This website post was forwarded to us from a friend in London England. We found it interesting and therefore are re-posting the article, as it was written.
COHL Management
TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG
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:
- 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
a) Mix a pinch of nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice.
b) Drink twice a day to calm the mind and relive depression.
- 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:
a) To ensure good brain health, add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed.
- 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.
a) 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.
- 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.
a) 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.
- 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.
a) 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.
- 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.