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Nutmeg: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

By NS Desk 19-Dec-2020

Nutmeg is a spice that is widely used. It is also called Jaiphal and is a seed that can be ground. There is a skin cover on the seed kernel of nutmeg, which is called javitri or mace. It has a fleshy red net-like appearance and is used as a spice.

Due to the presence of antidepressant property in nutmeg, it can reduce stress and anxiety and prevent depression. Furthermore, nutmeg can also help to prevent indigestion and had formation. Since earlier times, nutmeg is used to remedy babies to control diarrhea and reduce gas formation. It can also help to prevent inflammation and can be used as a remedy for joint pain.

According to the Ayurvedic view, nutmeg is also used in various medicines and formulations that can help promote sexual health.

Fat can also be derived from the nutmeg seed and is called nutmeg butter. It is used in various perfumery and toothpaste. Nutmeg can also be applied to the skin in nutmeg powder combined with honey or milk to prevent excess oil and remove pigmentation.

Treating diseases/ health problems using nutmeg

Given below are the various disorders that can be treated with the regular use of nutmeg.

● Flatulence (gas formation)

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Ayurvedic

The main reason for the gas formation or flatulence is indigestion. Nutmeg can act as a digestive agent and helps to promote digestion. This nutmeg can help to prevent indigestion and reduce gas formation or flatulence.

According to the Ayurvedic view, nutmeg can help to prevent intestinal gas. This is because indigestion and gas formation is caused due to imbalance of vata and pitta dosha as low pitta dosha and aggravation in vata dosha can lead to low digestive fire and this impaired digestion. This further leads to gas formation and flatulence. However, due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg, its regular use can improve digestive fire and prevents indigestion.

For gas formation

a. Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder in a spoon.

b. Swallow it with some honey to enhance the taste.

c. Use this remedy after meals regularly in order to control gas formation.

● For indigestion

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Ayurvedic

Nutmeg has the property to act as a digestive agent and promote digestion. Therefore, it can be used to prevent indigestion and stomach problems.

According to the Ayurvedic view, nutmeg can be useful in preventing stomach problems such as indigestion. In Ayurveda, indigestion is a state in which digestion remains incomplete, and this occurs due to aggravation of kapha, which leads to agnimandya or low digestive fire. Regular consumption of nutmeg can improve agni and promote digestion due to the presence of deepan that is an appetizer, and pachan or digestive properties of nutmeg.

For indigestion

a. Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder.

b. Swallow it with some amount of honey to enhance the taste.

c. Use this remedy regularly after meals for better results.

● For diarrhea

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Ayurvedic

Due to the presence of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in nutmeg, it can be quite helpful in managing diarrhea. This is because nutmeg can help to remove the microbial infection. It also has antisecretory properties and, therefore, can help to prevent loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body.

According to the ayurvedic view, nutmeg is quite beneficial in controlling diarrhea. In Ayurveda, diarrhea is known as atisar and is caused due to improper food, impure water, mental stress, toxins, and agnimandya. All these factors lead to aggravation of vata, and this aggravated vata further brings intestine from the various tissues and mixes with the stool. This further leads to watery and loose motions. Due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg, it can help to manage diarrhea as it balances the vata and promotes digestive fire. It also thickens the loose and watery stool and also reduces the frequency of the stool.

For diarrhea

a. Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder.

b. Swallow it with some amount of honey.

c. Use this remedy after meals regularly for better results.

● For local anesthesia (numb tissues in a specific area)

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in nutmeg, nutmeg in the form of nutmeg oil can be used to prevent pain. It stops the release of inflammatory mediators and also helps in blocking pain, causing chemicals. Nutmeg can act as a pain-relieving agent in case of pain and swelling in joints. It can also be useful in the case of diabetic neuropathy.	According to the ayurvedic view, nutmeg in the form of nutmeg oil can be used to relieve pain in bones and joints when applied to the affected area. Pain in joints and bones can occur due to an imbalance of vata. This is because bones and joints are considered the site of vata. Due to the presence of vata balancing property in nutmeg, it can be used as a pain-relieving agent.

For local anesthesia (numb tissues in a specific area)

a. Take some amount of sesame oil or coconut oil.

b. Add 2 to 5 drops of nutmeg oil to it.

c. Apply to the affected area.

