Spikenard (Nardostachys grandiflora or Nardostachys jatamansi; also called nard, nardin,and muskroot ) is a flowering plant of the Valerian family that grows in the Himalayas of China, India and Nepal. The plant grows to about 1 foot in height and has pink, bell-shaped flowers. Spikenard rhizomes (underground stems) can be crushed and distilled into an intensely aromatic amber-colored esssential oil, which is very thick in consistency. Nard oil is used as a perfume, an incense, a sedative, and an herbal medicine said to fight insomnia, birth difficulties, and other minor ailments.
Spikenard is mentioned in Mark's scriptural text as the ointment the woman used on Jesus' head at the house of Simon the leper.
In John's Gospel, spikenard is used at the house of Martha and Mary by Mary who anoints Jesus' feet.
Why the discrepancies? Some scholars suggest that these are two similar but different anointings...