Let’s look at the numerous health benefits of nutmeg.

10 Health Benefits of Nutmeg

1. Antibacterial properties

Nutmeg has strong antibacterial properties. In one study, it was found to inhibit the growth of dangerous strains of E. coli bacteria, which are known to cause severe illness and even death.

2. Heart health

Like cloves, nutmeg oil contains eugenol, a compound that is known to benefit heart health.

3. Useful in Alzheimer’s disease and stroke

Research suggests that a nutrient found in nutmeg may help slow cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and promote the recovery of brain tissue following a stroke.

4. Reduces flatulence

Used in small dosages, nutmeg helps reduce flatulence [excessive stomach or intestinal gas], aid digestion and improve appetite

5. It has aphrodisiac properties

Research has found that nutmeg has aphrodisiac properties, helping increase both libido and potency. Nutmeg is also helpful to treat erectile dysfunction.

6. Liver protection

Studies have established that myrislignan, a compound in nutmeg, has a strong protective effect against liver damage.

7. Relieves rheumatic pain and toothaches

Mixed with almond oil, nutmeg oil is used to relieve rheumatic pain. To treat toothaches, drops of essential oil are put on cotton swab and applied to the gums around an aching tooth; sometimes it is also used to remove bad breath.

8. Gastric health

Drops of nutmeg oil can mixed with honey is used to treat nausea, gastroenteritis, chronic diarrhea and indigestion.

9. Eases anxiety and depression

In homoeopathy, it is used to treat anxiety and depression.

10. Induces sleep

Warm milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg is known to induce sleep.

Nutmeg safety alert!

• Always use nutmeg in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. Large doses can trigger an acute psychiatric disorder. It contains myristicin which, in large doses, can cause hallucinations. Users may feel a sensation of blood rush to the head or a strong euphoria and dissociation. It can also lead to convulsions, palpitations, generalised body pain, vomiting, nausea and eventual dehydration. Followed by long, deep almost coma-like sleep, it can even cause death in extreme cases.
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid nutmeg as it can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. It also inhibits prostaglandin production [involved in child birth process] and contains hallucinogens that may affect the foetus, if consumed in large quantities. It can also trigger dizziness, nausea and difficulty in urination.
• Touching it can cause allergic skin reaction. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

How to Buy, Cook and Store nutmeg

The best way to select nutmeg

Since the flavour degrades quickly, it is better to buy it for use in a month. The superior quality nutmegs are larger in size, round and weigh around 7 – 8g. The smaller grades weigh around 3g and the lowest quality are smaller nutmeg fragments. Testing for freshness and good quality is as easy as inserting a needle 1cm into the seed, if a tiny drop of oil seeps out, the nut is good. People often purchase ground nutmeg for ready sprinkling; the ground variety should be used quickly as the flavour deteriorates over time when it comes in contact with air and other aromas in the kitchen. Smell the nutmeg each time before using to make sure it’s still fresh and flavourful. Before purchasing ground variety, don’t forget to check for the airtight seal and an expiration date printed on the side.

The best way to cook it

Use it only if the recipe specifically states the use of it, as it is preferable not to experiment with its flavour. Once it is ground, it loses the oils which provide its flavour and taste. A grater can be used for this purpose—a grater with a finest blade is preferable. It is advisable to use only small amounts in any recipe; otherwise it can overpower a dish. Lastly, remember: adding nutmeg early in the cooking process can help distribute the spice more evenly into the dish.

The best way to store it

Whether ground and whole, keep it away from sunlight in airtight containers. Avoid storing over the stove, sink, near a window or near a source of heat or moisture as heat can cause the spice to stale quickly. Even though it is dry, it is heat sensitive and exposure to steam can increase the risk of bacterial or fungal contamination. If stored in a freezer and repeatedly removed for use, condensation will form, which will accelerate loss of flavour and aroma. Ground nutmeg stays best in the dark. If it comes in a clear bottle, consider transferring it to a brown glass jar or opaque container. Ground nutmeg should have a pungent, spicy scent and should be a light fluffy powder, not sticky, clumpy or odourless.

Using It as a Culinary Companion

The flavour of nutmeg works well in:

• Sweet preparations like pies, puddings, custards, cookies, souffles, cakes, pastries. It can also accompany sweet sauces, stewed fruits and raisins, breakfast cereals, iced nutmeg juice, nutmeg flavoured ice-cream and to make jam. Try this sugar-free, vegan gajar halwa [carrot dessert] flavoured with nutmeg.
• Savoury dishes like cheese sauces, soups, gravies, pickles and works well when combined with tomatoes, peas, black beans, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, onions, eggplant, cauliflower, french beans, carrots, potatoes and pumpkin. It also combines well with egg, chicken, meat products, pasta and rice.
• Beverage toppings like eggnog, cappuccino foam, tea froth, milkshake, black coffee, sometimes wine and punches.

Note: One whole nutmeg grated is equal to 2 – 3 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.

