Woodcut illustration of spikenard, 1587. Spikenard (Nardostachys grandiflora or Nardostachys jatamansi) is a flowering plant of the Valerian family that grows in the Himalayas of China, also found growing in the northern region of India and Nepal. Nard oil is used as a perfume, an incense, a sedative, and an herbal medicine said to fight insomnia, birth difficulties, and other minor ailments. The oil was known in ancient times and was part of the Ayurvedic herbal tradition of India. Spikenard is still used in many Tibetan healing incenses. It is used in the herbal medicine of India, Tibet and the rest of China as a nerve tonic and sedative for sleep disorders. Uses in witchcraft and magic include: meditation, ancient Egyptian and Hebrew incense, elemental magic and an Earth herb.