Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is a small, dwarf, hairy, perennial, rhizomatous plant which is mostly cultivated in high altitude areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Moreover, it is widely distributed in the subalpine to alpine areas of India, Pakistan, Nepal, China and Yunan. Jatamansi is commonly called as ‘Indian nard’ or ‘Spikenard. The rhizomes and roots of jatamansi are mainly used as a drug. In Ayurveda, the rhizomes of the jatamansi are utilized mostly as an anticonvulsant and anti-stress agent. The essential oil extracted from the rhizomes part of the jatamansi is widely utilized in the market for hair treatment. The herb is found to have antimicrobial, antifungal, hypotensive, anti-arrhythmic and anticonvulsant activity. The herb is critically endangered as per Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Jatamansi has been mentioned in many ancient literatures and scriptures of importance. It is known to be the Eleventh Herbs utilized for the incense in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This herb has been mentioned twice in the biblical love poem, the ‘Song of Solomon. It is also mentioned that the plant jatamansi is used by Mary to anoint Jesus’s feet. The herb was also utilized as a seasonal cuisine in Medieval Europe.
Jatamansi was found in India since 800 B.C. for the treatment of various ailments like hysteria, cholera, palpitations, epilepsy and convulsive disorder. It is traditionally known as “Jatamansi” and “Bhootkeshi” because of the hair (Jata) like structure of rhizomes. There are various herbal formulations and nutraceuticals made for the treatment of neurological disorders like epilepsy, hysteria, syncope, convulsions and mental weakness. According to Ayurveda, Jatamansi is considered as Sangyasthapaka and Manasdoshhar (psychotropic) drug. Jatamansi also acts as Rasayana (Rejuvenative to the mind), Nidrajanana (Promotes sleep), Manasrogaghna (Alleviates mental diseases), Pachana (Digestive), Kasa-shwasahara (Alleviates upper respiratory disorders) Daha prashamana (Stops burning sensation), Varnya (Benefits complexion) and Roma sanjanana (Promotes hair growth). It is used in nervous headache, cerebral ischemia, liver damage, hypertension, heart diseases, excitement, menopausal symptoms, flatulence, epilepsy and intestinal colic etc. The drug exhibits hepato-protective activity, antifungal and antibacterial activity, cardio protective activity, hypolipidemic activity, antidepressant activity, antioxidant, neuro-protective activity and stress relieving activity, antiparkinson activity, anticonvulsant activity, antihyperglycemic effect/ antidiabetic activity, effect on estrogen and hair growth, nootropic activity, anticancer activity and radioprotective activities. Jatamansi is also used as a memory enhancer and as an anti-oxidant drug with less neurotoxicity.
Jatamansi oil formulation is highly beneficial for smooth and healthy hair. This oil has antifungal properties. anti-Alzheimer’s, anti-Parkinson, hepato-protective, cardio protective, anti-diabetic, antioxidant etc. Rhizome and roots are the active part of the plant. The roots and rhizomes of Jatamansi have been used to treat hysteria, syncope epilepsy, and mental weakness. Jatamansi oil in combination with cold water, is effective against nausea, stomach ache, liver problems, kidney complaints, insomnia and headache. Externally, the oil is used to treat uterine inflammation as added to steam bath and also used in eye compounds, atrial flutter and as poison antidotes. The rhizome of jatamansi is used as an aromatic adjunct in the preparation of medicinal oils, to promote hair growth and blackness. The roots of the herb is used in the preparation of an essential oil found to have fungi toxic activity, antimicrobial, antifungal, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant activity.
