Spikenard, also called nard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil derived from Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India.

What was spikenard used for in the Bible?

It was used as an incense offering by the Hebrews in the Jerusalem Temple. In Old Testament times pungent perfumes and oils were used to prepare a body for burial, which was why the act of anointing Jesus' head with spikenard prior to His crucifixion was highly symbolic.

What is spikenard Good For?

People take American spikenard for colds, chronic coughs, asthma, and arthritis. It is also used to loosen chest congestion, boost tissue regrowth, and promote sweating. Some people apply American spikenard directly to the skin as an alternative to sarsaparilla for treating skin diseases.