The Egyptians fell in love with the spikenard plant thousands of years ago. The oil from the spikenard plant was used to anoint people in high places because of its reputation as a powerful healer. The oil was also known for its spiritual properties as well as for its ability to relax the mind so a heightened level of awareness was achieved.
The Hebrew culture used spikenard oil and it is well documented in the bible. Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with pure nard, which is another name for the oil. Nardin and muskroot oil were also used to describe the oil that could purify the spirit and the soul in ancient times. Nard oil had a variety of uses back then. It was a sedative; it was used in incense, and it was used to relieve other minor ailments. The Greeks called it naardus after the Syrian city of Naarda, and the Indians used it in Ayurvedic healing.
The powder of spikenard is mentioned in Islamic texts as the fruit that Adam ate, and the Europeans found it a delightful ingredient that add a touch of spice to a drink called Hypocras, which is a sweet and spicy wine. The 17th century European beer called Stingo had spikenard in the ingredients, and in Tibet it is still used in ceremonies that involve incense.
One of the main benefits of using spikenard as an aromatherapy oil these days is to improve circulation. The circulatory system is the main transportation system in the body. Spikenard helps clear the impurities that enter the bloodstream from food and the environment. Another important benefit of using spikenard oil is to nourish, sooth, and regenerate the skin. When spikenard is massaged into the solar plexus and over the heart, the warm and earthly aroma relaxes the body and the mind, and a change of focus often occurs.
The oil instills a profound sense of peace, and it releases the deepest form of anxiety when it’s inhaled. Spikenard blends well with pine, lavender, lemon, vetiver, clary sage, neroli, and patchouli oil. The chemical components in this amazing oil are valeranone, tetramenthyloxatricylodecanol, bornyl acetate, 1,8-cineol, jonon, and menthylthymyl-ether.
The rejuvenating qualities of the oil on mature skin are legendary, and the healing properties of the chemicals within the oil can make skin rashes disappear, especially when the oil is mixed with olive oil.
Spikenard oil is a modern marvel when it comes to regulating the heart and cleaning the circulatory system. It’s an old remedy that holds a mixture of spirituality and physical health benefits in every drop.
Tags: Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, spikenard essential oil, spikenard oil
