Spikenard essential oil comes from the Valerianaceae family, the same one from which we get Valerian. Both have calming and sedative properties and Spikenard is also anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, deodorant, fungicidal, laxative, sedative and tonic. It is known to be non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

Spikenard has been part of the Ayurvedic herbal tradition of India for centuries and was considered a luxury in ancient Egypt and the Near East. In Rome, it was the main ingredient of the perfume nardinum and was used as a common flavoring in Roman foods, where it appeared in recipe books from the late 4th or early 5th century AD.