Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
Spikenard
(Aralia racemosa)
Also know as American Spikenard
Botanical Information
A perennial of the Ginseng family to 3 or 4 feet high with branched reddish stems, numerous umbels of small whitish flowers, and a large aromatic branched root.
Working with Spikenard
Part(s) Used
Rhizome, Root
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“American spikenard is used for rheumatism and various skin conditions and is considered a tonic and blood purifier. Spikenard is used to treat chronic lung problems and digestive weakness. It also serves as a diaphoretic and expectorant, useful for breaking up colds and flu. Spikenard makes a tasty cough syrup and is useful in this form to rid thick phlegm from the upper respiratory tract.
Spikenard has a taste of SWEET, ACRID and a temperature of WARM.”
Historical Uses
- Cultural: Revered in ancient Egypt, Greece, and India for its calming and spiritual properties, spikenard was used as incense, perfume, and anointing oil.
- Traditional Medicine: Used in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine for treating insomnia, digestive issues, anxiety, and heart disorders.
Modern Clinical Uses
- By Herbalists/Naturopaths: Employed as a nervine tonic to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, and to support sleep. Also used for gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, and menstrual cramps.
Chemistry
- Contains compounds like sesquiterpenes, jatamansone, nardostachone, and lignans. These compounds are responsible for its calming effects, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pharmacology
- Neuroprotective: Exhibits anxiolytic and sedative effects by modulating GABA receptors.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in tissues.
- Cardiovascular: May exhibit mild hypotensive and cardio-protective effects.
- Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some pathogens.
Clinical Trials
- Preliminary trials suggest its efficacy in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Some studies indicate neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are limited.
Summary
Spikenard is a historically significant herb with a wide range of traditional and modern uses, particularly for stress and sleep-related disorders. Though its pharmacological benefits are promising, more rigorous clinical research is needed to validate its therapeutic potential. Always consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Side Effects: Generally safe when used in moderation. Possible mild allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.
Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Conditions treated with Spikenard
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
diaphoretic, expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
lung and digestive tonic
Application
tincture, tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
