Spikenard: The Precious Oil Mary Used to Anoint Jesus Before His Death

Of all the anointing moments in Scripture, none is more dramatic or more tender than the scene in Bethany, where a woman broke open an alabaster jar of pure spikenard and poured it over Jesus. The fragrance filled the entire house. The disciples objected. And Jesus declared that her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached (Mark 14:3-9). Two thousand years later, we are still talking about it.

The Bethany Anointing

The Gospel of John identifies the woman as Mary, the sister of Lazarus (John 12:1-8). The spikenard she used was described as pistikos — genuine, pure, unadulterated. Its value was estimated at three hundred denarii, roughly a year's wages for a common laborer. This was not a casual gift. It was an extravagant, sacrificial act of worship.

When Judas objected that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor, Jesus responded with words that elevated Mary's act beyond mere generosity: "She has done a beautiful thing to me... She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial" (Mark 14:6-8).

Mary understood, perhaps more clearly than any of the disciples, what was about to happen. Her anointing was not just an act of love — it was an act of prophetic insight. She was preparing the Lamb of God for sacrifice.

What Is Spikenard?

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is an aromatic plant native to the highlands of the Himalayas. In the ancient world, it was one of the most expensive and sought-after perfumes, traded along caravan routes from India to the Middle East. Its deep, earthy, musky fragrance was prized in royal courts and sacred rituals alike.

The plant's roots and rhizomes are steam-distilled to produce spikenard essential oil, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional healing practices. Its rarity and the difficulty of obtaining it contributed to its extraordinary value in biblical times.

Cosmeceutical Benefits of Spikenard

Modern research has identified several compounds in spikenard that explain its historical use in beauty and healing traditions:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Spikenard contains jatamansone and other sesquiterpenes that have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in clinical studies. These compounds help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Skin regeneration: Research suggests spikenard extracts promote cell turnover and support the skin's natural repair processes, making it valuable for mature or damaged skin.

Relaxation and stress relief: The aroma of spikenard has been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep — benefits that align with its biblical association with intimacy, devotion, and peace.

Antimicrobial activity: Spikenard oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, supporting skin health and clarity.

An Oil Worth Everything

Mary's act teaches us something essential about anointing: it is meant to cost something. True worship, true devotion, true anointing is never cheap. It involves giving God our best — our time, our attention, our most precious resources — and trusting that He receives it with joy.

Our Spikenard Anointing Oil honors this tradition with a blend that captures the rich, complex aroma of genuine spikenard, combined with pure olive oil and our Polyphenol Alpha™ cosmeceutical complex. When you open the bottle, you experience the same category of fragrance that filled the house in Bethany two thousand years ago.

Every bottle is handcrafted with prayer. Explore our full anointing oil collection — free shipping on orders over $45.