Health Benefits Of Jatamansi (Spikenard Muskroot)

Jatamansi (In Hindi) is a flowering plant from the Valerianaceae family. Jata means dreadlocks, and Mansi means human.

It is called Spikenard Muskroot or Nardin in English. It is native to India and widely grows in Himalayas mountain regions, China, and Nepal.

Jatamansi has been used in Ayurvedic medicinal systems for treating insomnia, hysteria, convulsion, and epilepsy by acting as a neuroprotective agent. 

This slow vanishing ayurvedic herb and its oil have been used for decades as medicine, perfume, and religious rituals.

The rhizome extracted from this herbal plant has tested for proving its medicinal effects and benefits on the human nervous system. 

The extract also boosts antidepressant actions and helps manage psychological disorders like anxiety, depression, memory loss, mental fatigue, and other panic disorders.

Below we have provided the detailed plant information, important facts, health benefits, and ayurveda qualities of Jatamansi (Spikenard Muskroot).

We have also given the proven case studies about medicinal properties of Jatamansi (Spikenard Muskroot).

Common Names of Jatamansi

• Botanical Name: Nardostachys Jatamansi
• English Name: Spikenard Muskroot/Nardin
• Tamil Name: ஜடாமஞ்சி / Jadamanji, Jatamamsi, shadamangie, takaram
• Malayalam Name: ജടാമാഞ്ചി / Jatamanji, Takaram, Manchi
• Telugu Name: జటామాంసి / Jatamansi
• Kannada Name: ಜಟಮಾನ್ಸಿ / Jatale, naati jatamaansi, nandu batlu, tagara
• Hindi Name: जटामासी / Jatamasi, balchhari, mansi, nihani, smak, sumaya, tagar
• Gujarati Name: જટામાંસી / Jatamansi
• Marathi Name: जटामांसी / Thagar mool
• Punjabi Name: ਬਿਲ੍ਲਿਲੋਟਾਂ/Billilotan, Balchhar, Chharguddi
• Bengali Name: জাতমানসি/Jātamānasi
• Urdu Name: سنبل ہندی ، بالچھڑ/Caṉpāl inti, pālccar

Medicinal Properties of Jatamansi

Jatamansi plant has medicinal properties similar to Bacopa Monnieri that includes anti-convulsive, anti-stress, and cognitive-enhancing properties. But, the scientific research on Jatamansi is continuing the process of revealing its medicinal benefits and values still. Jatamansi is an aromatic herb that provides a cooling effect on the body.

Below are the found medicinal properties of this herbal plant that are making it a powerful natural medicine.

• Neuroprotective
• Anti-stress
• Anti-depressant
• Anxiolytic
• Anti-cataleptic
• Anti-seizure (Anticonvulsant)
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-histaminic

• Antihypertensive
• Deodorant
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal (Jatamansi oil)
• Carminative
• Stomachic
• Heart Tonic
• Mild Diuretic (by exerting stimulant action on kidneys)
• Mild laxative

23 Health Benefits Of Jatamansi (Spikenard Muskroot)

1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Jatamansi or Spikenard Muskroot has various bioactive components such as jatamansone, jatamansin, jatamansinol, valeranone, β-sitosterol, calarene, elemol, and nardostachnol. All these healthy components of muskroot make it an ideal solution for mental health.

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammations are such reasons for various diseases and disorders such as heartaches, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. When our body fails to neutralize the free radicals, oxidative stress has developed. These free radicals are generated in your body via unhealthy external conditions such as toxins, pollution, tobacco, and alcohol. On the other hand, chronic inflammation can be caused by unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, and smoking. 

Fortunately, Jatamansi contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can neutralize free radicals and protect you from inflammation.

2. Benefits Haircare

Jatamansi roots are great for healthy hair growth. The roots soaked in sesame oil for the whole night and reduced in medium flame give you a processed medicinal oil that helps hair growth.

