Amazing Health benefits of Nutmeg are seen in our day to day life. Nutmeg, known as Jaiphal in Hindi, is an exotic spice known for its long history of medicinal properties as well as its uses in various cuisines. This spice is used in savory and sweet dishes like curries, soups, meats, rice, pudding, pies, chai, mulled cider, and a little amount is also added in Garam Masala. Nutmeg is also used in baked goods such as cookies and cakes. Nutmeg is a seed of an evergreen tree known as Myristica Fragrans. This tree produces two popular spices, one is the Nutmeg and the other is the Mace. The outer red covering which is lacy is known as Mace and the inner seed is known as the Nutmeg. The leaves and the bark of this evergreen tree are used to extract the essential oils and Nutmeg butter.
These spices are cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, and in the southern part of India. Nutmeg has a pungent smell and a slightly warm and sweeter taste. These seeds are dried for about eight weeks in the sun and during this time nutmeg shrinks away from the hard coat around it. Once it dries, the shell is broken and the nutmegs are picked out. The dried Nutmegs are brownish in color and oval in shape. Though it’s an exotic spice, it falls under the aphrodisiacs category. So, just a pinch of Nutmeg powder is used in cooking. Excess intake of nutmeg can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. This spice is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Let’s see the 7 amazing health benefits of Nutmeg.
<h3>Treats Insomnia: </h3> Nutmeg is known as powerful herbal sedatives. Thus, it is been recommended from generations to treat insomnia when taken in smaller dosage. A pinch of this spice when taken with warm milk before sleeping relieves the nerve tension due to the high content of magnesium. This helps to reduce the stress and induces better sleep.
</h3>Helps treat Common Cold and Flu: </h3>The strong antibacterial property of Nutmeg helps to fight with a common cough and cold and boosts the immune system. The trick is to rub a nutmeg on a grinding stone with few drops of water to make a smooth nutmeg paste. Now add a half teaspoon of this paste into a glass of hot milk and drink it before sleeping. This is an effective remedy to treat common cold, cough, and fever in kids as well as adults.
</h3>Helps treat Acne and slows aging: </h3>The strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in Nutmeg fights with the acne-causing bacteria and reduces wrinkles, and the anti-inflammatory properties reduce the redness and inflammation caused due to the acne. Mix nutmeg powder with milk/honey to form a paste and apply it gently on your face. Leave it for about 20-30 minutes and wash it off with cold water for a clean and clear skin.
</h3>Relieves Inflammation and Pain: </h3>The anti-inflammatory property in Nutmeg gives relief from inflammation and pain. It contains many essential oils like sabiene, myrcene, limonene, safrole, and myristicin that help in swelling, aching joints, muscular pain, and arthritis. Mix a few drops of nutmeg oil with coconut oil and apply to the affected area and it will relieve the pain within a short period of time. Nutmeg oil is also useful in oral healthcare to reduce a toothache, sore gums, and bad breath.
</h3>Improves Digestive Health: T</h3>he essential oils in Nutmeg have a carminative property that helps in digestion, reduces gas and bloating, and also helps in diarrhea and constipation. The fiber in the nutmeg stays intact when ground to powder, which helps in easy bowel movement. Add a pinch of nutmeg powder to your herbal tea, soups, and curries.
</h3>Removes Blackheads: </h3>The antibacterial properties in Nutmeg will remove the bacteria that clog the pores and dead cells. Make a scrub by combining nutmeg powder, orange lentil powder, and some milk. Scrub it on the nose in a circular motion to remove blackheads. This face pack, when applied all over the face, removes the dirt and oil that accumulates on the skin, giving a smooth, clean, and a bright skin.
</h3>Lowers Blood Pressure: </h3>Manganese and copper found in Nutmeg contain an antioxidant that repairs the cells and reduces stress. Potassium helps to improve heart rate and controls blood pressure. Individuals with low blood pressure should limit their intake of Nutmeg.
Nutmeg is not recommended in access due to its hallucination and abortifacient properties. Using nutmeg can stimulate enough to bring your menstruation. Always consult your physician before including Nutmeg and making any changes in your diet. These are some of the uses and health benefits of nutmeg. Do share with us your way of including Nutmeg in your daily regime.
