Oleum spicae

Oleum spicae is the essential oil extracted from the flowers of Lavandula latifolia, the lead-leaved lavender, by steam distillation. In contrast to true lavender oil, spikenard oil does not have a pleasant aromatic scent, but rather a pungent and strong smell (high camphor content). This property is particularly noticeable in wild spikenard plants that are exposed to strong sunlight.

The essential oil contains: 15% L-linalool; furthermore 30% L-camphor as well as 1,8-cineol, borneol, <1% linalyl acetate.

Spikenard oil is used specifically wherever special antibacterial properties are required: in cosmetics, soaps (spikenard soap).

In a randomized placebo-controlled study (n=119) in patients with bronchitis, the BSS (bronchitis severity score) was significantly reduced compared to placebo (Kähler et al. 2017)

1. Kähler C et al (2017) Spicae aetheroleum in uncomplicated acute bronchitis: a double-blind, randomised clinical trial. Wien Med Wochenschr doi: 10.1007/s10354-017-0612-0.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=K%C3%A4hler+C+et+al.+Wien+med+Wochenschr+2017