Nutmeg

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Known in Ayurveda as jātīphala, nutmeg is used in many cuisines around the world, including Indonesian, Indian and Japanese.

A winter favourite for its warming properties, nutmeg finds its place in mulled cider and mulled wine. In Scotland, it is used in haggis and in America it is the main pumpkin pie spice. In Italian cuisine, look for it in dishes such as tortellini.

Not only does nutmeg warm us in winter, it also improves digestion and absorption, helps fight coughs and colds, improves libido and virility and relieves aches and pains. Here are a few Ayurvedic home remedies using nutmeg.

Remedies

  1. Insomnia: mix two pinches nutmeg in a cup of boiling milk, simmer for a minute and drink.

  2. Insomnia: Mix some nutmeg with an equal amount of ghee and apply around the eyes and forehead at bedtime.

  3. Headache: Apply a paste of nutmeg and water to the area.

  4. Cold and cough: Apply a paste of nutmeg and milk to the forehead and nose for instant relief.

  5. Eczema: To cure skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm, mix fresh ground nutmeg with your own early morning saliva. Apply on the affected area.

  6. Diarrhoea: /3 tsp. nutmeg in a tsp. warm ghee; eat this mixture 2-3x daily.

  7. Diarrhoea: Mix 1/3 tsp. nutmeg in some mashed banana or applesauce. Eat this mixture 2-3x daily.

  8. Malabsorption: Nutmeg takram--2 T yoghurt, 1cup pure water, ½ tsp. cumin, 2 pinches nutmeg, drink mid-morning on empty stomach and after meals.

  9. Dehydration: To cure dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting, half a nutmeg is boiled in 1 liter of water. Take infusion in the doses of 15 grams with coconut water.

  10. Morning sickness: A pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of cardamom in a cup of warm milk.

  11. Rheumatism: Fry powdered nutmeg in sesame oil until the oil becomes brown. Apply over the affected parts to relieve neuralgia, rheumatism and sciatica. Alternatively, rub nutmeg oil on the joint.

  12. Menstrual cramps: Mix 1/3 tsp nutmeg in honey and eat.

  13. Acne: make a face mask with nutmeg, milk and honey and apply.

Compiled from various sources including Alandi Herbology Manual, Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing by Usha and Vasant Lad, this page and this page.

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

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