The rhizome extract from the Jatamansi plant is mainly used in ayurvedic hair oil that prevents gray hair. Animal studies have shown Nardin, and jatamansic acid present in the plant may help grow hair faster; it is found to be 30% acceleration in the time taken for regrowing hair in a study.

The jatamansi oil deeply penetrates hair follicles, strengthens roots of the hair, and helps the grow voluminous hair. Medicinal oil also controls dandruff. The oil makes the tresses silky and lustrous. 

Hair Fall & Premature Hair Whitening

Jatamansi processed with sesame oil will be helpful in hair fall and prevent premature hair whitening. Jatamansi is also used to blacken hair and make shiny and smooth hair. 

How to use Jatamansi Oil

Jatamansi Oil: 10ml

Sesame Oil: 40 ml

Apply this oil mixture in the head, hair roots, and places where you have white hair. Use it daily. For quick results, apply it before you sleep and leave it for the whole night. If daily usage is not possible, then apply it thrice a week.

Within two weeks, you will get better results for hair fall, and for hair whitening, it takes a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 months to show the best results.

3. Aids Sleep/Treats Insomnia

Scientifically, adults should have 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night. But, nowadays, most people struggle with sleep disturbances called Insomnia, which is a state where people don’t get proper sleep for many days.

Jatamansi is a natural cure for insomnia. It imposes a calming effect on the mind and body and prevents you from a sleepless night. Jatamansi root and Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi and Tagara combinations work great against insomnia by increasing the energy levels and reducing symptoms linked to sleep disorders like stress, anxiety, depression, and irritability.

With a low dosage of just 500mg twice a day regularly, Jatamansi improves sleep and reduces sleeping disorders. 

In Ayurveda medicine, jatamansi combined with other herbs are given to patients with a feeling of tiredness or low energy to help then have a good sleep.

4. Reduces Stress

Nowadays, even kids fall sick because of the depression they face in their life. Most of us fight against some depression regularly. Stress affects not only mental health but also affects physical health. It can cause migraines, headaches, backaches, ulcers, and acid reflux.

Jatamansi helps to get rid of stress and mental disorders due to stress.

In an animal study, mice are subjected to stress by exposing them to cold. The mice were consumed jatamansi extract, and the result showed that the extract inhibited gastric ulcer formation in mice. The changes in the biochemical marker of gastric ulcer also got inhibited by the extract. The plant also treated induced stress in the spleen, corticosterone levels, and adrenal weight. 

5. Protects Liver

Liver in our handle various critical operations such as toxin removal, energy-saving, and food digestion. It is the largest organ of a human body. 

Jatamansi is a few animal studies that proved that it could protect the liver from attacks due to harmful chemicals.

In another study, rats induced with lethal amounts of toxic chemicals to the liver were pre-treated with this herb have shown significant survival rate.

6. Boosts Learning And Memory

In Ayurveda medicine, jatamansi is used as a rejuvenating (Rasayana) and brain tonic (medhya). It improves memory power and learning ability. 

In a study, young mice induced by chemicals for amnesia have been treated with jatamansi showed improvement in memory power and learning skills in mice and treated amnesia even due to aging. 

In your brain, the herb facilitates cholinergic transmission to improve the memory. The transfer affects the acetylcholine function, a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator that is an important part of the brain for memory and learning.

Jatamansi acts as a therapeutic agent and helps memory loss people. The correct blend of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Brahmi(Bacopa Monnieri), and Vacha (Acorus Calamus) show a positive effect on people with mental stress.

7. Counters Neurodegenerative Diseases

Jatamansi has been used to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 

Parkinson’s disease: Oxidative stress is the primary reason for the growth of Parkinson’s disease. Antioxidant properties in Jatamansi might help counter this disease. 

Based on an animal study, rats treated with jatamansi extract reduced the neuronal injuries in them. Issues in locomotor activities and muscular coordination are also reduced with this herb extract when it is given to rats induced with drugs that develop Parkinson’s effects. 

