Nutmeg Powder
Origin: Indonesia
Nutmeg and mace are used to make medicine. Nutmeg and mace are used for diarrhea, nausea, stomach spasms and pain, and intestinal gas. They are also used for treating cancer, kidney disease, and trouble sleeping (insomnia), increasing menstrual flow, causing a miscarriage, as a hallucinogen, and as a general tonic.
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6 Surprising Health Benefits of Nutmeg
Curious to know more? Here's listing out the many benefits of nutmeg :
1. Relives Pain
Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils such as myristicin, elemicin, eugenol and safrole. According to the book DK Healing Foods, "Its (nutmeg) volatile oils have anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating joint and muscle pain." Just a few drops of the essential oil on the affected area can treat inflammation, swelling, joint pain, muscle pain and sores.
2. Helps Treat Insomnia
Nutmeg has a calming effect when consumed in smaller doses. Various ancient medicinal practices credit it for its sleep inducing and de-stressing effects. According to Ayurveda, you should add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and have it before sleeping. You can also add in some almonds and a pinch of cardamom for added benefits.
3. Helps Digestion
Nutmeg contains essential oils which have a carminative effect on our system. So if you are suffering from digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or gas, a home remedy is to grate a pinch of nutmeg in your soups and stews, and have it. It will help in the secretion of digestive enzymes, bringing about relief, whereas the fiber content in nutmeg will help in bowel movement. It also helps in removing excessive gas from the system.
4. Brain Health
Nutmeg is an aphrodisiac, stimulating the nerves in the brain. It was commonly used as a brain tonic by the Greek and Romans during the ancient times. It is known to be an effective ingredient for treating depression and anxiety as its essential oil tend to ease fatigue and stress. "As an adaptogen, it can be both a stimulant and a sedative, according to the body's needs. In times of stress, it can help lower blood pressure.
5. Treat Bad Breath
Bad breath could be a sign of toxicity in your system. Unhealthy lifestyle and improper diet can build up toxins in your organs. Nutmeg is touted to help in detoxifying the body, clearing out toxins from the liver and kidneys. Since its essential oils have anti-bacterial properties, it helps in removing bacteria from the mouth which are responsible for causing bad breath. It is commonly used as an ingredient for Ayurvedic toothpastes and gum pastes. The essential oil eugenol helps in reliving toothaches as well.
6. Gorgeous Skin
Nutmeg is a good ingredient for skincare because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to remove blackheads, treat acne and clogged pores. A common home remedy is to mix equal parts of ground nutmeg and honey, make a paste and apply it on pimples. Leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash with cold warm. You can also make a paste using nutmeg powder and a few drop of milk, and massage it into your skin before rinsing clean. It can be used in scrubs along with oatmeal, orange peel, etc.