INCI Name : Nardostachys jatamansis (Spikenard) oil

CAS Number : 8022-22-8

SKU code :

EXTRACTION METHOD: steam distillation

PARTS USED: Rhizome/Roots

ORIGIN: Nepal, Himalayas

COMMON NAMES: Jatamansi essential oil, Himalayan Nard oil, Nard, Nardin, Muskroot oil.

APPEARANCE: light green somewhat viscous pourable oil

ODOUR NOTE: unique and distinctive combination of sweet, resinous, warm earthy, woody, and spicy aroma. Base note. Excellent fixative.

QUALITY: 100 % pure, organic, controlled wild-crafted, whole essential oil.

MOLECULAR PROFILE: complex molecular build with Valerenal, Calarene, Gurjumene

STORAGE CONDITION:

INFOS AND INTERESTING FACTS 

The use of Spikenard or Jatamansi oil has been valued for centuries, referenced in religious scriptures, and part of the Ayurvedic, Chinese and Tibetan medicinal traditions. Spikenard is considered a precious oil in perfumery and cosmetics and for its benefits for wellbeing of both mind and body.

Diffusions, Inhalations, skin applications

MASSAGES, BODY CARE & BEAUTY

Body massages

Body care

Face care

Haircare

Baths

Compresses

DIFFUSION

Ultrasonic & Steam diffusion

Inhalation

Sprays

OTHERS

Homecare

Natural perfumery

• Major calming oil (Nervous system, moods, cardiac rhythm), sedative, Balancing
• Anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic
• Antibacterial
• Tonic, Veinous tonic, Anti-depression, uplifting, Skin toning, firming
• Mucolytic
• Skin regenerating
• Oestrogen-like

• Relaxing body massage oils, Calming to the nervous system
• Massage oils to help soothe pain, inflammations
• Into skin cream and lotions for dry, flaky skins, inflamed skins
• In psoriasis, rashes, skin concerns creams and lotions
• In hair care conditioners, for dry scalps and dandruff
• In diffusions, inhalations to help soothe psychological tensions, trauma, depression, stress, anxiety, depressive moods
• In meditation: Calming, grounding, Uplifting, comforting,
• In evening and sleep promoting blends, Jetlag.
• In diffusion, tonic massage to help restore stamina 
• Ritual oil, anointing oil, passage oil, palliative care diffusion and soft massages.

Spikenard essential oil, known for its earthy, woody, and slightly sweet aroma, blends well with a variety of other essential oils. Some popular options include:

1. Citrus oils: Orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, and mandarin  essential oils help to uplift and brighten the scent of spikenard.
2. Floral oils: Lavender, geranium, ylang-ylang, rose otto, and jasmine essential oils & absolutes  add a soft, sweet, and calming touch to the blend.
3. Woody oils: Cedarwood, sandalwood, and vetiver essential oils enhance the grounding and calming aspects of spikenard.
4. Resinous oils: Frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin essential oils add depth and a meditative quality to the blend.
5. Herbal oils: Rosemary, clary sage, and basil essential oils provide a refreshing and invigorating element to the mix.
6. Spice oils: Cinnamon, clove bud, and ginger essential oils add warmth and spiciness to the blend.

When creating a blend, remember to start with small quantities and adjust the ratios as needed. 

Keep in mind that individual preferences and desired outcomes may vary, so feel free to experiment with other oils as well.

SPIKENARD ESSENTIAL OIL

derived from the roots of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant, has a unique and complex aroma. Its scent profile can be described as follows:

Earthy: The most dominant characteristic of Spikenard essential oil is its earthy aroma, reminiscent of damp soil or a forest floor. This aspect of the fragrance imparts a grounding and calming effect.

Woody: Spikenard also possesses a woody undertone, which adds depth and richness to the overall scent. This component is often associated with a sense of stability and balance.

Musky: A musky nuance can be detected in Spikenard essential oil, which contributes a sensual and warm quality to the aroma. This element helps create a long-lasting and intimate impression in a perfume blend.

Sweet: There is a subtle sweetness to Spikenard essential oil that balances its earthy and woody notes. This hint of sweetness softens the fragrance, making it more inviting and approachable.

Herbaceous: Lastly, Spikenard essential oil has a gentle herbaceous aspect, which can be reminiscent of fresh or dried herbs. This facet lends a green and slightly medicinal touch to the overall scent profile.

In perfumery, Spikenard essential oil is valued for its versatile and rich scent. It is often used as a base note, contributing depth and complexity to a fragrance blend. Its unique combination of earthy, woody, musky, sweet, and herbaceous notes pairs well with a variety of other essential oils, making it a popular choice in natural perfumery.

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SPIKENARD ESSENTIAL OIL IS CONSIDERED A FIXATIVE IN PERFUMERY.

Fixatives are ingredients that help to stabilize and anchor more volatile top and middle notes in a fragrance blend, increasing the perfume's longevity and overall scent profile.

They are often base notes with heavier molecular weights that evaporate more slowly, allowing the fragrance to last longer on the skin.

Spikenard essential oil, with its deep, earthy, and woody aroma, acts as a fixative by providing a rich base for other lighter and more volatile essential oils.

Its complex scent profile and ability to blend well with various essential oils make it an excellent choice as a fixative in natural perfumes.

