Scent Travel Report Nepal
Spikenard
Responsible harvesting for future generations
Fragrant plants: Spikenard
Growing region: Nepal
Cultivation partner since: 2023
Special feature: In the heart of the Himalayas, at an impressive altitude of 3,700 to 5,000 meters, thrives one of the most valuable plants in Nepalese medicine: spikenard (Nardostychys grandiflora), also known as jatamansi. The responsible and sustainable harvesting of this organically certified treasure is essential to protect the populations of this endangered plant.
Protecting spikenard requires a holistic approach: In addition to sustainable wild harvesting, the project collaborates with local NGOs to develop economic diversification programs for the harvesting community – an important step to secure the long-term livelihoods of the people alongside the protection of spikenard stocks.
The spikenard harvest takes place annually between mid-October and mid-November, when the plant has withered its flowers and leaves and is hidden in the meadows and rocky foothills of the Himalayan region. Only when the leaves turn yellow and fall to the ground does the careful manual collection of the rhizomes begin. Using simple spades, the collectors—both women and men—dig the fragrant roots from the alpine meadows, rocks, and open coniferous forests.
The traditional processing of spikenard
After harvesting, a multi-stage process begins: The fresh rhizomes are cleaned and dried directly at the collection points. They are then transported to the villages, where the roots are dried again in the sun, cleaned once more, and packed into sacks. This elaborate, traditional processing ensures that the quality of the raw material is preserved.
Interestingly, the distillation of precious spikenard oil is exclusively reserved for men. The distillation process itself lasts 24 to 28 hours and is carried out directly without further drying. A still is heated with firewood to generate the necessary steam to extract the essential oil from the rhizomes.
Sustainability and social responsibility
Protecting spikenard requires a holistic approach: In addition to sustainable wild harvesting, the project collaborates with local NGOs to develop economic diversification programs for the harvesting community – an important step to secure the long-term livelihoods of the people alongside the protection of spikenard stocks.
Narde – a fragrance with history and effect
Even in antiquity, the rhizome of spikenard was prized and exported as far as the Mediterranean. It is mentioned in the Bible when Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with precious spikenard oil. The scent of the essential oil is earthy, woody, spicy, and sweet – with hints of valerian and patchouli. Spikenard is considered a balm for the soul, helping with inner tension, irritability, and sleep problems, and is used in psychiatric aromatherapy as well as in meditation and skincare.
A precious treasure that demands respect
Given the endangered status of spikenard, it is all the more important to source spikenard essential oil only from certified, sustainable sources and to use it consciously.
