Nutmeg has been used across civilizations in the world for several medicinal reasons as well as to add flavor to different foods and desserts across the world. This spice is super rich in
- Magnesium,
- Manganese,
- Copper,
- Vitamin B1,
- Vitamin B6,
- Calcium and
- Potassium.
You get all of the above to your body in this little spice and these are very vitamins and minerals that we require for several body functions and several different chemical actions in the human body.
The use of nutmeg in Indian cuisine is not unprecedented. The spice made its way from the Spice Islands in Indonesia to the coasts of southern India, where it quickly became a staple of the local cuisine. The spice also called Jaiphal, is added to food in very little amounts so that it has a mildly sweet flavor, typical of traditional Indian cuisine. It has recently been discovered that nutmeg oil provides a number of previously unknown health benefits. Through distillation, nutmeg yields an essential oil known as nutmeg oil, which has been shown effective in the treatment of a wide range of medical conditions.
It Reduces Pain
When it comes to pain, amazing pain-killing properties can be found in nutmeg. Mixing essential oil of nutmeg with coconut oil or sesame oil along with using it on that area can alleviate pain and edema in muscles and you will see the results in 24 hours. Also, nutmeg is known for its anti-inflammatory properties when you can use it even externally so for muscle pain, joint pains, and swellings, this spice is considered a natural pain killer. When you use pill nutmeg oil and nutmeg essential oil are available everywhere if you want to get pure oil and mix a couple of drops with a carrier oil and never apply the direct oil on your skin and check if you have an allergic reaction whenever you use essential oil. You take a small patch of your skin where you want to try it on before applying it on all other parts of your muscle, your joints which are building and this is the reason the spice is utilized by athletes for a variety of purposes because it helps them with their swellings, their muscular pains and their joint pains and this is because nutmeg oil contains a mix of different volatile oils one of the main all has been eugenol. This oil has an anti-inflammatory effect when applied externally to the human body so you can use it for joint pains as long as you don’t have an allergic reaction to it.
Potential libido enhancer
Nutmeg has been shown to improve libido and performance in certain animal tests. One study found that male rats given large dosages of spice oil (227 mg per pound or 500 mg per kg of body weight) exhibited much larger improvements in sexual intercourse and sex drive time compared to a control group. A comparable study found that administering a strong dose of nutmeg extract to male mice dramatically boosted their sexual activity in comparison to a control group.
No one knows why or how the spice works to increase libido just yet. Some people think it’s because it contains potent plant chemicals and can stimulate the neural system. Nutmeg has a long history of use in the treatment of sex problems in alternative medical practices, including the Unani school of medicine practiced in South Asia. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of studies examining its impact on human sexual health. Nutmeg is also considered an aphrodisiac spice due to its ability to increase a person’s libido and overall sexual desire and arousal. Aphrodisiac foods are drugs that can stimulate desire that can stimulate sexual instinct that can also help with infertility and people who are low on sexual function. So, aphrodisiacs categorize nutmeg is known to be good for that as a great aphrodisiac which is why for those who suffered from low libido or sexual performance, certain Middle Eastern cultures recommended a mixture of honey and nutmeg powder.
Improves how well you rest at night
Sleep is one of the most beneficial benefits of nutmeg is to induce the property of sleep. It should be consumed in very small quantities because if you consume it in a high quantity so they talked about a dash of nutmeg or a maximum of ¼ of a teaspoon depending on you. Because having too much of it can lead to palpitations of the heart and it can also induce hallucinations and it can induce very intense and weird dreams. So, you want to make sure that it’s just a dash of nutmeg and use a little less than ¼ of the teaspoon. So you can use it for sleep because in the olden days our ancestors used to mix a little bit of milk with nutmeg powder and feed it to their kids before sleep to induce good sleep and induce great sleep. It is also helpful for adults as well. If you don’t have milk or if you’re lactose intolerant or you’re a vegan what you can do is almond milk you can have almond milk mixed with a little bit of elaichi powder which is cotton and powder and a dash of nutmeg powder and that makes a great drink to help you induce sleep. This recipe is not gonna work for you if you are stressed out or if you are unable to disconnect your mind from your day or if you’re constantly thinking in your mind. Nutmeg isn’t your natural sleeping medication that’s gonna take that away. You still have to do your meditation, and disconnect your mind from your day and your thoughts and that’s what will help you sleep better.
Helps the heart pump blood more efficiently
One of the benefits of nutmeg oil is that it can be used to treat persons with weak blood circulation just by inhaling its distinctive aroma. Nutmeg oil, in whatever form it’s taken, improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to every cell. High-dose nutmeg supplements have been shown to lower cardiovascular disease risk factors in animal trials, such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but human studies are missing. Oil from the nutmeg tree has been used medicinally for centuries as an organic stimulant for the central nervous system and the entire body. The invigorating scent increases the delivery of oxygen to all of the body’s cells. Oil from nutmeg has been shown to improve circulation.
