Evidence supporting the use of: Spikenard
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as a calming agent for the nervous system. Historically, it has been used to treat conditions described as “nervous exhaustion,” which may encompass symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and mental stress. The traditional rationale is based on its reputed sedative, anxiolytic, and adaptogenic effects, with preparations of the root or essential oil being used to promote relaxation and restore balance to the mind and body.
While laboratory studies have begun to investigate the neuropharmacological properties of spikenard, including its potential to modulate neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety in animal models, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans to confirm efficacy for nervous exhaustion per se. Therefore, its use for this condition is primarily justified by traditional knowledge and anecdotal reports rather than strong scientific validation. The evidence rating of 2 reflects the presence of preliminary scientific exploration and extensive traditional use, but insufficient clinical evidence to support high confidence in its effectiveness for nervous exhaustion.
Other ingredients used for Nervous Exhaustion
Albiziaamber
ambergris
amino acids
Anemone
animal protein
Aralia
ashwagandha
astragaloside
astragalus
ba ji tian
bee pollen
Beef liver
betony
Black Hellebore
blessed thistle
blue flag
bone marrow
brahmi
caterpillar mushroom
catnip
Chinese salvia root
Codonopsis
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cordyceps
Cynomorium
deer root
deer velvet
egg
eleuthero
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
frankincense
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
Gerovital H3
gotu kola
Hellebore
jiaogulan
L-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
licorice root
Ligustrum
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
Lycium
maca
magnesium
maral root
Motherwort
pollen
reishi mushroom
Rhodiola
royal jelly
Sarivan
Schizandrol A
Scleranthus annus
Spikenard
spruce
Sulbutiamine
sunflower
Thiamin (vitamin B1)
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D
Waterhyssop
Wheat
wheat germ
Withanolides
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Spikenard
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Colds (general)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Emotional Sensitivity
Fatigue
Fever
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Stress
Wounds and Sores
