Nutmeg Really is the King of All Spices!
Nutmeg is the seed that is produced by the
Myristica fragrans evergreen tree, found in tropical areas all over the
world. While the seeds may be small, their nutritional profile is highly
impressive, and offers an abundance of health and beauty benefits.
This sweet spice is used in kitchens all over the world, and you don’t
have to use large quantities of it as just a dusting is enough to
enhance the taste of food. This spice is available in ground or whole
form for cooking, and as an essential oil for other purposes.
Some of its beneficial components include
iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, thiamin, copper, and
vitamins B1 and B6. It’s also rich in stimulant, carminative,
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and aphrodisiac
properties. All these factors give this spice its long list of health
benefits.
Below are the top 10 health benefits of nutmeg:
1. Fights Depression and Anxiety
If you have anxiety or depression, nutmeg is a fantastic natural
treatment.
The compounds myristicin and elemicin in nutmeg offer mild sedative and
antianxiety benefits by activating the neurotransmitters serotonin and
dopamine in the brain. This also helps us cope with stress.
Method:
1. Mix a pinch of nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon of Indian gooseberry
juice.
2. Drink twice a day to calm the mind and relieve depression.
2. Boosts Brain Power
Nutmeg helps keep your brain sharp and healthy. In fact, ancient Roman
and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a brain tonic. Myristicin helps
improve memory by stimulating the nerves in the brain. It also improves
concentration and the ability to focus.
Method:
1. To ensure good brain health, add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm
water and drink it before going to bed.
3. Fights Insomnia 
If you find it hard to sleep at night, nutmeg can help you out. Its sedative and calming properties work as a natural sleep aid. Furthermore, this spice is rich in magnesium, which stimulates the release of serotonin, creating a feeling of relaxation and sedation.
• Drink a cup warm milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg powder before going
to bed.
• Alternatively, mix 2 drops of nutmeg essential oil in 2 tablespoons of
olive oil and massage it onto your forehead before going to bed.
4. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain
Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils that that have
anti-inflammatory properties, such as elemicin, eugenol, and myristicin.
This makes it very useful for treating joint and muscle pain.
• To get relief from painful joints and muscles, mix some nutmeg oil
with coconut or olive oil, and apply to the affected areas a few times a
day.
• Adding a little nutmeg to your cooking can help reduce inflammation
and pain.
5. Treats Acne
Nutmeg’s antioxidant nature means that it can help fight free-radical
damage, which is important for maintaining acne-free skin. Furthermore,
it can help make acne scars a lot less noticeable.
• Prepare a paste with equal amounts of powdered nutmeg and raw honey.
Apply it to the affected area, leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse it
off with warm water. Do this once a day for a few days.
• Alternatively, mix ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg powder with enough milk to
make a runny paste. Apply it to the acne-affected area, let it sit for
30 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Do this once a day.
6. Improves Digestion
Nutmeg is great for the digestive system.
In addition to easing indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, and
diarrhea, it can also help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
7. Prevents Tooth Decay and Cavities
Due to its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can effectively destroy
harmful bacteria inside the mouth to help prevent cavities and tooth
decay. Furthermore, it’s also effective at preventing and treating bad
breath, which is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
• Simply grate some nutmeg and mix it with some oregano oil. Brush your
teeth with it a few times a week.
• To fight bad breath, put a few drops of nutmeg oil in a glass of
lukewarm water, and use it as a mouthwash.
8. Boosts Immunity
Nutmeg can enhance your immunity due to the presence of minerals and
vitamins that contribute to its antioxidant action. Antioxidants help to
protect your body from free-radical damage, which can otherwise have a
negative impact on your immunity, making it hard for your body to fight
off infections.
• Consume some nutmeg each day by adding it to your milk, tea, or soup.
9. Aids Detoxification
Proper detoxification is very important for
good health. Nutmeg is very beneficial, as it aids detoxification and
improves the function of your liver.
10. Improves Male Libido
Due to its vasodilating and smooth muscle-relaxing properties, the
compound eugenol in nutmeg is responsible for its aphrodisiac effect.
Plus, it has magnesium and potassium, the essential nutrients required
in the production of sex hormones.
Nutmeg helps to cleanse the liver and kidneys of toxins, as well as
strengthening their functions. Its high antioxidant content helps
activate enzymes in the liver that help to remove toxic compounds.
Furthermore, the magnesium in it is required for detoxifying cells.
Important Notes
• Do not consume too much nutmeg as it can be toxic in large doses – do
not take more than ½ a teaspoon a day.
• Store this spice in an airtight container and away from moisture,
heat, and direct sunlight to avoid loss of flavor.