It is just like getting a pleasant surprise when you open any gift. One additional gift hidden within the gift is something amazing surprise. Well you may find this dual gift system with nutmeg. Nutmeg is not one spice; it is a spice within spice. You very rarely find such combination but they are considered beneficial. Mace is also a spice that is derived from nutmeg.
Carrying a legend from roman century it has traveled world wide. It reached India through British East India Company. Making its place in Indian culinary it has also ruled in Indian medicine. But it is marked with patriotism in Grenada, where it is a national symbol displayed with pride in their country’s red, yellow and green flag.
Apart from historical stories nutmeg also has many scientific facts which have proved to be very beneficial. It is said that nutmeg was the most over prized spice in medieval era. And during Elizabethan ear it was popular to fend off from plague. Well, not many people will believe but, it is the truth that nutmeg is said to be magical herb having ruling planet. No doubt many of herbs are ruled by some specific planet. In the similar manner even nutmeg is ruled by Jupiter. Even being a kitchen herb it has enormous benefits.
All herbs are obtained from earth but as every organism on this earth has as specific element, nutmeg belongs to air element. And it possesses magical properties like luck, prosperity, psychic awareness, money and clairvoyance. You may carry the nut to strengthen clairvoyant powers. Even burning it like incense gives prosperity. And it adds to spiritual intellect of human brain. This spice is not just known for its magical properties but it is also famous for its medicinal purpose.
Binomially christened as Myristica fragrans, nutmeg is an evergreen tree which is well known as commercial spice. A resident of Banda Island, nutmeg is actually the seed of a plant. It bears yellow flowers in a bell shape that gives a unique smell when bloomed. The pale yellowish or red fruit of the tree resembles to apricot. Once the fruit is matured, seed is removed and used for medicinal purpose or culinary purpose.
Nutmeg was used in the preparation of numerous medications in ancient times. Even today it is used in several important pharmaceutical preparation. The oil extracted from this herb is liniments, perfumery, hair lotions and as an antispasmodic carminative.
The medicinal purpose of this herb is as follows:
Digestive disorder:
The powdered nutmeg mixed with apple juice or banana is a useful remedy for diarrhea. It is also taken for the indigestion that is caused due to irregular intervals of meals. Combine approximately five to fifteen grams of nutmeg powder with fresh juice of Indian Gooseberry. It is said to be very helpful on indigestion, morning illness and hiccups.
Insomnia:
Insomnia is treated with a simple remedy. You just need to mix powdered nutmeg with the juice of Indian gooseberry and drink it before retiring to bed. It helps you in getting sound sleep. Many times infants cry for no reason in nights. Thus, to put them to sleep just mix one teaspoon of nutmeg powder with one tablespoonful of honey. But do not give it in regular basis and consult doctors before giving it to kids.
Dehydration:
The herb is very useful in treating dehydration that is caused by vomiting and diarrhea. A drink that is prepared by soaking half of nutmeg in water and mixed with tender coconut is very much beneficial for curing dehydration.
Skin disorders:
Nutmeg is used in skin ailments like ringworm and eczema. The paste of the herb prepared by rubbing it on stone slab and mixed with water is applied on skin which is affected.
Rheumatism:
A nutmeg that is coarsely powdered and fried in til oil, until all the mixture turns brown, is a very useful external application to relieve pain, neuralgic and sciatic. The oil should be strained before applying.
Common cold:
In the case of running nose, a paste made from this with cow’s milk and opium should be applied to the forehead and nose, it will give quick relief.
Apart from all these uses nutmeg was widely used in ancient times for stomach cramps.
It also helps in lowering down the blood pressure level. The essential oil that is extracted from nutmeg is considered as the most effective part of the plant.- The nutmeg oil does wonder on the brain. It fuels the nervous system of the brain. It is very useful in relieving stress and anxiety. Massaging with nutmeg oil also encourages the mental activities. In spite of it over priced and rare availability roman used it widely as brain tonic.
- As it possess the properties of anti- inflammatory it is very much beneficial for alleviating muscle and joint pain. Massage the affected are before going to bed, it will not only reduce your pain but also give you sound sleep.
- According to holistic medication therapy it is considered as amazing liver tonic which flushes out all toxins from the body. Even kidney stones are cured with the help of nutmeg oil. It also helps in healing the infections that is caused because of kidney stones.
- Regular massage with nutmeg oil helps in proper blood circulation which promotes the health of cardiac. It also boosts appetite.
Take some extra care while consuming nutmeg. Nutmeg should always be taken in small amounts. Heavy dose of nutmeg is dangerous for our health.
