Jatamansi — Spikenard

Ayurvedic herb Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) — Spikenard. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Tikta, Virya Sheeta, Vipaka Madhura. Balances Vata, Pitta.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Calms the mind, supports mental clarity, and acts as a nervine tonic.

ⓘ Information
PropertyValueDescription
RasaTiktaTikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
GunaLaghu, SnigdhaLaghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness; Snigdha (Oily/Unctuous) — moistening, nourishing
ViryaSheetaSheeta (Cold) — cooling, decreases Pitta and inflammation
VipakaMadhuraMadhura (Sweet) — post-digestive sweet, nourishing
PrabhavaMedhya, rasayan, ShoolaghnaMedhya — intellect-promoting, enhances cognition; Rasayana — rejuvenative, promotes longevity and immunity; Shoolaghna — analgesic, relieves pain

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Jatamansi is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Tapaswini, Vilomasa, Bhutajata, Naladi

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Jatamansi are: moola.

Main Indications

Jatamansi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Unmada, Apasmara, Anidra, Manasa Roga.

Dosha Effects

Jatamansi pacifies Vata, Pitta.

It may aggravate Kapha when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Jatamansi is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH

Rasa (Taste)Tikta, Kaṣ¡ya
Guna (Quality)Laghu
Virya (Potency)śita
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Kauu 87
Karma (Action)Tridoṣanut, Medhya, Varḍya, Nidr¡janana, Kuṣuhaghna
Dose2-3 g of the drug in powder form /par5-10 g of the drug for decoction
Therapeutic Uses: Kuṣuha, D¡ha, Visarpa, M¡nasaroga, Anidr¡
Important Formulations: Jau¡m¡ṇsyarka
Botanical Name: Nardostachys jatamansi (Valerianaceae)
Part Used: Rz.