On the other hand, few other research journals indicate that jatamansi can counter acetylcholinesterase. It is an enzyme that causes neurotransmitter acetylcholine breakdowns. The herb boosts acetylcholine and improves cognition by working as a cholinesterase-treating medicine used by people with Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Lowers High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is a slow poison that can induce health issues like stroke, heartaches, heart attack, and kidney failure. In the Siddha medicine system, jatamansi has been used to cure these conditions. 

An animal study tested this traditional use by feeding the jatamansi extract to subjects and found the herb reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

The antioxidant and diuretic properties of the herb are the reasons for this effect. Tajamansi may have been given as ACE-inhibiting drugs. ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) is a component of the RAS (Renin-angiotensin system) that is a hormonal system in a human body that helps balance in fluid and blood pressure. 

The cardioprotective benefits of the herb improve the heart functions and regulate heart rate. The herb is taken as a cardiac tonic. With the antioxidant properties, the herb inhibits oxidative injuries caused by cardiac tissues. The herb also enhanced lipid metabolism. 

It can regulate blood circulation in all conditions preventing proper blood circulation. In High Blood pressure and Low Blood Pressure, blood circulation matters. Jatamansi is used in both situations to normalize the blood flow. 

How to Use:

Natural herb powder of a few other herbs with jatamansi only provides effective results.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Jatamansi – 1 gram

Sarpagandha – 500 mg

Punarnava – 2 grams

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Jatamansi – 500 mg

Ashwagandha – 2 grams

Purified Kuchla – 65 mg

9. Controls Asthma Attacks

When someone is attacked by asthma, their airways and smooth muscle cells in the bronchi constrict become inflamed and swollen. 

Jatamansi showed its bronchodilatory effects in animal studies by dilating the bronchioles and bronchi, slowing down the resistance of respiratory airway, and regulating lung airflow. This herbal extract can also show antispasmodic effects that authorize bronchial spasms. It causes smooth muscles to control and regulate airflow.

10. Helps Treat Epilepsy And Seizures

Jatamansi contains anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. They act against cell damages due to oxidative stress. Animal studies showed that the herb is beneficial in treating and reducing seizures by giving the herb extract to subjects and then injecting seizure causing chemicals or electric shocks. 

Jatamansi reduces the seizure risks by increasing the GABA levels and by influencing excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission.

The herb helps to maintain proper balance in nervous system hormones and thus treats people who have epilepsy while preventing seizures.

In Ayurveda medicine, jatamansi root powder with other herbal powders used to treat epileptic patients and aid them from seizures.

How to use:

Jatamansi Root Powder – 1000 mg

Vacha – 500 mg

Abhrak Bhasma – 125 mg

This mixture mixed with honey or Brahmi juice is advised to take twice a day.

11. Helps Fight Depression

In traditional medicine, jatamansi is a necessary ingredient to be used in “mamsyadi kwatha” medicine, which cures depression. Besides, jatamansi, ashwagandha, and parasika yavani are also used in this medicinal formulation. The medicine injects calmness and serenity to depression patients.

Scientific research studies have shown that this herb increases the cerebral levels of GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid), a chemical. It reduces the depressing effects by increasing the monoamines levels in the brain.

Since ancient times, jatamansi has been used as a primary drug for treating depression. The hern reduces violent behaviors, aggressive thoughts, and self-destructive risks, which are the severe symptoms of depression. 

Those who have irritability, restlessness, frustration, outbursts due to anger, feeling energy-less, and sleep disorders can also take this herb as a medicine.

For Melancholic Depression

Hing and Loha Bhasma, along with Jatamansi, make the best medicine for Melancholic depression.

How to use:

Jatamansi Powder – 40 grams

Hing – 20 grams

Loha Bhasma – 10 grams

Consume this mixture for 2 to 3 months for better results.

12. Helps Treat Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. If it becomes swollen, it causes serious symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

Jatamansi’s abilities to prevent acute and mild pancreatitis have been proven in an animal study. The subjects treated with jatamansi reduce pancreas swelling and pancreatic enzyme leakages such as lipase and amylase in the blood. It also treated lung injuries due to pancreatitis.

