Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as spikenard, is a herb widely used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. Its use for gastrointestinal complaints, including symptoms resembling Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—such as indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating—has a long precedent in these traditions. Ayurvedic texts describe Nardostachys as having "deepana" (appetizer) and "pachana" (digestive) properties and recommend it for disorders involving disturbances of "Vata" and "Pitta" doshas, which are sometimes interpreted as analogous to functional gut disorders like IBS. However, while this traditional use is well documented, scientific validation remains limited. A few preclinical studies suggest that extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi possess antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically alleviate some IBS symptoms. For example, in vitro and animal studies have shown that Nardostachys extracts can reduce gastrointestinal motility and spasms. Nonetheless, there are no well-designed clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating its efficacy for IBS, and existing research is too preliminary to draw firm conclusions. Therefore, the justification for using Nardostachys to support or treat IBS is primarily traditional, with a modest (rated as 2/5) evidence base, mostly limited to historical use and early-stage pharmacological investigations rather than robust clinical evidence.

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