Jatamansi

Nardostachys jatamansi · जटामांसी

Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.

Also called Spikenard, Indian spikenard, Muskroot

Sanskrit: जटामांसी (Jatamansi)

Sedating; sourcing concerns

Jatamansi is a Himalayan root used in Ayurveda for sleep and nerves, and wild plants are under pressure from harvesting.

Did you know? Its name refers to the dark, matted fibers on the root, which look like hair (jata) and gave the herb its name.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Sleep. Traditionally used for sleep. Human research is very limited, and most evidence comes from animal studies.
Traditional proof
Stress & anxiety. Used for nerves and stress in tradition. No good human trials have tested it.
Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Brain & mind, Nerves & pain

Traditional use

Ayurveda uses jatamansi for sleep, nerves and mental calm. Its strong, musky root has also been used in perfumes and hair oils.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Sedative, Nervine, Antispasmodic. Energy: cooling.
Ayurveda: Calms Vata and Pitta. Taste (rasa): bitter, sweet. Energy (virya): cooling. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Medhya (brain tonic), Nidrajanana (sleep-inducing).

How people take it

Traditional use is small amounts of root powder, often 1 to 3 grams a day, or a tincture. Oil is applied to the scalp, and modern doses are not established.

Powder, tincture and oil.

Where to get it

Grows wild on high Himalayan slopes in India, Nepal and nearby regions. Sold as dried root, powder, tincture and oil, and overharvesting has made wild plants scarce, so ask suppliers where the root came from.

Be careful

Large doses may cause sleepiness, dizziness or stomach upset. Little is known about safety in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children. Do not combine it with sedatives or alcohol without a doctor's advice.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; children under 12.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Both are traditional Ayurvedic herbs for calm and sleep.
Works well together
Both are traditional Ayurvedic herbs for sleep and the nerves.
Works well together
Often grouped with brahmi in Ayurvedic calm and memory blends.
Use caution
Sleep or anxiety medicine (Ambien, Xanax, Ativan)
May add to the drowsiness and calming effects of sedatives.
Use caution
Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
May increase drowsiness when mixed with alcohol.

Adds up with others that can make you drowsy: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 14 more.

The honest take

Jatamansi's sleep and nerve claims come from tradition and lab work, and human trials are few. Because wild plants have been overharvested, buy only from suppliers who say where the root came from. Do not use it with sedatives or alcohol without medical advice.