A Few Simple Home Remedies Using Nutmeg

The health benefits of nutmeg can be put to use to soothe common problems:

• To control acne, grind 2 – 3 seeds and add little milk to make a paste. After washing the face with warm water, pat it dry, and then spread the paste evenly over the acne. After two hours, use warm water to remove the paste, followed by cold water to close the pores. This paste also acts as a scrub to treat blackheads.
• To promote sleep, drink one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
• To soothe eczema [red scaly patches], make a nutmeg paste by grinding its seeds with water and smear the paste over the scaly patches.
• To calm chest cold, make a paste of nutmeg powder and flour with water. Cover the cotton cloth with paste and apply to the chest.
• To relieve diarrhoea, drink a filtered mix of 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a teaspoon of ground coffee in one cup of water.

Note: Try these home remedies only after consulting your physician.

Last updated on 23^rd September 2024

The post Nutmeg for Good Health: How to Buy, Store and Use It appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Tea was first discovered in China as a medicine. And it is no surprise that even today it is praised for its health benefits.

Tea is the dried and processed leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis and all types of tea come from this. The infusion of these leaves in hot water is what makes up tea.

There are four main types of tea.

• White
• Green
• Oolong
• Black

The difference between these teas is in the harvesting and the drying process. The darker the tea, the more processing it has undergone—which means that some nutrients too have been stripped away.

White tea

White tea is the healthiest of teas and is very time consuming to harvest. It is made from the young leaves that are picked before the buds have fully opened. Hence only small quantities are yielded, which makes it an expensive buy. White tea undergoes minimal processing, as it is simply steamed and dried, maintaining its natural state.

Benefits:

• Builds up the immune system against viral and bacterial infections
• Helps prevent tooth decay and cavities
• Helps to fight cancer cells
• Has immense anti-ageing properties.

Green tea

Green tea is a milder tea, made from the leaf bud and the top most leaves. The leaves are simply withered and then roasted or dried; they are not fermented like black tea, so it does not become oxidised.

Benefits:

• Helps to control blood pressure and reduces cholesterol
• Aids in preventing viral infections such as the flu
• Helps in weight loss as it encourages the body to burn fat
• Reduces the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Oolong tea

Oolong is a traditional Chinese variety of tea, somewhere in between green and black in oxidation level. Hence, one could say that it has the best of both worlds.

Benefits:

• Has anti-oxidant properties
• Reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

Black tea

The leaves undergo a complex fermentation process that changes their colour from green to copper. Black tea is more oxidised, stronger in flavour and may contain more caffeine.

Benefits:

• Reduces your chances of a heart attack
• Prevents dental cavities.

What are herbal teas?

Herbal teas are not actually teas and are referred to as infusions or tisanes. They  are a simple and effective way of extracting the goodness and flavour from the aerial parts of herbs. Tisanes can be made with fresh or dried leaves, soft stems, flowers, seeds or roots. Dried fruits steeped in hot water are called fruit infusions.

Four popular herbal teas and their uses

Chamomile

• The flowers are used in the treatment of mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, insomnia, eczema, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal complaints
• Is mildly sedative and gently stimulates the digestive system.
• Ginger
• Ginger can be used for heart disease, constipation, asthma, vomiting, migraine headaches, morning sickness, motion sickness and rheumatoid arthritis
• Ginger is a warming herb, making it ideal for colds and flu.

Peppermint

• It is used for calming the digestive system, relieving nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy and travel sickness
• Traditionally used in the treatment of colds, fevers and influenza.

Fennel

• Also known as saunf, it has anti-spasmodic properties
• Particularly good for constipation, colic and flatulence
• Fennel is also a good detox, it helps to clean the kidneys and rid the body of impurities.

Mix and match

Apples are a nutritious addition to any herbal beverage. Mix equal parts of unsweetened apple juice with green tea and chill to make a delicious and healthy drink

Hibiscus flowers [fresh or dried] and rose petals can be added to herbal teas to complement the taste.

Thin slices or peel of orange and lemon can add a tang and help to bring out the natural flavour of many herbal teas.

Caramel apple tea and vanilla spice chai can be incorporated in ice-creams too. While making ice-cream, add the brewed tea just before final whisk and chill.

Three super uses of tea

1. Hydrate your skin
   Brew tea, let it cool and then use it in a face pack or as a face mist.
2. Make plant food
   Don’t throw away the tea leaves after you’ve brewed your cup. Instead toss it into your potted plants over the soil, as it acts as a natural fertilizer.
3. Relieve tired or sore eyes
   Place chilled tea bags on your eyes, for 10 minutes to relieve puffy eyes. The tannins in tea also help to reduce dark circles.

Snigdha Manchanda, a tea sommelier, guarded her teas from around the world in her dad’s vintage trunk until the day she realised that tea tastes best when shared. Tea Trunk is the home of her teas and their aromatic stories.

This was first published in the March 2014 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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