13. Fight Against Cancer

Traditional medicine systems use jatamansi in the formulation to treat cancer. Modern scientific studies show the herb has anti-cancer properties. 

In a vitro study, they found that the herb induced cell death and inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells.

14. Improves Nerve Function & Mental Fatigue

Jatamansi root powder can regulate the nerve functions, reduce mental stress, and exhaustion by acting as a potent tonic. The herb is popular in ancient medicines for improving the nerve functions. Mental fatigue and mental stress are linked to each other. This powerful herb fights stress, improve cognitive performance and stamina, and reduces weakness in the nerve.

For mental fatigue, Jatamansi powder should be consumed in low doses, like 500 mg twice a day. It is enough and effective dosage for treating mental fatigue and relaxing the mind. Remember, you should take it in a low dosage regularly for an extended period and don’t think of having it in a high dosage for a short time.

Those who feel excessive mental exhaustion even after regular work can intake jatamansi powder with Ashwagandha and Yashtimadhu.

15. Dyskinesia & Catalepsy

Nardostachys Jatamansi may help treat Dyskinesia and Catalepsy. In an animal study, rats induced by reserpine were treated with jatamansi. They have shown a significant reversal in orofacial dyskinesia and catalepsy. The herb also prevented tongue protrusions and vacuous chewing movements.

16. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is linked to mental stress and depression. Studies show that people who struggled with CFS also have mental stress and depression. Jatamansi root powder and ashwagandha is a natural remedy for reducing stress associated with CFS. Antioxidants and anti-stress properties of these two herbs help combat oxidative stress due to CFS.

17. Treats Headache

According to the Ayurvedic medicine system, jatamansi effectively reduces the headache that comes with severe pain in the head, around eyes, near ears, and vertigo. These types of pains are divided as Headache with dominant Vata (Vataj Shiroshool in Ayurveda). Jatamansi is an ayurvedic choice for these conditions. The sensation of pressure or tightness in the forehead can be solved by having Vacha powder with jatamansi powder.

18. For Skin Glow

Jatamansi formulations have been used for improving the complexion of the skin; thus, a glowing and refreshing look is achieved. Jatamansi root powder mixed with water can be applied on the face and skin, which will improve the texture and tone of your skin.

19. Aids Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is a condition that refers to having a painful menstruation cycle. Jatamansi contains antispasmodic and poses emmenagogue properties that regulate menstrual flow and reduce menstruation pain. Take 500 mg of jatamansi powder mixed with water thrice a day or 10 ml of ark twice a day. The medicine should be taken from 2 to 3 months.

20. Cures Menopause

Menopause symptoms are a disturbance in sleep, adequate mood swings, memory loss, difficulty in memorizing and focusing, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, mental stress, dizziness, and irritability. Jatamansi can reduce all these symptoms and help in well-being.

Saraswatarishta is another herb that helps control menopause symptoms. The best combinations to use jatamansi for menopause is,

Jatamansi Powder – 500 mg

Shatavari – 500 mg

Swarna Makshik Bhasma – 125 mg

Mukta Pishti – 125 mg

Abhrak Bhasma – 25 mg

This mixture of powerful herbs alleviates menopause symptoms.

21. Treats Fever w/ Burning Sensation

In some fever and infections, people feel burning sensation, restlessness, and fatigue. As jatamansi have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fatigue properties, it is helpful when used with Praval Pishti.

22. Cures Intestinal Gas & Abdominal Pain

Jatamansi contains powerful antispasmodic and lenient carminative properties that help lower abdominal pain and release gas. For these conditions, jatamansi is used with Elaichi and Dalchini.

23. Glycosuria (Sugar in Urine)

In traditional ayurvedic medicine, jatamansi has been used to lower the discharge of glucose into the urine. Jatamansi used Chandraprabha Vati to induce regular kidney functions and put back the usual renal threshold. If you are sure that changing blood glucose in the urine is the primary reason for glucose (sugar) in the urine, you should start taking anti-diabetic medicines properly.