Additionally, its grounding and calming properties add an emotional dimension to the fragrance, further enhancing the overall experience.

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SPIKENARD ESSENTIAL OIL NATURAL PERFUME RECIPE

Perfume Category: (e.g., Oriental, Floral, Woody, Citrus, etc.)

Perfume Structure:

• Top Notes: (e.g., Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, etc.)
• Middle/Heart Notes: (e.g., Lavender, Rose, Jasmine, etc.)
• Base Notes: Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi), (e.g., Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, etc.)

Ingredients:

• Spikenard essential oil
• Additional essential oil(s) for top and middle notes
• Carrier oil or alcohol (e.g., jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or perfumer's alcohol)
• Distilled water (optional, for alcohol-based perfumes)

Ratios/Measurements:

• Spikenard essential oil: 15-30% (base notes)
• Additional essential oil(s): 50-70% (top and middle notes combined)
• Carrier oil or alcohol: 100% minus the total percentage of essential oils
• Distilled water (optional): Adjust as desired for alcohol-based perfumes

Instructions:

1. Choose your desired perfume category and gather all ingredients.
2. In a clean, sterilized container, add the Spikenard essential oil and any additional essential oils, following the recommended ratios and measurements.
3. Mix the essential oils thoroughly to create the perfume concentrate.
4. Slowly add the carrier oil or alcohol to the essential oil mixture, stirring gently.
5. If making an alcohol-based perfume, add distilled water as desired to dilute the fragrance.
6. Transfer the perfume into an amber or dark-colored glass bottle for storage.
7. Label the bottle with the recipe name, ingredients, and date of preparation.
8. Allow the perfume to mature for at least 2-4 weeks in a cool, dark place for the scents to meld and develop.

Usage: Apply the natural perfume to your pulse points, such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Cautions:

• Always dilute Spikenard essential oil with a carrier oil or alcohol before use.
• Perform a patch test before regular use to check for skin sensitivity or allergies.
• Consult a healthcare practitioner before using if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Benefits of Spikenard Essential Oil in Perfumery:

• Provides a deep, earthy, and woody fragrance
• Offers grounding and calming properties
• Blends well with various essential oils, adding complexity to the scent profile

Expiration: 

Natural perfumes made with essential oils typically have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year. To maximize shelf life, store the product in a cool, dark place and use a clean applicator for each use.

Spikenard Essential Oil Natural Cosmetic Recipe

Recipe Category: (e.g., Face Serum, Body Lotion, Hair Care, etc.)

Ingredients:

• Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)
• Carrier oil(s) (e.g., jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil)
• Additional essential oil(s) (if applicable, e.g., lavender, tea tree, etc.)
• Emulsifier or solubilizer (if needed, e.g., Polysorbate 20)

Ratios/Measurements:

• Spikenard essential oil: 1-3% (3-9 drops per ounce of carrier oil)
• Carrier oil(s): 97-99% (remainder of the recipe)
• Additional essential oil(s): As per preference and safe dilution guidelines
• Emulsifier or solubilizer: Follow manufacturer's guidelines

Instructions:

1. Choose your desired recipe category and gather all ingredients.
2. Measure the carrier oil(s) and pour it into a clean, sterilized container.
3. Add the Spikenard essential oil and any additional essential oils, following the recommended ratios and measurements.
4. If using an emulsifier or solubilizer, add it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Mix the oils thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
6. Transfer the mixture into an amber or dark-colored glass bottle for storage.
7. Label the bottle with the recipe name, ingredients, and date of preparation.

Usage:

 Apply the cosmetic product as per the intended purpose (e.g., face serum, body lotion, hair care, etc.). Perform a patch test before regular use to check for skin sensitivity or allergies.

Cautions:

• Always dilute Spikenard essential oil with a carrier oil before use.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Consult a healthcare practitioner before using if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Benefits of Spikenard Essential Oil:

• Soothes and calms the skin
• Promotes a healthy, radiant complexion
• Supports healthy hair growth and scalp health
• Provides grounding and balancing properties for emotional well-being

Expiration: 

Natural cosmetics made with essential oils typically have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year. To maximize shelf life, store the product in a cool, dark place and use a clean applicator for each use.

Massages & body care

• Body massages+++ use 1 to 6 drops essential oil for 10 ml carrier oil (0.5 to 2 % concentration)
• Face care +++use 1 to 3 drops essential oil for 10 ml carrier or base (0.5 to 1 % concentration)
• Body & Hair care +++ use 2 to 6 drops essential oil for 10 ml carrier or base (1 to 2 % concentration)
• Bath +++First mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oil with 20 ml vegetable glycerine or 1 cup of Epsom salts

Diffusion

• Ultrasonic Diffusers+++ for air purification, use 10 min 3 times a day.
• Inhalation+++
• Steam inhalation +++
• Sprays +++

Others 

• Cooking +++1 drops added the cold buttery, oily or syrupy phase of your preparations, brings a powerful aroma to your dishes. Great in fruits salads, marmalades, meringues but also in your sweet and sour sauces.
• Homecare ++
• Natural perfumery +++

For more detailed information, please go check this LINK TO Instructions of use essential oils page

Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy / breastfeeding 

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

As a general rule, always perform a skin patch test before using your essential oils for the first time.

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED and seek medical and specialist advise when in doubt

SEE OUR PAGE ON PRECAUTION - HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY