Spikenard

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.

II. Spikenard ·noun An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India.