Nardostachys grandiflora

Nardostachys grandiflora DC.
Nardostachys gracilis Kitam., N. jatamansi DC.,
Family : Valerianaceae
Vernacular names : Pang poe, Dak poe (Am,
Km); Bhulte, Bhutle (Dn);
Jatamansi (Np, Sn).
Common names : Spikenard, Musk root.
Habitat & distribution : Rocks, open slopes,
scrubs, forests; 3200-5300 m, WCE Nepal. Distributed
in the Himalaya (Uttar Pradesh to Bhutan), W China.
Locally found in Jagdulla, Dokpa, Kagmara, Pungmo,
Majphal areas.
Diagnostic characters : Perennial herb with thick
aromatic rhizome covered by reddish brown fibres.
Leaves basal, elliptic-lanceolate to spathulate, sessile.
Flowers rosy, pale pink or white, in dense terminal
cymes. Fruits obovate, 1-seeded.
Occurrence : Common.
Flowering & fruiting : Jun.-Aug. (fl), Jul.-Sep. (fr).
Parts used : Rhizomes & leaves.
Taste/Potency : Sweet (ngar) & bitter
(kha)/Cool (sil).
Use : Rhizomes are used for
wounds, cough, cold, chronic fever, fever due to
poisoning, spleen disease, intestinal parasites, high
blood pressure, tumours, stomach diseases and
swellings. Leaves are used for high altitude sickness,
headache, fever and wounds. Rhizomes are highly
used for incense.
Toxicity : Non-toxic.
Mode of use : Used with other herbs.
Chief constituents : Rhizome yields volatile
oil, containining jatamansone, seychellene, norsey-
chelanone, jatamansic acid, nardostachone, etc.
Harvesting : Leaves are collected
during Jul.-Aug. and rhizomes during Sep.-Oct.
National status : Vulnerable (IUCN), CITES
Appendix II, HMG Nepal protection 2 (banned for
export outside the country in unprocessed form).
Local status : Highly vulnerable. Threat
is due to unsustainable harvesting for trade.
Major documentation : Arya (1998), Chophel
(1993), CSIR (1986), Dawa (1993), HMG (1970,
2001), IUCN (2000), Joshi and Joshi (2001), Pohle
(1990), Rajbhandari (2001).