https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/50126627/50131395, Rufford Foundation. Birkmayer, Florian, MD. It is also worth noting that spikenard has recently been classified as an endangered species due to … Choose a sustainability-minded supplier that legally sources its plants. As the demand for essential oils continues to increase, so does the demand for the plants from which they come, and for several plants, this demand has led to extreme overharvesting and potential extinction. Thus, the population of this species is declining very fast in the natural habitat. $19.75 - $81.00. There also aren’t any known medical conditions that would exclude you from using the essential oil. Spikenard promotes clean, h… Dandruff 4. The plant and its oil have been used since ancient times in traditional medicines, and the oil, derived from its woody rhizomes, is used as a perfume and in religious ceremonies. Update: Spikenard is now on the endangered species list, and is illegal to import into the United States. Depression 5. Multiple species are listed as endangered or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (1). Anyways, hope you see this -very rarely engage in such reply, but for once i knew something that could be of use :), Jah. Because of its popularity, spikenard is now endangered and its trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as CITES). It is a reputed Ayurvedic herb and used in various multiple formulations. We do our best to care for and protect the plants from which we get out oils. Dandruff 4. Athlete's foot 2. However, we also recognize our responsibility to care for the earth that provides these incredible plants. We understand that there are likely many who will continue to harvest and sell Spikenard; however, we believe that every little bit can help, and we encourage you to join us in our efforts to contribute to the protection and demand for ethical, sustainable harvesting of this precious plant. Homeopathic Properties of Spikenard Essential Oil The herb Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Great yet sad article. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) Robert Tisserand cites spikenard, native to Nepal, as one of the biggest essential oil sustainability concerns. Do you know why it’s not showing up on the Red List? In India, it is used as part of the Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of depression, stress, tension, sleeping troubles and nervous breakdowns. Although spikenard is a small plant, it is also difficult to cultivate, though there have been some attempts. Nepal is one of the only countries where you can find Spikenard, and since it only grows in the wild, the supply of Spikenard plants is significantly limited. It has allegedly resulted in an immediate ban on all trade of Spikenard. “The Justice Department announced today that YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS, L.C., (the Company), headquartered in Lehi, Utah, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal misdemeanor charges regarding its illegal trafficking of rosewood oil and spikenard oil in violation of the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act. Spikenard is used as an essential oil in therapeutic aromatherapy practice for inflammation, insomnia, migraine, stress, and allergies. Required fields are marked *. It typically grows wild on rocky soil at very high elevations: 10-15,000 feet (3,000-4,500 meters). The company reported its own missteps to the government after hiring an outside investigator in 2015. Spikenard, ( Nardostachys jatamansi ), perennial herb (family Caprifoliaceae) of the Himalayas and its fragrant essential oil. Depression 5. Spikenard Essential Oil has an intense aroma and yellowish-brown color. The probe found that the company exported Rosewood oil from Peru and Spikenard oil from Nepal without the proper permits for harvesting plants deemed endangered.” More here. Spikenard had a strong, distinctive aroma, similar to an essential oil, that clings to skin and hair and continues to give off its heady perfume. Spikenard promotes clean, h… Spikenard is an intensely aromatic, amber-colored oil that has been used historically for skin beautification, as a perfume, and as incense in ancient temples. We, the consumers, must support sustainably sourced essential oils and recognize that many endangered aromatics, including rosewood, sandalwood, and spikenard, need to be used cautiously and with respect. Red List. Always look for pure-grade, organic products to ensure the highest quality. Spikenard, various Aralia and Nardostachys spp. Rocky Mountain Oils | May 15, 2020 | Reply, Participation in the Oil'ty Rewards Program is subject to the. Robert is the principal of The Tisserand Institute. CAMP reported a population decline in India of 75-80%, classifying the plant as “Endangered,” with biodiversity under serious threat (34). Less is more. I say allegedly, as the original documentation is in Nepalese (सङ्कटापन्न वन्यजन्तुतथा वनस्पतिको अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय व्यापार नियन्त्रण ऐन, २०७२) and I have no way of checking it. Because of its popularity, spikenard is now endangered and its trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (also known as CITES). These plants are particularly affected by overharvesting because there is a limited supply and, in some cases, the plant takes longer to grow to a mature state in which it can provide pure and effective essential oils. “Nardostachys jatamansi.” IUCNRedList.org. It is important to note that Spikenard is an endangered species and this Essential Oil might not be as available in the coming