Nardostachys jatamansi
Wildcrafted and distilled from organically certified land in Nepal from dried roots and rhizomes.
This plant is related to valerian, and there is an aspect of the smell that resembles the "feetiness" feeling. Here's Arctander's description:
"the oil is a pale yellow to amber solored liquid with a heavy, sweet-woody and spicy-animal odor, reminscent of valerian, ginger, cardamom and atlas cedar. The flavor is warm-spicy, root-like in sweetness, somewhat pine-wood like and slightly bitter-burning, powerful."
He suggests using it (this is circa 1960) in Oriental bases, heavy florals, fougères, woody bases, animal-amber types, etc. It blends well withcedarwood oil adn its derivitives, coumarin, ionones, labadanum, lavender, oakmoss, patchouli, pine needle and vetiver."
He also recommends it as a flavor, saying "it can be used as a modifer for valerian, hop, ginger calamus, cardamom, etc and its warm and rich body will help in rounding off the sharp notes form chemical additives in the flavor compositions."
It should be noted that our latest batch of spikenard has a bit of a fresh green note, which I attribute to its young age. It's the kind of thing we've seen in patchouli.
This spike is a very nice addition to our essential oil collection. I believe it will age well, as long as you can keep it.
Safety Warning
As with most essential oils, dilute before using on skin. Perform a patch test before use if essential oil sensitivity is suspected. Do not take essential oils internally. Do not use on children or pets. Seek advice from a trained aromatherapist before using on people with compromised immune systems. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes.
Enfleurage makes no medical claims relating to any products, essential oils or otherwise, on our website or through social media. We are an essential oil company, not doctors, The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. We present our information in order to educate our customers on traditional and general uses of essential oils; in no way do we diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
You the customer are responsible for understanding the safe use of any and all of our products, including essential oils, and use them accordingly.
