These days, we often rush to doctors even for minor health problems. One major reason is our lack of knowledge about the beneficial properties of ingredients readily available in our kitchens. Many common kitchen spices are rich in medicinal qualities.
One such spice is nutmeg. While it is widely used as a spice, many people are unaware of its medicinal benefits. Here are eight health benefits shared by Dr Amrit Bhandari, an Ayurvedic physician and Director at Sahara Ayurved and Therapy Center Pvt Ltd, Gongabu, Kathmandu.
1. Protects against cold-related illnesses
Nutmeg is an effective remedy to prevent colds, coughs, and fever during cold weather. A small piece can be kept in the mouth and sucked. Doing this every one or two days throughout winter helps provide natural warmth to the body and prevents cold-related problems. For children, grated nutmeg can be applied to the chest as a massage to protect them from cold.
2. Helps remove facial spots and blemishes
Nutmeg is effective in reducing spots and blemishes on the face or skin. Grinding nutmeg with water to make a paste and applying it to affected areas helps reduce marks and adds glow to the skin.
Mixing nutmeg powder with honey to make a paste and applying it to the face helps cleanse the skin and reduce acne scars. It works as a good natural face pack.
3. Improves digestion
Including nutmeg in daily meals helps improve digestion. Being rich in fibre, it aids digestion and helps relieve problems such as diarrhoea, acidity, and constipation. Children often suffer from digestive issues; giving them a small amount of nutmeg mixed in milk regularly helps ease these problems and improves appetite.
4. Helps relieve insomnia
Due to stress and a fast-paced lifestyle, insomnia has become a common problem. Consuming nutmeg is beneficial for those who have trouble sleeping. Drinking a glass of warm milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg before bedtime promotes sound sleep. It helps reduce stress, improves blood circulation to the brain, enhances concentration, and relieves anxiety.
5. Boosts immunity
Strong immunity is essential for good health. Many people catch colds easily during seasonal changes due to weak immunity. Nutmeg helps boost immunity as it contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, along with vitamins and fiber.
6. Beneficial for arthritis
As age increases, women often experience weaker bones and arthritis-related problems, including pain and swelling. Consuming nutmeg or applying its oil helps reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and its oil also provides relief from pain in the hands and legs.
7. Helpful in diabetes
Diabetes has become a common disease today. Once considered an illness of old age, it is now a lifestyle-related condition affecting even young people and children, making timely control essential. Nutmeg is a good source of triterpenes, which have anti-diabetic properties and help control blood sugar levels.
8. Reduces cholesterol
High cholesterol can lead to fatigue, increased risk of heart attack, kidney problems, and other health issues. The ethanolic extract present in nutmeg helps reduce bad cholesterol and protects the body from various diseases.
How to use nutmeg
- It can be cut into small pieces and kept directly in the mouth.
- It can be mixed with jaggery and made into small pellets for consumption.
- It can be mixed with water and consumed.
- For children, grated nutmeg can be mixed with honey and given to lick.
- For facial use, it can be mixed with honey and applied to the skin.
Drinking milk mixed with nutmeg powder is highly beneficial. During winter, children can be given this milk before bedtime. Nutmeg oil is also available and is very effective for massage. For headaches, nutmeg can be ground with water and applied to the forehead.
Caution: Nutmeg should not be consumed in large quantities, as excessive use can have adverse effects. It is best to use it in small amounts under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.
