Nardostachys jatamansi is a perennial herb found mainly in temperate and alpine Himalayas. It is used as medicine in ayurveda, homeopathy, ethno medicine and Indian system of medicine as well as in modern medicine industry. The essential oil as well as hydro-alcoholic extract of plant has been found to contain many therapeutically important chemicals. This review article summarizes some chemical constituents of plant and some pharmacological uses as reported by various studies in recent years.