Spikenard1. (n.) 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.
2. (n.) A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.
Thesaurus Entries
Mentholatum, Vaseline, aid, allay, alleviative, alleviator, alterative, ambergris, ambrosia, analeptic, anodyne, aroma, aromatic, aromatic gum, aromatic water, assistance, assuager, attar, attar of roses, balm of Gilead, balsam, bay oil, bergamot oil, bouquet, brilliantine, calmative, cerate, champaca oil, chrism, civet, cold cream, collyrium, comfort, commiseration, compose, condolement, condolence, consolation, corrective, cream, cure, cushion, demulcent, dolorifuge, drops, drug, electuary, elixir, embrocation, emollient, essence, essential oil, ethical drug, extract, eye-lotion, eyewash, eyewater, face cream, fixative, generic name, glycerin, glycerogel, glycerogelatin, glycerol, glycerole, hand lotion, healing agent, healing quality, heliotrope, help, herbs, incense, inhalant, inunction, inunctum, jasmine oil, lanolin, lavender oil, lenitive, lincture, linctus, liniment, lotion, lull, materia medica, medicament, medication, medicinal, medicinal herbs, medicine, menthol, mercurial ointment, mitigator, mixture, moderator, modulator, mollifier, musk, myrcia oil, myrrh, nard, nonprescription drug, officinal, oil, ointment, olive oil, pacificator, pacifier, palliative, parfum, patent medicine, peacemaker, perfume, perfumery, petrolatum, pharmacon, physic, pomade, pomatum, powder, preparation, prescription, prescription drug, proprietary, proprietary medicine, proprietary name, quiet, quieten, receipt, recipe, redolence, relief, remedial measure, remedy, restorative, restraining hand, rose oil, salve, scent, sedative, settle, sharing of grief, shock absorber, simples, soothe, soother, soothing syrup, soothing words, sovereign remedy, specific, specific remedy, spice, spikenard, stabilizer, still, succor, sympathy, syrup, temperer, theraputant, tisane, tranquilize, tranquilizer, unction, unguent, unguentum, vegetable remedies, volatile oil, vulnerary, wiser head, witch hazel, zinc ointment