How Nutmeg is useful for medicinal & culinary purposes

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a widely used spice derived from the dried seed or kernel of a fruit that resembles a small peach and splits open when ripe. The seed is oval-shaped, measuring about 2.2 to 2.7 cm in length and 1.7 to 2.2 cm in diameter, with a wrinkled surface. Its color is typically grayish-brown, with some white streaks along the furrows.

This spice is sourced from a fragrant evergreen tree, which usually grows to a height of 10 to 13 meters, though it can reach up to 18 meters. The tree has smooth grayish-brown bark that exudes a yellowish sap, and its branches spread out in whorls. The alternate, elliptical leaves are dark green, aromatic, and 11 to 14 cm long. The tree does not flower until it is about nine years old, but once it begins fruiting, it can continue for up to seventy years without much attention.

Nutmeg’s composition includes 14.3% moisture, 7.5% protein, 36.4% ether extract, 28.5% carbohydrates, 11.6% fiber, and 1.7% mineral matter. It contains notable minerals and vitamins, including 0.12% calcium, 0.24% phosphorus, 4.6 mg of iron, 0.33 mg of thiamine, 0.01 mg of riboflavin, and 1.4 mg of niacin per 100 grams. Its calorific value is 472 calories.

Nutmeg also contains essential oils and saponins. The dried seeds yield 5 to 15% volatile oil and 25 to 40% fixed oil. Nutmeg oil is a pale yellow, almost colorless liquid with a distinctive aroma, and it becomes viscous upon aging due to partial resinification. In ancient times, nutmeg was used for medicinal purposes. A mixture of 5 to 15 grams of powdered nutmeg with apple or banana juice is a remedy for diarrhea caused by indigestion. The same amount of powdered nutmeg, taken with a tablespoon of fresh amla juice three times daily, is effective for treating indigestion. Nutmeg is also beneficial in treating skin conditions like ringworm and eczema. For a runny nose, a paste made from nutmeg and cow’s milk, combined with 75 mg of opium, can be applied to the forehead and nose for quick relief. Nutmeg is also known to have a soothing effect on the eyes when a paste of the spice mixed with milk is applied around the eyes and eyelids.

In addition to its medicinal uses, nutmeg is commonly employed as a spice in cooking. Its oil is used for flavoring food products and is also found in liniments, perfumes, and hair care products.