Among the long line of famous essential oils you’re likely to have come across, spikenard probably went unnoticed. Spikenard essential oil might not be very famous right now, but that’s no reflection on it’s amazing health benefits. Spikenard is a plant native to Nepal and is extensively used in the Indian subcontinent, known locally as Jatamansi. It has a damp, grassy smell that is prized for its calming effect. If you’re new to spikenard essential oil, here are a few ways you can use it.
1. Cures Skin Conditions
Spikenard essential oil was most popularly used in traditional medicine for its skin healing properties. The oil has powerful antifungal and antibacterial qualities which can take care of a wide range of skin conditions. Applied topically, it can kill fungal infections, soothe patches of skin affected by dermatitis and even help your skin recover from psoriasis and eczema. You can dilute the oil in a carrier oil and use it on acne flare-ups. The oil kills acne-causing bacteria and gives you smooth, clear skin.
2. Can Be Used Internally For Bacterial Infections
Bacterial overgrowth inside your body can negatively impact your health in many ways. Spikenard essential oil can be taken orally to kill harmful bacteria and cure bacterial infections. Studies have shown that spikenard essential oil is an effective treatment against cholera, food poisoning and Athlete’s foot. It can even treat infections in the urinary tract and kidneys. The oil’s powerful antibacterial qualities makes it a great first-aid remedy. By applying it over wounds, you can reduce the chances of the area becoming affected.
3. It Has A Calming Fragrance
Do you know that wonderful smell of freshly cut grass? That’s exactly how spikenard essential oil smells. The scent is so soothing that it’s often used in aromatherapy to treat headaches. If you have frequent headaches or migraines, taking a few whiffs of this oil can help you feel much better. Spikenard essential oil also calms the nerves and relieves stress. Put a few drops of it over your pillow for a good night’s sleep.
4. It Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation today is the big bad wolf we need to protect ourselves from. Most diseases can be traced back to an excess of inflammatory hormones circulating in the body. Inflammation is responsible for everything from acne to arthritis. Spikenard essential oil can be a valuable weapon in our arsenal to help us fight against inflammation. It can reduce symptoms of inflammation as well as tackle the root cause of it.
5. It’s A Natural Laxative
Blame it on the lack of fiber in our diet and our over dependence on processed food, but many of us today suffer from constipation. Apart from making you feel very uncomfortable, constipation has many more serious effects. Commercially sold laxatives get the job done, but they can also damage your intestinal walls and deplete your electrolytes. Spikenard essential oil is a much more natural alternative which is just as effective. It makes your bowel muscles contract, thereby stimulating bowel movement.
6. Reduces High Blood Pressure
Chronically high blood pressure erodes the walls of your arteries and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Spikenard essential oil can actually reduce your blood pressure levels dramatically. It acts as a vasodilator, which means it broadens your arteries, allowing blood to flow easier. The oil also alleviates stress which is the main reason behind high blood pressure. By controlling your stress levels, spikenard essential oil reduces blood pressure and improves your cardiac health.
7. It Treats Insomnia
Insomnia can make a person constantly fatigued, affects their mental health and puts them at risk for several other health conditions. If you want a good night’s sleep without the help of pills, spikenard essential oil can come in very useful. The oil calms down the nerves, reduces anxiety and brings the body into a state of tranquility. Insomnia can also arise due to digestive problems, which spikenard oil can reduce.
8. Protects The Uterus
Spikenard essential oil is especially important for women because it protects their reproductive organs. This oil was used from the time of ancient Ayurvedic medicine to cleanse the uterus and to make periods more regular. Modern studies have shown that spikenard essential oil can actually regulate estrogen and progesterone balance, which affects everything from your mood to your weight.
