Nutmeg Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Consumption of nutmeg can be beneficial for the brain as it is aids brain stimulation. The essential oils present in nutmeg help in combating fatigue and stress thus, fuelling mental activities. Consumption of nutmeg has been suggested to improve blood circulation in the brain which improves concentration and data assimilation ability and improves memory. Myristicin, a compound found in nutmeg has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease and is used to improve memory

The essential oils present in nutmeg are found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to relieve pain. Traditionally, nutmeg oil has been used to massage joints and muscle pains to alleviate pain. The phytosterols present in nutmeg help to reduce inflammation. It also helps to reduce inflammation of the joints and relieve rheumatic pains. According to a study conducted, chloroform extract of nutmeg that possesses anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties was effective in relieving inflammation and swelling in patients with rheumatic pain.

The essential oils in nutmeg are effective in relieving toothache due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, nutmeg essential oil is also anti-bacterial in nature. This property of nutmeg is believed to relieve a toothache and preventing tooth decay. Application of nutmeg oil is also found to be very effective against bad breath. The bioactive compound, eugenol found in nutmeg has been found to contribute to its toothache relieving property.

Nutmeg is a wonder spice when it comes to aiding in digestion. It is rich in fibre content. This makes nutmeg an excellent remedy for curing digestive disorders such as constipation. Nutmeg has also been found to be effective against flatulence, diarrhoea and other stomach ailments. It helps to improve digestion and appetite as well. Drops of nutmeg oil can also be mixed with honey to treat nausea, gastroenteritis, and indigestion. Nutmeg has also been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to cure gastrointestinal diseases.

Another nutrient abundantly present in nutmeg is copper which helps in balancing blood pressure in the human body and also helps in maintaining the heart rate. Nutmeg also hosts another important nutrient, potassium. Potassium helps in lowering the strain on the cardiovascular system. It acts as a vasodilator that can relax the blood vessels and in turn, reduces the blood pressure. Thus, the inclusion of nutmeg in an everyday diet can help in regulating blood pressure.

What can be better than to achieve a beautiful skin at home with simple home remedies? The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of nutmeg make it a simple yet great ingredient for skin care. It can be used to treat acne and open pores. Equal quantities of black pepper and nutmeg can be ground together and applied as a paste to get rid of pimples. It can reduce the problem of blackheads, which are difficult to manage. It can also reduce wrinkles and fine lines due to its analgesic and antibacterial properties. Essential oils in nutmeg are also found to be effective for healthy hair due to their specific activity against lice.

Antioxidants are important for the body to make its functions smooth, nutmegs contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system is abundantly present in nutmeg. The formation of free radicals can be prevented by the antioxidants present in nutmeg, which can otherwise trigger severe reactions in the body. Nutmeg, has thus, been used in ancient treatments due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Nutmeg contains the compound eugenol, which has several beneficial effects on the heart. Consumption of nutmeg is suggested to improve blood lipids and reduce oxidative stress. According to a recent study, it was found that the consumption of nutmeg reduced the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol.

(Read more: High cholesterol symptoms)

The bioactive compounds called phytosterols protect against colon cancer by slowing down the reproduction of cells in the large intestine. This compound has been found to be present in sufficient quantities in nutmeg. Also, myristicin, a food flavouring active compound in nutmeg is found to have chemoprotective properties. However, in vivo, clinical trials are required to establish this property of nutmeg. 

Nutmeg contains magnesium in large quantities, the mineral is essential to control stress and anxiety in the body and is responsible for releasing serotonin that relaxes and sedates the body and mind. It can be added in your tea, coffee or herbal tea, A few seeds of nutmeg can also be sprinkled in desserts to help induce sleep.