Jatamansi or Nardostachys or Spikenard for Stress, Anxiety, Depression relief

The root of the plant Nardostachys or Spikenard resemble the tangled hair of an ascetic in India, hence the plant is named Jatamansi. The root and rhizome are used. It is used in India as an anti-epileptic, hypotensive, analgesic, and antiemetic, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti anxiety herb and for stress relief.

Some know therapeutic values of Jatamansi as per Ayurvedic Doctors in India are for, high blood pressure, stress & strain related problems, menopausal problems in case of women, as a coolant and an analgesic.

Benefits:
- Can be used internally or externally
- Imparts a sense of calm and peace to mind.
- Jatamansi is considered as one of the best herbs for treating epilepsy.
- Internally, it is used to improve digestion, hepatitis and enlargement of liver.
- Useful in menstrual problems, and to relieve, anxiety , depression , irritation related to menopause.
- Excellent remedy for epilepsy, as it has a calm and soothing effect on the mind.
- Works as a tranquilizer and a mild sedative; useful in high blood pressure.
- As per Ayurveda , it is one of the Medhya Rasayans (rejuvenates the brain tissues).

The Rhizome and roots of Nardostachys Jatamansi are used as an anti-stress agent in Ayurveda and also marked as an anti-convulsion herb.

Nardostachys Jatamansi contains biologically active compounds. All its parts, including root and rhizome, have beneficial properties. Jatamansone is the principle compound obtained from the Rhizomes.

Herbal products that contain Nardostachys Jatamansi along with Ashwagandha and Bacopa, have a synergistic effect to relieve nervousness, irritability, and are also effective in relieving the problems of stress, strain, support healthy mood levels and help in memory retention.

References:
Jatamansone has the following biological activities. Tranquilizing, reducing aggressiveness, and an anticonvulsant. The extract of the Rhizome of Nardostachys Jatamansi has anti-fungal effect. Ref. Amin, MG, Dixit, Y.B. and Pathak J.D. Reaction time studies in relation to an indigeneous drug Nardostachy- Jatamansi, Antiseptic 58, 1961,565
Entire plant can act as an analgesic, give relief from insomnia and irritability, and can act as an antiseptic. Ref. 1. Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia volume I, A Joint publication of the Regional Research Lab. Jammu – Tan (C.S.I.R.) 99. 2. Sajid, T.M. Phytotheraphy Research, 10, 1996, 178
Biological activity of Root of Jatamansi ----Anti-anxiety, Sedative, Hypertensive, Anti-bacterial, Brain – Tonic, Epilepsy, Hysteria- Ref. 1. Kapoor, L.D. Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, CRC press, Boca Raton, London, New-York, Washington DC, 239-240. 2. Indian Material Medica by Nadkarni. 3. Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol 2, No. 8 (2009) – V.M. Jadhav. Herbal anxiolyte – Nardostachys Jatamansi . J Pronline info/article/view/20-cached
Nardostachys Jatamansi protects against liver damage induced by thioacetamide in rats. Ref. J.Ethnopharmacol 2000 Aug. 71 (3) 359-63. Ali S, Ansari K.A., Jatry MA, Kabeer H, Diwakar G. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of science, Hamdard University – 110062, New Delhi, India.

The herb counteracts the effect of mental stress and anxiety disorder by its tranquillizing action.Ref. Handa SS, 1994, Pharma Times, v 26(3), 17-25, Kuppurajan K et.al, 1992, J of Res in Ayur and Siddha, v 13 (3-4), 107-116.
Nardostachys Jatamansi has been identified as an amylase activator. Vijaya S and Vasudevan TN, 1994, effect of some medicinal plants on activity of digestive enzymes ,Indian Drugs, v 31(5) 215 – 216

Dr. Veena Deo, B.A.M.S. (M.D.)

Dr. Veena Deo is an Ayurvedic Doctor in India. All the information provided above and opinions expressed above are her own and should not be construed as medical advice. This information is provided for educational purposes only.