Nutmeg, the delicate, slightly sweet spice, has a wonderful aroma. No wonder it is widely used in cuisines around the world. Bet you didn’t know that its leaves and other parts of its tree are used in extracting essential oil as well as nutmeg butter, which are used for the purpose of beauty and have other health benefits?
Nutmeg is packed with nutrients: minerals such as magnesium, manganese, and copper; and vitamins such as B1, B6, etc. The essential oils from nutmeg extract are highly beneficial to health and are frequently used in alternative and herbal medicine.
Below are some health of its benefits:
1. Relieves Pain
Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils such as myristicin, elemicin, eugenol, and safrole which have natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding it as a spice in your cooking would reduce associated pain from wounds, injuries, strains, and chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis.
2. Treats Insomnia
Nutmeg has been recommended as a home remedy for sleeplessness and insomnia. A pinch of nutmeg in warm milk always seems to do the trick. It has a high content of magnesium, an essential mineral in the body that reduces nerve tension, and even stimulates the release of serotonin, needed for relaxation or sedation.
3. Fights Skin Infection And Signs Of Aging
Nutmeg has antibacterial properties that help in reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. It also acts as a potential remedy for blackheads, treatment of acne, and clogged pores. Nutmeg oil is also good for skin lightening, whitening and skin pigmentation, skin rash, and inflammation.
4. Promotes Digestion
Nutmeg contains essential oils which have a carminative effect on our system. If you are suffering from digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating or gas, a home remedy is to grate a pinch of nutmeg in your soups and stews and have it.
5. Boosts Brain Health
Nutmeg is known to be an effective ingredient for treating depression and anxiety as its essential oil tends to ease fatigue and stress. It can help eliminate fatigue and stress and stimulate brain functions. Also, nutmeg is used to fight depression and anxiety.
6. Treats Toothache and Bad Breath
Nutmeg contains active antibacterial components eugenol that helps to fight conditions like halitosis, also known as bad breath. It kills the bacteria that causes this bad breath condition and generally boosts the immunity of gums and teeth, thus improving oral health.
7. Aphrodisiac
It works as an aphrodisiac by stimulating the central nervous system and warming the pubic region. It imitates the effects of serotonin. The spicy taste of nutmeg causes arousal, and the alluring aroma relaxes the body.
8. Blood Pressure and Circulation
Its high mineral content makes nutmeg a good ingredient for regulating blood circulation and pressure. It contains calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, etc., which are all essential for various functions in the body. I
9. Treats Liver Disorders
Nutmeg may be useful in treating liver disorders. One study suggests that myristicin, found in nutmeg oil, has hepatoprotective properties. However, further studies are required to explain the benefits of nutmeg for the liver.