Oilology: Spikenard Essential Oil

Creamy Cleanser with Spikenard

Ingredients:

• 15g grapeseed oil
• 15g castor oil
• 12g emulsifying wax
• 50g witch hazel
• 40g spring water
• 5g glycerine
• 1g vitamin E oil preservative (optional)
• 12 drops spikenard essential oil
• pump dispenser bottle

Method:

1. Weigh out the oils and the emulsifying wax and melt in a bowl over steaming water.
2. Do the same in a separate bowl for the spring water, witch hazel, glycerine and preservative.
3. Gently stir until everything is melted, then pour the water/glycerine mixture into the oil/wax mixture. Stir for 4-5 minutes as the mixture cools, to prevent separation.
   If any separation does occur, return the mixture to the heat, add another 2g of emulsifying wax if necessary, then stir until it cools.
4. When it is lukewarm it will start to thicken. Add the spikenard essential oil and continue stirring until totally cooled , then pour into the bottle and use daily.

Spikenard is a potent antibacterial and antifungal, and is able to clear up skin infections, protect wounds and get rid of many skin conditions resulting from bacteria. It can also help with athlete's foot and fungal infections. It is an anti-inflammatory and makes a lovely massage oil. You can use it in your DIY deodorants too, as it is a natural deodoriser and removes odours. It can also be added to shampoos to revive lacklustre hair.

In aromatherapy and meditation, spikenard is calming and grounding. It eases anxiety, stress and can lift feelings of depression. Apply a few drops to the back of the neck, or diffuse in a burner or diffuser. It can also be applied when struggling to sleep. Use spikenard to induce mental peace, clarity and harmony.

Spikenard Calming Roll-on

What you'll need:

• Roll on bottle
• 5 drops lavender
• 5 drops spikenard
• Fractionated coconut oil

Method:

1. Pour fractionated coconut oil into the bottle until is is ⅔ full.
2. Add the essential oils and shake to combine.
3. Apply from the back of the neck to the base of the spine in a downward fashion.

Other ways to use Spikenard Essential Oil

Add a few drops of spikenard to a spray bottle filled with water and spray around the bedroom before sleeping. Or add to your cosmetic creams, lotions or shampoos. You can also make a perfume by blending it with another essential oil and/or mixing with a light carrier such as fractionated coconut oil. Spikenard blends well with clove, frankincense, lavender, wild orange, juniper berry, myrrh or geranium.

Spikenard is a beautiful and historically significant oil, and it's our Wonder of the Week!