Historical profile of Nardostachys jatamansi: an ancient incense & aromatic medicinal herb from Kumaon, Uttarakhand

Nardostachys jatamansi or jaṭāmānsī from India was known to the Mesopotamian, one of earliest civilizations world. Its name found in their cuneiform script. It exported Assyria, Arabian countries and Egypt, where it as Sumbul-e-Hind and, Greece under Nardus. The plant is also mentioned Bible Spikenard. In Germany, Nardus indica. a reputed costly incense-herb, perfume, used nerve tonic hysteria, epileptic fits, palpitations heart, etc. middle-east since time immemorial. botanical identity, history use are ancient Ayurvedic & Unani literature. India, this herb’s distribution naturally restricted state Uttarakhand, its incense medicine originated. This not only folk tales but forms part cultural affinity. Despite being culture, herb endangered Uttarakhand. Therefore serious efforts should be made by government for conservation cultivation.