Spikenard
in botany: (1) Nardostachys jatamansi, called in Hindustan jatamansi and balckhar. The root, which is from 3 to 12 inches long, sends up SPINAL ANESTHESIA many stems, with little spikes of purple flowers, which have four stamens. It grows in the Himalayas at an elevation of from 11,000 to 15,000, or in Sikkim to 17,000 feet. (2) Valeriana celtica, and in various countries other plants.
In perfumes, an aromatic substance derived from the root of Nardostachys jatamansi. It was highly prized by the ancients, and used by them both in baths and at feasts as an unguent. The "ointment of spikenard" with which our Lord was anointed as He sat at meat in the house of Simon of Bethany was prepared from it.