● For treating cancer

Nutmeg can help to control various types of cancer as it can inhibit the division of cancer cells. Due to its antioxidant and chemoprotective properties, it can help to cause the death of cancerous cells and can help to prevent its spread.

Forms of nutmeg in Ayurveda with the recommended dosage

Nutmeg can be used in various forms to fight different disorders. Some of the available forms of nutmeg are powder and oil. You can use nutmeg powder to make a face pack and also consume it orally. If you have not considered any doctor regarding the dosage of nutmeg, then you can follow the dosages given below.

● Nutmeg powder – Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder twice a day.

● Nutmeg oil – Take 2 to 5 drops of nutmeg oil or according to your requirement.

Types of ayurvedic care with nutmeg

1. Nutmeg powder

a. Take around 1to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder.

b. Gulp it in with some honey after meals.

2. Nutmeg face pack

a. Take some honey in a bowl.

b. Add around 1 to 2 teaspoons of nutmeg powder.

c. Apply gently on the face as well as neck.

d. Let it dry for some time.

e. Then wash it with lukewarm water.

f. Use this remedy regularly in order to prevent oily skin.

3. Nutmeg oil

a. Take some sesame or coconut oil.

b. Add 2 to 5 drops of nutmeg oil to it.

c. Apply gently on the affected area.

Nutmeg for various disorders

For gas formation

a. Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder in a spoon.

b. Swallow it with some honey to enhance the taste.

c. Use this remedy after meals regularly in order to control gas formation.

For indigestion

a. Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder.

b. Swallow it with some amount of honey to enhance the taste.

c. Use this remedy regularly after meals for better results.

For diarrhea

a. Take around 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg powder.

b. Swallow it with some amount of honey.

c. Use this remedy after meals regularly for better results.

For local anesthesia (numb tissues in a specific area)

a. Take some amount of sesame oil or coconut oil.

b. Add 2 to 5 drops of nutmeg oil to it.

c. Apply to the affected area.

Side effects of nutmeg

Even though nutmeg is blessed with many magical benefits; however, it can lead to certain side effects also. Therefore, it is important to take nutmeg with certain precautions.

Some of the side effects of nutmeg are given below:

● It can cause nausea.

● It can lead to dry mouth.

● It can cause dizziness.

● It can cause hallucinations.

Precautionary guide while using nutmeg

There are certain precautions that you should consider while consuming nutmeg.

1. Breastfeeding

It is advised to consult your doctor before using nutmeg at the time of breastfeeding.

2. Moderate medicine interaction

It is advisable to consult a doctor before using nutmeg when you are consuming certain drugs that are changed by the liver. This is because nutmeg has the tendency to interact with drugs that are metabolized in the liver.

Also, it is advised to consult your doctor before using nutmeg while you are consuming sedatives. This is because nutmeg has the tendency to interact with the sedatives.

3. Pregnancy

Even though you can consume nutmeg in food amounts, however, it is advised to consult a doctor regarding the consumption of nutmeg at the time of pregnancy.

4. Allergy

According to the Ayurvedic view, you can use nutmeg in the form of nutmeg oil after diluting it with some base oil such as coconut oil for hypersensitive skin due to the presence of ushna property in it.

FAQ

Q What is the taste of nutmeg?

Nutmeg has a distinct taste. You can distinguish it even when they are mixed with other spices. They help to add a sweet flavor to the dishes.

Q What amount of nutmeg can be consumed?

Even though there is not sufficient evidence regarding the therapeutic doses of nutmeg; however, around 1 to 2 mg/ kg body weight can help to induce a therapeutic effect. It is strictly advised not to take an overdose of nutmeg.

Q Is nutmeg helpful in reducing cholesterol levels?

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Ayurvedic

Nutmeg can be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels as it helps to get rid of cholesterol through stools. Due to the antioxidant property of nutmeg, it can help decrease the number of free radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation, reducing the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL and triglycerides. It further helps to increase the good cholesterol or HDL.

According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol is a result of an imbalance in pachak Agni. Due to the impaired digestion, excess waste products such as ama that is harmful remains in the body due to incomplete digestion are generated at the tissue level. This further causes aggregation of bad cholesterol in the body and also blockages in the blood vessels. Nutmeg can help to control ama, which is the main cause of bad cholesterol due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg. This nutmeg can help to control levels of cholesterol in the body.

