Nutmeg
Photo by yumievriwan
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.
Components:
- Nutmeg is a fragrant spice.
- Active ingredients in the essential oil are myristicin, elincin, camphene, geraniol and borneol.
- It also contains fatty substances, starch, protein and some potassium and calcium.
A warming spice oil:
- 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.
Therapeutic Effect:
- 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.
Nutmeg for diarrhea and upset stomach:
- 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.
For joint inflammation:
- 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.
For toothache:
- place 1 drop of nutmeg oil on a cotton swab.
- Apply to the gum area around the tooth.
- Repeat several times a day.
Kitchen Hints:
- 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:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 oz. candled lemon peel
- 9 oz. ground almonds
- 1-2 tsp. cornstarch
- ¼ tsp. grated nutmeg
- 1 small package graham crackers
- Lemon cake frosting
- 2-3 oz. chopped pistachios
- Preheat the oven to 350 deg F
- Beat the eggs and sugar until frothy
- Chop the lemon peel. Stir the peel and almonds into the egg mixture. Add some cornstarch to thicken. Fold the nutmeg into the egg mixture.
- Shape the dough into walnut sized balls and place each ball on a graham cracker.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 mins after they have cooled, spread frosting on them and sprinkle with pistachios
Warning:
- The myristicin and elicin in nutmeg can be toxic in large doses. It may hallucinations or cause miscarriages.
- Don’t use more than 2 tbsp. of ground spice or 10 drops of essential oil per day.
References:
- The Complete Guide To Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
