[3] It is a perennial that grows in the Himalayas, primarily in a belt through Kumaon, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan at elevations of 3,000–5,000 m (9,800–16,400 ft),[4] and in northern Myanmar and western and central China.

[2] It is a source of a type of intensely aromatic amber-colored essential oil, spikenard.

It is considered endangered due to overharvesting for folk medicine, overgrazing, loss of habitats, and forest degradation.

[5] Rhizomes (underground stems) can be crushed and distilled into an intensely aromatic amber-colored essential oil, which is very thick in consistency.

Nard oil is used as a perfume, an incense, a sedative, and a herbal medicine said to fight insomnia, birth difficulties, and other minor ailments.