- The health benefits of nutmeg are many! It is also a favorite when it comes to holiday spices, and is used in a variety of desserts such as pies and cheesecakes.
- Since ancient times, nutmeg has been used to treat various ailments and to improve overall health.
- Let’s take a look at the health benefits of nutmeg.
- Aid with bad breath:
- It has potent antibacterial properties. It can kill the bacteria in you mouth that causes bad breath. It is often used as an ingredient in toothpaste for this reason.
- Brain stimulation:
- In ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, nutmeg was used as medicine for the brain. It has shown the ability to stimulate brain function.
- It helps treat fatigue and stress, and has also shown the ability to improve concentration. An animal study at the Guru Jambheshwar University in India showed improvement of memory in mice that were given nutmeg.
- Another study from the same University showed that nutmeg had antidepressant-like benefits.
- Cold and chest cold:
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Tip 1: Prepare a nutmeg plaster by mixing equal parts of organic ground nutmeg and flour. Add an egg white and a very small amount of water to form a paste. Cover a cotton cloth with the paste and apply to the chest 15 minutes.
- Tip 2: Make a cup of warm apple cider tea with equal parts of and apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Drink when under the weather.
Digestive health: - Nutmeg has shown the ability to relieve indigestion, constipation, bloating, and flatulence. It does so by removing excess gas from our intestines. It is also a decent source of dietary fiber, with 1.5g per tablespoon. Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient for the healthy function of the digestive tract.
- Tip: Mix 1/4 tsp of organic ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and add to 1 cup of water. Drink to help with diarrhea and digestion.
- Liver and kidney health:
- Adding nutmeg to your diet can help you detox. Toxins can build up in our bodies because of environmental factors and they usually end up in the liver and the kidneys. Nutmeg helps remove these toxins, promoting optimal health.
- Pain relief:
- Nutmeg was used in ancient China to treat stomach pain and inflammation. Like many spices, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which is what gives it the ability to relieve pain.
- It is often used to treat toothaches and pain in the gums.
- Tip: Soak a cotton ball with 1 Tbsp or organic coconut oil, cover with a 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg. Hold against the jaw line at the point nearest to the painful tooth.
- Sleep aid:
- Nutmeg was used in ancient India and Malaysia to promote sleep.
- The inhabitants of the Moluccas used to mix nutmeg with milk or bananas to give to their children to help them sleep.
- Tip: Add 1/4 tsp of ground organic nutmeg to 1 cup of organic milk or almond milk. Warm the mixture. Drink before going to bed.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- For a raw and vegan apple pie recipe with nutmeg.
- For a pumpkin cheesecake recipe with nutmeg.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Improvement of Mouse Memory by Myristica Fragrans Seeds.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2013.
- 2. “Antidepressant-like Activity of N-hexane Extract of Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans) Seeds in Mice.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2013.
- 3. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Spices, Nutmeg, Ground.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2013.
- 4. “Nutmeg: Spice, Aphrodisiac, Anti-Depressant, Anti-Nausea and a Powerful INEBRIANT.” Libertarian News. Libertarian News, 20 Sept. 2012. Web. 04 Dec. 2013.