General Information about Jatamansi (Spikenard Muskroot)

Nardostachys Jatamansi or Spikenard Muskroot is a flowering herbal plant that is commonly grown in parts of India, China, and Tibet. It is a perennial herb with medicinal properties and aromatic characteristics.

Plant Type: Jatamansi or Nardin is a flowering plant that lies in the Valerian family. The plant is commonly found in various mountain ranges of the Himalayas.

Native Place: Jatamansi or Spikenard Muskroot widely grows in the Eastern and Central Himalayas, Kumaon Himalayas, and Indo-Chino Himalayan regions. The plant has also grown in the Himalayan belt that goes to Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan.

Height: The maximum height Jatamansi plant can grow is up to 1 meter.

Habitat: Jatamansi grows with 3000 to 5000 meters of altitude.

Flowers: Flowers of Jatamansi plant are pink in color and have a bell shape.

Medicinal Parts of Jatamansi

Jatamansi roots and its dried rhizome are mainly used medicinal parts of this plant. The basal leaves of Jatamansi are used in traditional and ayurvedic herbal medicine formulations.

The rhizome of Jatamansi is processed to extract oil by pressing and distilling. The rhizome extract will produce a thick essential herbal oil that has a deep amber color.

The Jatamansi essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sedative, and deodorant properties.

This herbal oil is used in various Ayurvedic medicine formulations, making body perfumes and incense sticks used in religious rituals.

Jatamansi root is powdered and used as a natural remedy to boost memory, relax the mind, and soothing effects.

Jatamansi is an aromatic herb with a cooling effect. The herb is added in traditional remedies for psychological disorders like anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental disorders.

Ayurvedic Benefits of Jatamansi (Spikenard Muskroot)

Asranashini – Jatamansi has a mildly bitter taste and high pitta balancing abilities. Because of these properties, the herb is highly used to purify the blood. So, helpful in treating skin diseases.

Medhya – The neuroprotective properties of Jatamansi are useful in improving brain functions.

Kantiprada – Jatamansi root powder has been used to improve the complexion of skin and luster. It also gives a natural glow to your skin.

Balaprada – The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Jatamansi help improve immune power and strength.

Dahanut – Anti-inflammatory properties of Jatamansi help balance pitta; thus, it offers better relief from burning sensations.

Visarpakushtanut – Jatamansi root has traditionally been added in the medicinal formulation to treat herpes and skin diseases.

Bhutada Aghni – Jatamansi can improve nervous functions, brain health, and cure various psychiatric conditions due to stress, and depression.

Modakrut – Jatamansi has anti-depressant activities. It imposes a calming effect on your body and mind and reduces depression, stress, and other disorders that pressure your mind.

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Ayurvedic Medicinal Qualities of Jatamansi

Guna (Quality)	Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Oily or Unctuous)
Rasa (Taste)	Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet), and Kashaya (Astringent)
Vipaka (Result)	Katu (Pungent)
Veerya (Potency)	Sheeta (Cold)
Prabhava (Action)	Bhutaghna, Anti-stress, and Manasadoshahara (Neuropsychiatric)
Tridosha Karma	Good balance of tridoshas but works great on Kapha and Pitta.
Dhatu (Tissue)	Rasa and Rakta
Effect on Organs	Skin, Heart, Brain, Nerve, Intestine, Kidney, Uterus
Mainly For	Stress, depression, and Mood Swings

Major Chemical Constituents of Jatamansi

Jatamansi roots are a natural source to be used in aromatic essential oils. The oil extracted from the herb is called Spikenard oil or Nard oil. The chemical constituents and components of Jatamansi have been tested in many studies. Let’s check the compounds of this herbal plant.

• Aristolen-9Beta-OL
• Acaciin
• Octacosanol
• Ursolie Acid
• Kanshone A
• Nardosinonediol
• Nardosinone
• Oleanolic Acid
• Beta-Sitosterol

The rhizome of jatamansi contains the following components.

