Spikenard

Nardostachys grandiflora

Physical Characteristics

Nardostachys grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to S.W. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Used as a condiment[177]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Carminative Deobstruent Deodorant Diuretic Emmenagogue Epilepsy Laxative Nervine Sedative Stimulant Stomachic The root is antispasmodic, carminative, deobstruent, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, laxative, nervine, sedative, stimulant and stomachic[46, 61, 178, 218]. It is an excellent substitute for valerian, Valeriana officinalis, and is taken internally in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria and convulsive affections, nervous indigestion, insomnia, depression and tension headaches[51, 238, 240]. Externally, it is used as a deodorant and to treat rashes[238]. A paste of the root is used externally to treat haemorrhoids[272]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. Use this remedy with caution, overdoses are toxic[218].

Known Hazards

None known