 grams. This dosage can be considered appropriate for its crude natural root powder or Churna, but not for the extract.

Decoction Dosage

However, Jatamansi Decoction is not good formulation because it loses its many volatile and aromatic compounds while preparing a decoction. Still, if Jatamansi Decoction is recommended, then it should be prepared using 10 grams Jatamansi coarse powder in 240 ml water and it should be reduced to 60 ml.

Jatamansi Oil Dosage

Jatamansi Oil or Spikenard Oil is generally used as a topical application and as a deodorant.  It is rarely recommended for oral intake (internal use). However, if it is recommended for internal use, it should be used in the following dosage:

Cold Infusion Dosage

Traditional Method: 48 grams of Jatamansi Powder is mixing in 384 grams (ml) cold water and left for overnight or for 12 hours. Then the liquid is strained and taken in the dosage of 96 ml.

Because preparation should be fresh and should be prepared every day, so instead of taking 48 grams Jatamansi Powder, one can use 24 grams Jatamansi Powder and 192 ml cold water and leave it overnight. The liquid obtained in the morning can be used twice a day in a divided dosage of about 96 ml.

Hot Infusion Dosage

Jatamansi Hot Infusion should be prepared from 4 grams of Jatamansi Powder and 240 ml hot water. The mixture of hot water and Jatamansi should be left overnight covering the vessel with a lid and filtered in the morning. The same procedure should be followed for evening dosage.

Side Effects & Safety Profile

All preparations of Jatamansi are non-toxic and likely safe when used in the time-tested dosage recommended in the ayurveda.

Side Effects of Jatamansi

Consuming excess i.e. more than 4 grams twice daily (or 8 grams per day) of its can lead to –

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Loose stools or diarrhea
4. Abdominal Cramps
5. Frequent urination

In some rare people, these side effects may also appear with low doses. People prone to have loose stools with slight changes in diet should start taking its Powder in very low dosage (i.e. 250 mg twice daily) and then its dosage should be gradually increased to its optimal dosage (i.e. 1.25 to 2.5 grams).

Allergic Reactions

People suffering from hypersensitivity to any of the chemical constituents of Nardostachys Jatamansi should avoid using this herb. An allergic reaction to this herb may cause a difficulty in breathing, skin rashes, itching and difficulty in swallowing.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Jatamansi is an emmenagogue, so it promotes menstrual discharge. Its higher dosage (more than 2000 mg powder) may result in spotting or bleeding in pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the use of this herb. Its extract should be absolutely avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindications

Menorrhagia: Jatamansi has emmenagogue action, so it promotes menstrual flow. However, the effect may also depend on the dosage, a low dosage (less than 500 mg twice daily) may not aggravate heavy bleeding, and this dosage is useful in pain associated with menstruation. Still, its heavier dosage (more than 1250 mg) should be avoided during periods, which is likely to increase menstruation. Its effects may also depend on individual patient symptoms, health condition, and several other factors, which should also be taken into consideration.