Nutmeg, a walnut-sized seed of the Indonesian evergreen tree, has an aromatic and slightly sweet flavor that is used as a culinary spice. Historically, Egyptians used nutmeg for embalming and Italians employed it as a cure for plague. Indian herbal medicine uses nutmeg seed oil as an intestinal remedy, while other herbal traditions use nutmeg as an aphrodisiac, a hallucinogen and pain reliever.
Benefits
It is rendered as the new super food for its more practical purposes, as an anti-oxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. Nutmeg offers versatile health benefits: it may help remove toxins from the liver, lower high blood pressure, ease stomach pain, and improve the digestive tract. It is packed with essential minerals and vitamins; rich in potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and vital B-complex vitamins, including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and many flavonoid anti-oxidants that are essential for optimum health.
- Treats anxiety, and depression.
- Treatments of body aches, chest pains, rashes, and blindness.
- Helps relaxation and will induce sleep.
- Good for the cardiovascular system and helps lower blood pressure.
- Treats diarrhea, eczema, acne, and other skin conditions.
- Treats respiratory problems.
- Treats nausea and vomiting.
- Cures indigestion.
- Joint pain and gout.
- Improves all infertility and impotence.
- Improves concentration.
- Increases circulation.
- Lowers cholesterol.
Preperation
Nutmeg is a fall essential that pairs nicely with cinnamon and cloves; who knew it was loaded with so many magical powers. Keep a jar of this ground spice on hand-- whether you are making a warm spiced apple cider, chilled apple sauce, baking a pumpkin pie, cooking a hearty vegetable stew, or in your seasonal beer.