Living Magazine English Living Magazine 2017 | Page 4
DR. DAVID K. HILL, DC
Executive Vice President,
Chief Medical Officer/Chairman,
Scientific Advisory Committee
Spikenard
Essential Oil Spotlight
Spikenard is native to the high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains. This essential
oil is steam distilled from the roots of the plant and has been valued for centuries,
traditionally used to anoint people of high honor. In ancient times, Spikenard was
associated with wellness, sacredness, and spiritual healing.
Why is the
quality of
essential oils
so important?
As essential oils are becoming more mainstream, this question becomes even more
paramount. There is a finite supply of essential oils on the planet, far less in fact than the
consumer demand. What this means is that many products out there are impure or even
synthetic. The chemistry of an essential oil is greatly determined by its purity and harvesting
location and methods, and a wide variety of contaminants or irregular chemistries can find
their way into essential oils if they’re never tested for purity. As a result, an oil may not offer
its intended benefits, and may even pose unknown risk. The best essential oils are pure, all-
natural, and have known chemical compositions.
Historically, Spikenard has been used to calm the mind and uplift moods. As one of
the most chemically complex essential oils available, it is highly valued still today
around the world for its aromatherapy benefits.
Sourcing Origin: Nepal
Distillation Method: Steam
What makes
Spikenard so
unique?
What are the
benefits of
adding Lemon
essential oil in
water vs. fresh
lemon juice?
Plant Part: Roots
The essential oil steam distilled from the roots of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant is one of
the most unique and diverse we have ever discovered. Unlike most essential oils which have
very dominant chemistry with a few primary constituents, Spikenard has nearly 170 basic
constituents, some of which we have yet to find in any other oils. While this distinctiveness
makes it difficult to categorize, it also provides an amazing spectrum of benefits, many of
which we are just beginning to recognize. Spikenard is very grounding and calming when
experienced aromatically and topically; diffuse during meditation or rub on the back of your
neck to wind down after a long day. It also has many skin-benefitting properties. Add it to a
hydrating cream or cleanser for smooth, healthy skin.
How to Use
Aromatically
Diffuse Spikenard when you need assistance
calming your mind.
Put a few drops of Spikenard in the palms of your
hands, cup your hands over your face, and inhale
deeply for a calming sensation.
Add a few drops to your warm bath for an extra
relaxing sensation.
Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind while lemon juice comes from the pulp,
resulting in two very dissimilar substances with unrelated properties. Chemically, Lemon
essential oil is very high in limonene, much more so than lemon juice. In particular, the high
concentration of limonene is why Lemon essential oils is so cleansing and can aid in digestive
and respiratory function when consumed. Essential oils are also highly concentrated; even if
the substances were identical in makeup, it would take a large amount of fresh lemon juice
to match the potency of two drops of Lemon essential oil in water. Finally, Lemon essential
oil may also be easier to ingest for those with sensitive stomachs because it does not contain
citric acid, the component of lemon juice that makes it sour.
Topically
If you are looking to relax for a restful night’s sleep,
then apply a few drops of Spikenard to your feet or
temples.
When feeling stressed, dilute Spikenard with
Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage it into your
temples and forehead.
For a relaxing scalp massage, add 5 drops to your
conditioner.
LEMON TIPS:
ONE
Add 1–2 drops to glass of water
in the morning to rejuvenate and
cleanse your body.
4 / EUROPE LIVING MAGAZINE
TWO
Add a couple drops to tea for an
invigorating citrus flavor.
THREE
Add 1–2 drop