Nutmeg
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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.