years. I think you're going to find this post really useful! Unfortunately, however, there are enough people who continue to excessively harvest plants in an attempt to supply the insatiable demand for essential oils. Historically, Spikenard was used to uplift mood and promote relaxation. The essential oil has a green, moderately powerful, medicinal, and herbaceous top note that is spicy and sweet. Thank you, Christina! The Justice Department announced today that YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS, L.C., (the Company), headquartered in Lehi, Utah, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal misdemeanor charges regarding its illegal trafficking of rosewood oil and spikenard oil in violation of the Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act. The most commonly used is Nardostachys jatamansi (aka Nardostachys grandiflora ), which is critically endangered. More of an issue would be Spikenard and Rosewood, with perhaps Agarwood (Oud) or Frankincense in third place. Essential oils have been a source of natural healing and health for thousands of years; however, over the last few decades, more and more people have learned about the benefits of essential oils and have started to implement them into their daily routines. We need to harvest with care and grow plants ourselves to keep rare and endangered species from becoming extinct. Fortunately, the Sandalwood problem has receded over the last couple of years – see here. Spikenard Essential Oil Nardostachys jatamansi. In India, it is used as part of the Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of depression, stress, tension, sleeping troubles and nervous breakdowns. Spikenard, also called nard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil derived from Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India.The oil has been used over centuries as a perfume, a traditional medicine, or in religious ceremonies across a wide territory from India to Europe. The Justice Department announced today that YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS, L.C., (the Company), headquartered in Lehi, Utah, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal misdemeanor charges regarding its illegal trafficking of rosewood oil and spikenard oil in violation of the Lacey Act and the … As a result, many plants are now critically endangered and risking extinction. The only oil that is kind of similar is Valerian. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The quality of spikenard essential oil can vary across essential oil brands. Such practices quickly lead to overharvesting and can jeopardize a plant’s overall population. The plants that are most affected by overharvesting include plants that grow in the wild (as opposed to cultivated plants) and trees. An Endangered Essential Herb of India @article{Gupta2012ARO, title={A Review on Spikenard (Nardostachysjatamansi DC. The essential oil market is very slow in adopting this new naming, perhaps for good reasons, as several papers have demonstrated reasonable evidence that B. carterii and B. sacra indeed have “stable” and significant aromatic differences. Spikenard is at least as endangered as Rosewood, which is a slow-growing rainforest tree and is not easy to cultivate. “Conservation of Critically Endangered Nardostachys jatamansi DC.” Rufford.org. The U.S. Department of Justice announcedthis week that Young Living, a company that sells essential oils through multi-level marketing, must pay a fine to the government of $500,000, restitution of $135,000, and a donation of $125,000 “for the protected species of plants used in essential oils.” The company’s plea agreement says that some of its employees and contractors harvested 86 tons of rosewood in Peru between 2010 and 2014, distilling 1,899.75 liters of oil from the wood. The herb Nardostachys jatamansi DC. If we do not look after our planet it will be devastated under our noses. DO TERRA Essential Oil SPIKENARD 5 ML NEW! Spikenard essential oil is a powerful ally when experiencing anxiety and restlessness. Nardostachys Jatamansi Common Names: Nard, Nard Oil Native to: Alpine Himalayas Conservation Status: Critically Endangered Brief Background: Easily identified by its pink bell-shaped flowers, spikenard is a herb commonly used as an essential oil or … Those organizations want to be sure of what they are saying. The most commonly used is Nardostachys jatamansi (aka Nardostachys grandiflora ), which is critically endangered. It's also purported to reduce inflammation.2 4 (2019): 41-43. This may be an over-estimate, but it highlights the risks of precipitous legislation, if this has in fact happened. It is also worth noting that spikenard has recently been classified as an endangered species due to … While it may not seem harmful to have such a high demand for an essential oil, such a demand on Spikenard quickly takes its toll for several reasons: As a result of these factors and others, overharvesting Spikenard has resulted in it being listed as critically endangered with a decreasing population trend. However, due to over-harvesting, spikenard is currently an endangered plant. The Nepal government has created an agency in an attempt to regulate the sustainable production and harvest of Spikenard; however, the agency has found that they have little power to enforce the laws or punish offenders. Spikenard essential oil comes from the plant’s root. According to a study that measured the effectiveness of spikenard essential oil in the management of agitation and distress in end of life care, there are no known risks of using spikenard oil. 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