Reduces tension and Anxiety
The stimulating and calming effects of nutmeg oil make it a popular remedy for stress. Sometimes it helps reduce blood pressure, which is a huge boon in the fight against stress. The volatile oils in nutmeg oil have long been recognized for their analgesic properties, and this knowledge has led to the oil’s widespread usage in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments, including inflammation and pain. As an added bonus, it can help you overcome emotional challenges including tension, nervousness, and melancholy. In addition to reducing hypertension, the calming and stimulating effects of nutmeg oil help relieve mental stress and anxiety.
Relaxes Period Pain
When used during menstruation, nutmeg oil may aid with symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and fatigue caused by hormonal fluctuations. Nutrients in nutmeg oil are thought to aid in the complete menstrual cycle’s regulation and facilitation. One study found that aromatherapy massage with essential oils was more effective than a massage with placebo oil at relieving pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. If you’re experiencing pain during your period, try using some nutmeg oil as a natural pain reliever. Due to its analgesic characteristics, nutmeg can alleviate menstrual cramps, hormone imbalance, mood swings, and pain in women who experience these symptoms when menstruating.
Helps Reduce Indigestion Symptoms
It’s not common knowledge that nutmeg oil can aid digestion. The oil has been shown to be effective in treating gastrointestinal problems. Flatulence can be embarrassing and lead to other health problems including stomach pain, but nutmeg oil can help alleviate all of them. Nutmeg oil has the potential to assist with digestive disorders. Its high concentration of beneficial phytonutrients promotes healthy function of the digestive system. In addition to controlling nausea and vomiting, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation, it can help keep your appetite in check for optimal digestion.
Potential Benefits to Memory and Brain Function
The oil’s stress-relieving properties extend to its role as a cognitive booster. Reduced mental fatigue means enhanced memory and focus, thanks to nutmeg oil. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Participants given with essential oil mainly dedicated during extended and exigent activities.” Nutmeg is a brain tonic; it successfully stimulates your brain, gets rid of fatigue, and enhances focus. Myristicin, one of the natural chemical compounds it contains, has been shown to improve memory and decrease mental fatigue.
Can Cure Mouth Infections and Halitosis
Essential nutmeg oil is most notable for its aroma, though it also has medicinal value for a number of conditions. Even though it is most commonly known as a natural scent, nutmeg oil can be used to treat the ever-present issue of bad breath. For various infections of the mouth, it also serves as an antiseptic. Green tea’s catechins have been shown to reduce foul breath and prevent the formation of oral germs. Because of its antibacterial characteristics, nutmeg oil can be used to combat bad breath and eradicate bacteria from the mouth. Also, its antibacterial nature is excellent for toothache and hurting gums.
Facilitates the Management of Respiratory Illnesses
In Ayurveda, nutmeg essential oil is used mostly to treat problems with breathing and the respiratory system, including asthma. The oil from the nutmeg tree is used to make cough remedies and vapor rubs because it helps clear the nasal passages. Expectorant and decongestant qualities found in nutmeg oil aid in the treatment of respiratory infections. Mucus and phlegm are loosened and then coughed up and out of the body. Most chest rubs and cough medicines contain nutmeg oil. If you have a cold, cough, asthma, or bronchitis, this is a great cure to try. Some people have found relief from asthma, allergies, and wheezing after using nutmeg oil. In addition to this, it is a component in many over-the-counter cold rubs and cough syrups due to its ability to alleviate cold symptoms and congestion.
Possible Aid in Glucose Control
There is some evidence that nutmeg oil can help keep blood sugar stable. Evidence from studies suggests that nutmeg essential oil enhances insulin’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Promotes Healthy Detoxification of the Body
This excellent oil also helps the kidneys and liver do their job of natural detoxification. It’s a natural detoxifier that benefits liver and kidney function. Nutmeg’s anti-inflammatory properties help keep the skin smooth and supple, while its antioxidant properties help prevent premature aging.
In little amounts, nutmeg essential oil is a terrific nutritious addition to your diet, whether you use it to season vegetables or as a salad dressing.
The Bottom Line
In many kitchens around the world, nutmeg is a common spice. Due to its warming, nutty flavor, which complements a variety of cuisines, it is used frequently in both savory and sweet dishes. Nutmeg contains potent anti-inflammatory plant chemicals that also serve as antioxidants, in addition to its various culinary applications. Although further research on these effects in people is required, these may help with blood sugar control, heart health, and mood. Enjoy this warming spice sparingly because excessive amounts can have negative side effects.
Sirisha B