spikenard

An aromatic perennial herb (Nardostachys grandiflora) of the Himalaya Mountains, having rose-purple flowers.

An ointment of antiquity, probably prepared from this plant.

Any of several plants of the genus Aralia, especially the North American species A. racemosa, having small greenish flowers, aromatic roots, and bipinnately compound leaves.

A plant, the source of a famous perfumed unguent of the ancients, now believed to be Nardostachys Jatamansi, closely allied to valerian, found in the Himalayan region.

An aromatic ointment of ancient times, in which spikenard was the characteristic ingredient; nard. It was extremely costly.

A name given to various fragrant essential oils.

An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India.

A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.

A perfumed ointment.

The plant, Nardostachys jatamans, from which the ointment comes.