Nard 

Nard or spikenard is an aromatic ointment from a plant which grows in the Himalayan Mountains 2-4,000 meters above sea level. The 10-30 centimeter long pungent fibrous rhizome root of the nardostachys jatamansi plant is quite rich in an amber-colored essential oil which is separated out by steaming. It would have been an expensive import at the time of the Apostles. Nard was often stored in an onyx-marble or oriental alabaster box and has a warm, musk aroma. Among its uses are as a diuretic, an antifungal, a sedative and for stress-relief in paliative care. It was also traditionally used by the ancient Romans to anoint people of high honor due to its incredible expense. These reasons may have motivated Mary Magdalene's anointing of Jesus before his death (John 12:1-11). With such thoughts in mind, it doesn't sound nearly as sensual as some like to imagine the scene.