Q Is nutmeg helpful in Alzheimer's disease?

A Nutmeg is quite beneficial for curing Alzheimer's disease. This is because of the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in nutmeg, which helps to reduce the destruction of neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, there is a decrease in the level of acetylcholine neurotransmitter, which is essential for learning and memory. It also stops the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and therefore increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Therefore nutmeg can help in improving memory functions in the case of Alzheimer's patients.

Q Can nutmeg help in managing levels of diabetes?

Yes,

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Ayurvedic

Nutmeg can be quite beneficial in managing diabetes. It can reduce blood sugar levels as it binds with the PPAR alpha and gamma receptors. Also, due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can further help reduce the risk of developing diabetic-related complications.

In Ayurveda, aggregation of vata and impaired digestion are the main reasons for cholesterol or madhumeha. This further leads to the accumulation of ama that is harmful remains in the body due to indigestion in pancreatic cells and hinders insulin function. Due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg, nutmeg in the form of nutmeg powder can improve digestion, reduce ama, and improve the functioning of insulin.

Q What is the role of nutmeg in the case of obesity?

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Due to the presence of tetrahydrofuran in nutmeg, it can help to reduce fat tissues and bodyweight. Also, due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help prevent obesity-related risks such as diabetes and high cholesterol.	Unhealthy food habits and lifestyle can increase body weight, which further results in a weak digestive fire. This further causes an accumulation of ama, leading to an imbalance in meda dhatu, leading to obesity. Due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg, it can help improve digestive fire, reduce am a, and improve metabolism rate.

Q How is nutmeg helpful for men?

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Due to certain constituents in nutmeg, it can act as an aphrodisiac and nervous stimulating agent and, therefore, can help improve sexual desire and potency in men.	According to Ayurveda, due to the presence of vrishya that is the aphrodisiac property in nutmeg, it can help improve sexual life and prevent problems like premature ejaculation.

Q Is it safe to use nutmeg for babies?

A Yes

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Nutmeg is quite beneficial for babies and can be added to food. Due to certain constituents in nutmeg, it can help control flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain in babies. According to studies, nutmeg can also help prevent cough and cold and be given to babies above 6 months.	According to the Ayurvedic view, due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg, it can help manage certain digestion-related problems such as flatulence, anorexia, etc indigestion in babies. Due to its grahi property, it can also help to prevent diarrhea in babies.

Q What is the role of nutmeg in the case of the liver?

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Due to the presence of certain substances in nutmeg, it can help eliminate toxins from the body and protect the liver from toxicity. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, it can also help reduce inflammation in the liver and control the liver's functioning.	Due to the presence of deepan and pachan properties in nutmeg, it can help prevent indigestion and improve liver functions.

Q Can nutmeg help in managing depression and anxiety?

A Yes

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Due to the presence of antidepressant property in nutmeg, it can help prevent depression and anxiety. This is because nutmeg works on a neurotransmitter in the brain, which is mainly credible for managing depression and anxiety.	According to the ayurvedic view, vata is responsible for managing the nervous system and governs all the body functions. Imbalance of vata can lead to anxiety or depression, and nutmeg can help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety as it helps to balance the vata dosha.

Q What is the effect of nutmeg on the skin?

Scientific	Ayurvedic
Due to the presence of macelignan in nutmeg, it can act as a depigmentation agent. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti – photo-aging properties. It is also effective against UV radiation.	Nutmeg in the form of nutmeg oil can be quite beneficial for the skin due to its ropan property.

Q Can nutmeg help in the case of teeth?

Due to the presence of macelignan in nutmeg, which has strong anticariogenic property, it can help prevent the spread of oral pathogens and prevent the formation of bacterial biofilm on the teeth. It can help to prevent tooth decay and also lessens the pain and inflammation in the case of periodontal disease.

Q What is the use of nutmeg in skin whitening?

Scientific	Ayurvedic
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of nutmeg can also act as a depigmentation agent and reduce scars.	Due to the presence of ropan property in nutmeg, it can help to manage facial pigmentations.

Q Is nutmeg helpful for managing acne?

Due to the presence of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in nutmeg, it can help to control acne. This is because it inhibits the growth of microorganisms and bacteria on the skin. It also prevents the inflammation of the skin.

NS Desk

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Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.