• Nardal
• Jatamansic Acid
• Jatamol A And B
• Nardin A And Nardin B
• Neolignans (Unidentified)
• Taraxerone
• Ursolic Acid
• Spirojatamol
• Nardostachysin (Terpenoid)

• Valeranone
• Valerenic Acid
• Valepotriates
• Ferulic Acid
• Protocatechuic Acid
• Chlorogenic Acid
• Syringic Acid
• Aromadendrene

Dosage of Jatamansi

Jatamansi root powder, Jatamansi oil, and Jatamansi extract are used for traditional therapy uses.

Dosage of Jatamansi Root Powder

Children – 15 to 60 mg/kg Body Weight

Adults – 1000 mg to 3000 mg

Maximum Dosage – 6 grams/day (As divided doses)

Consumption – Take twice a day with water, honey, or ghee.

Time – 2 hours before sleep or after food.

Dosage of Jatamansi Root Extract

Based on studies on rodents using Jatamansi root extract, the dosage of 250 to 500mg of extract per kg body weight showed positive results. From these studies, they have estimated the dosage of jatamansi extract for humans should be 40 mg to 80 mg per kg body weight.

However, this estimated dosage is considered to be high for humans. The Ayurveda medicine system does not allow this dosage. If a person weighs 60 kg, then based on the estimation, the dosage will be 2.4 – 4.8 grams. It is a significantly very high dosage. This dosage may be susceptible to root powder but not for extract.

Children – 4 to 8 mg/kg body weight

Adults – 250 mg to 500 mg

Maximum Dosage – 1500 mg/day (As divided doses)

Consumption – Take twice a day with water, honey, or ghee.

Time –  2 hours before sleep or after food.

Dosage of Jatamansi Decoction

Medically, Jatamansi decoction is not a potent medicine as it loses various medicinal and aromatic compounds during the preparation of decoction. If you recommend using decoction, prepare it using 10 grams coarse herb powder with 240 ml water. Reduce it to 60 ml.

Adults – 30 to 60 ml processed with 10 grams of Jatamansi powder

Maximum Dosage – 120 ml/day (As divided doses)

Consumption – Take twice a day.

Time – 30 minutes before food.

Dosage of Jatamansi Oil

Nard oil or Jatamansi oil used as a deodorant and topical medicine. The essential oil is recommended for inter use that is for oral consumption very rarely. If you are advised to take in internally, then follow the below dosage levels.

Adults – 1 to 5 drops

Maximum Dosage – 10 drops/day (As divided doses)

Consumption – Drink twice a day mixed with warm milk or water.

Time – Right after food.

Dosage for Cold Infusion

Take 48 g Jatamansi powder, mix it in 384 ml cold water, and leave it for 12 hours or overnight. 

Strain and drink it in the dosage of 96 ml.

The preparation should be made every day, and drink should be fresh. Instead of using 48 grams, use 24 grams jatamansi powder in 192 ml cold water and drink it after leaving it overnight.

The obtained drink in the morning can be consumed twice a day (in divided doses).

Dosage for Hot Infusion

Take 4 g Jatamansi powder and mix it with 240 ml hot water. Left the liquid overnight with a cover.

Filter and drink in the morning. Follow the same procedure for evening intake.

Side Effects of Jatamansi

All forms of Jatamansi preparations are non-toxic and safe if you consume in a proper dosage that is time tested and recommended in Ayurveda or your healthcare professional.

Jatamansi can cause a few side effects when the dosage is high; for example, it is not safe to have more than 8 grams of jatamansi per day. If you do so, it will cause,

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Unusual Urination
• Loose stools
• Abdominal Cramps
• Dizziness
• Mood Swings
• Irritability
• Over Sleepiness

There are some cases where people are affected by these side effects with low dosage. If you are prone to have diarrhea or loose stools, even due to little changes in food or diet should start consuming jatamansi powder in a very low dosage that is 250 mg twice a day. The maximum dosage for these people should not exceed 1.25 to 2.5 grams per day.

Those who have below health conditions and history recommended avoiding this herb. If you are approved to have this herb, start taking it only after consultation with your doctor.

• People who have Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reactions
• While Pregnancy and Breastfeeding