Nutmeg is indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia and the tree can grow up to 66 feet tall.  The peach-shaped fruit is known as the nutmeg apple, which is discarded in favor of the aromatic seed inside. The fruit splits when ripe to expose a pecan sized nut wrapped in a bright red “netting” called an aril. The nut and aril are then separated and dried. The nut is nutmeg, the aril (which turns a yellow as it dries) yields the spice mace. Both spices have a long history of use in both Chinese and Indian medicine, nutmeg is more commonly used. Health benefits include; a calming effect, helps to lower blood pressure and soothes digestive upset. It can be mixed with a neutral oil (for use in a massage) to ease joint pain and inflammation.

• Nutmeg can be found as a whole nut, a ground powder and an essential oil.
• Its healing properties act on both physical and psychological level.
• Nutmeg oil strengthens the heart and circulation, stimulates digestion, warms the body and banishes fatigue.
• For joint pain, add a blend of nutmeg, clove and rosemary essential oils to a diffuser.

• Regular use as a seasoning stimulates the cardiovascular system, promotes concentration, acts as an expectorant, reduces joint inflammation and helps the liver remove toxins.
• It has a warming effect on the digestive system, reduces indigestion, nausea and vomiting and calms diarrhea.

• Fast relief for diarrhea: dissolve 3 pinches of ground nutmeg in a glass of warm milk. Sip slowly.
• For stomach upset, add a pinch of nutmeg to peppermint tea or sprinkle nutmeg over 1 tsp. of honey.

• Regular consumption can relieve joint pain and gout.
• Put 5-6 drops on a sugar cube, or in 1 tsp of honey.
• Add the sugar to a cup of warm milk and sip throughout the day.

• place 1 drop of nutmeg oil on a cotton swab.
• Apply to the gum area around the tooth.
• Repeat several times a day.

• Pre-packaged ground nutmeg can quickly lose its aroma. It’s best to buy whole nuts and use the fine side of a cheese grater to grind to a powder yourself. Do this shortly before using. Whole nuts keep indefinitely.
• The nuts dipped in lime milk is a sign of high quality.
• Nutmeg is an excellent seasoning for cooked vegetables, especially cauliflower, potatoes, spinach and winter squash.
• It’s also an excellent addition to creamy white sauce, pasta fillings and meat dishes. A familiar flavor in pumpkin pie and eggnog.
• Nutmeg loses its flavor when heated. Add freshly grated nutmeg toward the end of the cooking process.
• Limit your alcohol intake when eating foods with a good amount of the spice, The effects of alcohol are intensified by nutmeg.
• Nutmeg is often used in winter drinks, such as tea and hot apple cider. Sprinkle the spice over the hot drink, it adds flavor and helps soothe colds and bronchitis.
• Nutmeg works well with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and black pepper.

Nutmeg cookies:

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa