Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is a earthy essential oil with a earthy, resinous aroma and a base note. Steam distillation from rhizome, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Vetiver, Frankincense (Carterii), Lavender. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is an earthy essential oil, steam-distilled from the rhizome, produced in Nepal and India. Its aroma is earthy, resinous, sitting as a base note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Vetiver, Frankincense (Carterii), Lavender, Patchouli. Keep topical use at or below 5%. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Earthy |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | rhizome |
| Origin | Nepal, India, China |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 4 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 15.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 years) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 6 GC-MS analyses (Nardostachys jatamansi).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Blends well with
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Frequently asked questions
What does Spikenard smell like?
Spikenard has a earthy, resinous aroma, classed as a earthy oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Spikenard?
For topical use, keep Spikenard at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Spikenard safe to use during pregnancy?
Spikenard carries a pregnancy caution in our dataset and is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Spikenard safe to use around children?
Spikenard is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Spikenard safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Spikenard blend well with?
Spikenard pairs well with Vetiver, Frankincense (Carterii), Lavender, Patchouli, Cedarwood (Atlas).