Nardostachys jatamansi

Perennial herb up to 16-50 cm tall, variable, rhizome long, stout, fragrant, outer layer covered with layers, stem erect slender, pubescent upwards, often glabrate below, sub scapose. Leaves opposite, simple undivided, linear-oblanceolate, longitudinally nerved, 5-20 x 1.

5-4 cm long, narrowed into a petiole, base attenuate into the petiole, margin entire, apex obtuse, ciliate; cauline leaves 1 or 2 paired 2.5-6 x 0.5-9 cm, sessile, lanceolate or linear-oblong, coarsely dentate. Inflorescence compound heads, capitula of cymes, 3-5 x 0.6-2 cm across, bracts in 3-5 whorls, linear-lanceolate, pubescent. Rhizome is used as deodorant, stimulant, nerve tonic for mental depressions and skin ailments. Root decoction is given for epilepsy, insomnia, unconsciousness after childbirth, convulsions, smallpox, ulcers, cholera, dry cough, blood purification and Jaundice.