Nardostachys

Nardostachys

　　Nardostachys is mainly produced in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and other regions. Aba County boasts a wide variety of plant-based medicinal herbs, abundant in quantity and high in quality. There are 69 families and 179 species of plant-based medicinal materials, with reserves reaching up to 6 million jin. Major products include Fritillaria, Cordyceps, Nardostachys, Rhubarb, Gentiana macrophylla, and Notopterygium, among which Fritillaria, Nardostachys, and Notopterygium are especially abundant in production and of excellent quality. Fritillaria and Nardostachys enjoy a good reputation in both domestic and international markets.

　　Nardostachys refers to the dried roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi or Nardostachys chinensis, plants of the Valerianaceae family. It is slightly conical in shape, often curved, measuring 5–18 cm in length. The rhizome is short with remnants of stems and leaves at the upper end, appearing as narrow membranous or fibrous strips. The outer layer is dark brown, while the inner layer is brown or yellow. The root may be single or consist of several intertwined, branched, or parallel roots, with a diameter of 0.3–1 cm. The surface is brownish and wrinkled, with fine roots and rootlets. The texture is brittle and easily broken, with a rough fracture. The outer skin is deep brown, often flaky, while the inner wood is yellowish-white. It has a distinctive aroma, a bitter and pungent taste, and a cooling sensation. Nardostachys is primarily used to regulate qi and relieve pain, soothe the spirit, and strengthen the spleen. It is indicated for epigastric and abdominal distension, poor appetite, vomiting, and externally for toothache and swollen feet.