Nardostachys jatamansi

Nard (lat. Nardus) is a herbaceous plant of the Valerianaceae family, as well as aromatic resin and essential oil. The present or fragrant backgammon is an ancient cosmetic and medicinal product from the Indian odorous plant Jatamansi (lat. Nardostachys jatamansi). Translated from English is called “musky root.”

It grows in the Himalayas (at altitudes of 3500–5500 m), China, India and Nepal.

Collect rhizomes – Rhizomata Nardi, which contain essential oil.

The plant reaches a height of 1 m and above, has pink or blue bell-shaped flowers, large oval pointed leaves and a powerful stem, branched rhizome, similar to tangled hair of an ascetic – hence the name “jatamansi”.

The roots contain a dense and aromatic resin rich in fiber.

It is cultivated in a small amount in India, China, Japan.

Nard has been familiar to the ancient Israelites since the time of Solomon. In the above Bible passages, backgammon is mentioned along with saffron, calamus and cinnamon. Due to the remoteness of the main supplier, India, it was very expensive. Nard in a mixture with other substances was brought, including from Asia Minor, in alabaster vessels in the form of backgammon water, oil or ointment. Pure backgammon ointment was the most expensive.

Indian Nard is a close relative of Valerian officinalis and Indian Valerian and has similar properties.

From the fleshy roots and the lower part of the stem of the Indian backgammon, the method of steam distillation gives an essential oil that is very dense, with a heavy, sweet, woody and spicy aroma reminiscent of ginger, valerian, cardamom, cedar and has healing properties. The color of the oil varies from pale yellow to dark amber. Backgammon oil was used as incense in perfumery and medicine.

In Ayurvedic, Chinese and Tibetan medicine, jatamansi oil has been used since ancient times as a nervous tonic and sedative to treat insomnia. In addition, the Indian backgammon continues to be part of the incense, which are used in religious rituals and at the same time have a therapeutic effect. In Western medicine, backgammon is not as popular as its valerian relatives. Commonly used as a substitute for valerian.

Chemical composition

From jatamansi roots, 0.5% of essential oil, viscous resin, sugar, starch, bitter extract are obtained. Backgammon oil contains ketone, nardostachon, coumarins, lipole, jatamansin, jatamanson, which is equivalent to valerianon. Like valerian oil, backgammon oil is non-toxic.

According to Ayurveda, jatamansi has bitter, viscous and sweet tastes, a sweet aftertaste and a cooling effect. Balances all three doshas, especially kapha and pitta.

Indian backgammon has antioxidant, anti-aging, sedative, analgesic, tonic, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cooling, expectorant, wound healing, softening, whitening properties.

The medicinal properties of Backgammon are used in the following cases:

as a sedative, calming effect on internal organs;
with impaired brain function, restores consciousness, clarity of mind, improves memory, like a tonic for the brain;
with disorders of the nervous system, for the treatment of diseases that have psychological roots, heals hysteria, gives peace, relieves stress, overstrain;
as a highly effective remedy for epilepsy;
with headaches and dizziness;
for the treatment of skin diseases, rashes, inflammations, allergies, fungi, a highly effective treatment for acne (acne);
with inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder, improves the quality of urine;
with violations of the menstrual cycle and inflammation of the uterus, to relieve pain during menstruation, with menopause;
with digestive disorders, improves digestion and appetite;
with hepatitis and an enlarged liver;
to improve circulation and heart function;
with asthma, asphyxiating cough, as emollient and expectorant;
as a nourishing tonic for the body;
as an aphrodisiac, a hormonal stimulant for men;
to relieve tumors, pain, burning;
to facilitate childbirth;
as a deodorant for the skin.

It is part of Sobereks ultra.