plant

Spikenard

Nature

The named Nardostachys incense-root of Gospel anointing and Himalayan perfume trade. Not lavender as the Lots calm scent, and not nard as a vague perfume word alone.

Also known as Nard · Nardostachys · Jatamansi

  • Spikenard is used in Medicine.

    Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica lists nard / spikenard (νάρδος) among prized aromatic roots compounded into ointments and warming drugs. A named spikenard in that handbook, not Gospel anointing narrative as this sentence and not lavender as a later scent substitute.

    from Pedanius Dioscorides · De Materia Medica, 1st century CE

    used in · sourced · documented

Hellenic religion

  • Spikenard appears in Hellenic religion.

    Ovid’s Metamorphoses Book 15 names nard among the spices the phoenix gathers for its pyre. A named spikenard in that poem, not cinnamon as the same spice and not myrrh as resin alone.

    from Ovid · Metamorphoses, 8 CE

    appears in · sourced · documented

sources