Spikenard (Balchhar Booti)

Description

Spikenard (Balchhar Booti) (بالچھڑ بوٹی)

Balchhar, also called Jatamansi or spikenard, is a hairy, fragrant root from the high mountains. It has a strong, earthy smell that is easy to recognise.

Quick facts

Below are the ways Balchhar Booti is valued in desi and Unani tradition. This is traditional and general information, not medical advice.

15 ways to use Balchhar Booti

1. Hair oil: Slowly heat 20 to 30 g in 250 ml coconut or sesame oil, cool and strain.
2. Amla hair oil: Cook with amla and bhringraj for a classic desi hair oil.
3. Head massage: Warm the oil and massage before sleep.
4. Scalp soak: Leave the oil on overnight and wash in the morning.
5. Hair pack: Add a pinch of powder to henna or amla hair packs.
6. Attar base: Used in traditional perfumes for its earthy smell.
7. Aromatherapy: Use Balchhar oil in calming blends.
8. Pillow sachet: Keep a small cloth bag near the pillow for its smell.
9. Clothes freshener: Keep a few pieces with woollens.
10. Foot massage: Use the oil for a relaxing foot rub.
11. Ubtan: Add a pinch of powder to ubtan paste.
12. Hakeem formulas: Used in Unani formulas for the mind.
13. Oil blend: Mix a few drops of Balchhar oil into almond oil.
14. Storage: Keep whole roots in a dry jar to hold their smell.
15. Guidance: Ask a hakeem before taking by mouth.

20 benefits and traditional uses of Balchhar Booti

1. Mountain herb: Grows high in the Himalayas and is highly valued.
2. Hair oil tradition: Boiled in oil to make classic desi hair oils.
3. Dark hair tradition: Old books link it with dark, thick hair.
4. Scalp care: Used in the tradition to keep the scalp fresh and clean.
5. Calm mind: Traditionally used for a calm, peaceful mind.
6. Restful sleep tradition: Listed in Unani texts among herbs for sleep.
7. Natural fragrance: Its earthy smell is used in attars and perfumes.
8. Spikenard of history: The famous nard oil of ancient times came from this plant.
9. Unani formulas: Used by hakeems in many brain and nerve formulas.
10. Skin care tradition: Used in some ubtan and skin pastes.
11. Aromatherapy: Its smell is used in calming aromatherapy blends.
12. Head massage oil: Makes a relaxing oil for head massage.
13. Paired with amla: Often cooked with amla and bhringraj in hair oils.
14. Clothes freshener: Kept with woollens for its smell in old homes.
15. Small amounts needed: A little goes a long way in oils.
16. Whole root form: Keeps its aroma longer than powder.
17. Cleaned and sorted: Our roots are cleaned of soil and stones.
18. Stores well: Keeps for a long time in a dry jar.
19. Hakeem raw material: A standard item in dawakhana stock.
20. Respected for centuries: Mentioned in Unani, Ayurvedic and old Arabic texts.

Buying tip: Good Balchhar has hairy, dark brown roots with a strong, earthy, musky smell. Weak smell means old or mixed stock.

Why buy from Maqsood Herbal Store

We have been in the herbal trade since 2005. Every item is checked for correct identity, colour, smell and cleanliness, and packed fresh after you order. We deliver all over Pakistan within 3 days for a flat Rs 300. You can pay by Cash on Delivery, JazzCash or Easypaisa. Sealed items can be returned within 7 days.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Always use a dry spoon.

Please see a doctor

Traditional use is not the same as proven medical treatment. Please see a doctor or a qualified hakeem before using any herb for a health problem, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, giving it to a child, taking regular medicine, or have a long term illness. Stop use and see a doctor if you notice any allergy or side effect.

Need guidance? WhatsApp Hakeem Rizwan Maqsood at +92 301 7531564, daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Urdu mein khulasa

بالچھڑ بوٹی: مقصود ہربل اسٹور سے اصل اور صاف مال، احتیاط سے پیک کیا گیا۔ کسی بیماری میں استعمال سے پہلے ڈاکٹر یا حکیم سے مشورہ ضرور کریں۔ پورے پاکستان میں 300 روپے ڈیلیوری، کیش آن ڈیلیوری دستیاب۔

Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this page describes traditional use only and is not medical advice.