Spikenard

“While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.” Song of Solomon 1:12 KJV

Spikenard, also called nard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil. The oil has, since ancient times, been used as a perfume, as well as a medicine.

Properties

Parts used: root, stalk

Diaphoretic- induces swelling

Expectorant- promotes secretion of sputum from the air passages

Stimulant- increases the activity of the body

Diseases

Asthma

Put 2 drops of spikenard oil in water steam inhalation. When inhaled, it helps open clogged nasal membranes thus facilitates easier breathing. The powdered root can also be used

Any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue, especially rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Rheumatism:: take ¼ tsp of the powdered root in water daily

Conditions

Coughs

The root can be boiled to make a herbal tea. Drinking the tea, leading to labor will make childbirth easier.

Preparation: steep 1-2 tbsp of the powdered rootstock and roots in 1 cup of water. Take 1-2 cups daily.

Stress

Due to its sedative nature, spikenard oil is highly beneficial in relaxing mind and body. It acts as a calming agent and reduces feelings of anger, aggression, panic, stress and anxiety significantly. Inhale 2 drops of spikenard essential oil in a steam inhalation treatment.

How to use externally

Applied externally as a poultice, it is used on a number of different skin conditions, as well as swellings, bruises, and inflammations.

Spikenard is also antibacterial. Applying the essential oil directly to minor cuta nd wounds can prevent bacteria from taking hold and spreading.

Jesus in Bethany

This is the most well-known place where spikenard is found in the Bible: John 12:1-3; Mark 14:1-3

John 12:3- Mary anointed Jesus’ feet and the smell/odor filled the house

Mark 14:3- Mary also anointed Jesus’ head.

What was Jesus doing while he was being anointed?

“While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.” Song of Solomon 1:12 KJV

Precious Ointment

Mark 14:3

Psalm 133:2

Did the spikenard, this precious ointment, run down Jesus’ head to His garments?

What was on the skirt of Christ’s garment?

Numbers 15:38,39- a riband of blue= the Law

Mary was choosing to make Christ king, to keep His law, even the Laws of Health.

Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest, Trust in God

Mary’s choice to anoint Jesus as king and obey His law was not hidden. The smell remaining on Jesus was a testimony of Mary’s commitment to Him. Some rejected, yet Christ accepted her gift. Today, I choose to anoint Jesus as king of my life! I choose to keep God’s laws, even the laws of health!