Jatamansi (Spikenard): Uses, Benefits and Precautions

Jatamansi: Derived from the Sanskrit word, Jata, which somewhere indicates the deadlock of Lord Shiva and Mansi means human mind. Together, this herb's name reflects something that is good for mental wellbeing.

What is Jatamansi?

An antistress herb, Jatamansi, grown in the Himalayas, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, is a perennial, hairy, short, endangered and herbaceous known plant species. Popular as Tapaswani, this Ayurvedic herb is known to arrest any cell damage with its antioxidant feature. Jatamansi might function in the favour of the brain or memory. People claim it works well in managing anxiety. Ayurveda has a lot to say when it comes to Jatamansi benefits. Its oily or Snigdha nature might play an important role in keeping your skin young and wrinkle free. Its role in wound healing has been seen back in ancient times. As per Ayurveda, a Jatamansi plant parts paste was used on the soldier's wound so that it could heal early.

History of Jatamansi

In the ancient books, Jatamansi was mentioned in several Ayurvedic scriptures and even in the Bible. You may find it being referred to as precious oil, symbolizing devotion.

Different Forms in Which Jatamansi Can Be Taken

People generally consume Jatamansi with honey as a sweetener a minimum of once or twice a day to ensure their memory might remain sharp. Some prefer taking it in capsule or tablet forms. People are also using Jatamansi oil, which might help to overcome skin infections. This oil might help your skin to control ageing. Various other ways in which this plant based Spikenard can be used are as follows:

• Nardostachys Jatamansi oil, when applied on the skin, might help to negotiate with any skin infections with its antifungal properties.
• Jatamansi oil might also help your skin prevent ageing with its antioxidant properties.
• The benefits of Jatamansi for hair are commendable. It might help in increasing hair length and volume.
• Jatamansi root paste is known to strengthen hair growth and strength when applied on a regular basis.

Always consult your doctor first. No matter how effective a herb can be, how it will react to your body solely depends on several factors your doctor can decide. Start anything new only when your doctor gives you a green signal.

Different Names of Jatamansi

Jatamansi is known by different names at different places and beliefs behind it. People call it as Balchara, Jata, Tapaswani, Jatila, Billilotan, Kalichad, Jatamanji, Balchhar, Bhytajata, Mamsi, Nardus root, Baalchad, Jatamangshi, Bhootajata, Bhutijata, Muskroot, Manchi, Jatamanchi, Sumbul-ut-teeb, Nardostachys Jatamansi, Indian Nard, Chharguddi and Ganagila Maste.

Benefits of Jatamansi To Enjoy

Might Help With Mental Wellbeing

Even in Ayurveda, it is mentioned that Jatamansi added relief to those who were overburdened with thoughts and emotions. Ayurveda says Vata directly rules the nervous system and the body's movement and action. Anxiety is experienced when Vata level imbalances and Jatamansi balances this as it has a Tridosha balancing feature.

Might Help with Wound Healing

It might quickly help to heal the wound and reduce the swelling. It might also be the right choice to bring the regular skin back after the wound starts healing. Mix it with coconut oil, and it might reduce the inflammation to a great extent. It happens due to the Sita and Ropan properties it holds.

How to Apply?

• Take a few drops of Jatamansi oil as suggested by an Ayurveda doctor
• Mix one or sometimes two teaspoons of coconut oil in it.
• Use it on the affected area and see how quickly the wound heals.

Might Keep Your Skin Young

No one wants to get moisture-less, ageing skin, and it is believed Ayurveda has all the solutions. Jatamansi has an aggravated Vata feature in it, and when it is used in the oil form, it provides rare lost moisture to it and makes it young like never before. The oily or Snigdha nature of this oil helps to make your skin glowing and smooth like never before.

How To Apply?

• Use a maximum of 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil.
• Use it at least once or maximum twice on your skin daily and see your skin glowing and young in no time.

Might Help With Hair Care

Hair fall and growing weak hair roots are common problems in today's stressed and polluted world. Applying Jatamansi oil, mixed with coconut oil, may control hair loss to a great extent. It might also help by promoting hair growth. You need to apply it directly on the scalp for better results. Hair fall often occurs due to Vata dosha. This oil balances Tridosha-Pitta, Kapha and Vata dosha. It removes the unwanted scalp and hair dryness. It might be a good help while dealing with dandruff and early hair greying.

Apply it in a similar way as you applied it in other cases. Mix it with coconut oil to the affected area and see the results.

Might Help With Better Sleep

Sleep issues are common in today's stressful world, and this herb comes to the rescue. Sleep issues occur due to Vata dosha, as it directly affects the nervous system. This herb, like several ayurvedic immunity boosters, calms the nervous system and helps in better sleep.

Might Help With Better Memory

Somewhere, we all complain about forgetting things with time. In today's busy and stressful world, partial memory loss from time to time is common. People tend to forget things quickly. As Vata controls the nervous system, any imbalances lead to poor or weak memory. It might help to enhance memory because of the Tridosa property it possesses.

Who Can Take Jatamansi?

A herb with so many qualities should not be restricted to one but should be made available to all. Still, some people who are oversensitive or are facing some special stages of life should take a break from it.

• First and foremost, one should never forget to visit their doctor before starting with anything in their routine.
• People who are on special medication should visit their doctor first before starting with anything new.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding females should avoid anything new during this critical time.
• People suffering from chronic diseases should not try anything without being completely sure.

Jatamansi- Short Plant with Big Benefits

Jatamansi or Spikenard, as said in English, has been used in incense, perfume, medicines, oils and many other things. It also had a role to play in several religious practices, especially in the rituals in the Himalayan area. Jatamansi brings the healthy you out with ease if taken after consulting your health practitioner!