What is California Spikenard?

Although I hadn't seen my former neighbor Debbie for a long time, I had mixed feelings about my plans to spend a weekend with her. I recalled that she was forever trying to get me to try this or that for any physical complaint. Once I arrived, stressed over a lingering cough and after hours of rush hour traffic, I was too tired to argue with her when she insisted I a sip a cup of tea containing California spikenard. After passing a cough-free night and sleeping soundly, I was curious about this plant.

Overview

California spikenard is a wildflower that grows primarily along the California coast and in the southern half of Oregon, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Part of the ginseng family, it's also known as elk clover even though it's not a clover. Its botanical name is Aralia californica. Though I didn't ask for all the ingredients in the tea, it had a slightly balsamic but not unpleasant taste.

This perennial plant grows as high as eight feet in particularly shady, wet areas and has a somewhat tropical appearance. Its white flowers among lush green leaves precede purplish-black berries, Oregon Wild® reports. California spikenard is just one of a number of types of spikenard worldwide.

History and Use

The name spikenard has a Greek origin and means genuine and pure. According to Abba Jerusalem, a New Testament reference, John 12:3, says that Mary used a pound of ointment of spikenard, which was very expensive, to anoint the feet of Jesus.

The part of the California spikenard useful for medicinal purposes is the root, which is usually sold as a tincture, and which is not under the oversight of the USDA. The plant has a documented history of usage by Native Americans.

The Karok Indians of northern California used the roots as a soak for arthritis. The roots served as a treatment for colds and fevers, as well as for stomach and lung diseases, among the Mendocino Indians. The Pomo utilized them as a sort of cure-all for many disorders, among them sores and itching.

The Philo School of Herbal Energetics in California suggests that the root of the California spikenard is particularly useful in treating chronic moist-lung problems, particularly in the winter months. Topically, it has properties of an anti-inflammatory and is sometimes used to treat shingles, herpes, rashes, eczema and other skin conditions. The site indicates that the plant provides overall benefits to the immune system and has rejuvenating and recharging properties.

NOTE: When considering any product not regulated by the FDA, consulting a health care provider before usage is advisable.

Sources:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARCA2

http://www.oregonwild.org/about/blog/wildflower-of-the-week-24-spikenard

http://www.abbaoil.com/s-8-spikenard.aspx

http://www.herbalenergetics.com/joomla/index.php/notable-natives