Nutmeg Herb Information
Botanical Name : Myristica Fragrans
English/Common Name : Nutmeg
Ayurvedic Name : Jaiphal
Parts used : Dried Seeds
Habitat and Botany : This plant is native of Moluccas, now cultivated in many tropical countries. In India it is grown in Madras and Southern India State or where the climate is sufficiently hot and moist.
Common name applied to evergreen shrubs and types of the family. Myristicaceae especially to plants of the genus myristica. The fruit is yellow drupe having a diameter of about 5 cm (about 2 in.), popularly called the nutmeg apple, which splits in to two equal halves, thereby revealing the seed surrounded by a fleshy outer coating. This seed is dried to form the culinary spice popularly known as nutmeg. The fleshy orange coat around the seed is peeled off and also dried to form the spice known as mace. The commonest nutmeg tree, M. gragrans, grows to a height of about 15 meters (50 feet).
Purpose
Aphrodisiac, Nervine Tonic, it has Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, carminative properties, useful in flatulence, nausea and vomiting. It is hot by nature. Nutmeg is aromatic, stimulant and carminative. A gastric tonic.
Nutmeg's effect on the mucous membrane of the urinary passage is irritative which may account for its use as an Aphrodisiac and it stimulates the muscular movement of intestinal tract. It stimulates the central nervous system. Nutmeg is reported to be ab expectorant, vermifuge, aphrodisiac, and as a nervine used by psychiatrists, it is used in tonics and electuaries and is recommended for the treatment of inflammations of bladder and urinary tract. It is used in India for treatment of fever, asthma and heart disease and is important ingredient of formulation of aphrodisiac and sex stimulant in nature. Since the seventh century A.D., Arab physicians have used it for digestive disorders, kidney disease and lymphatic ailments. Yemeni men are said to consume nutmeg to increase and maintain their sexual vigor.
Uses
It is used raw in powder form and in very small quantities. Its particular aromatic flavor stimulates central nervous system and alters mood. It is never used alone in Ayurvedic preparations. When blended with other herbs, it increases their effectiveness, quick digestion and absorption. Acts as aphrodisiac and sex stimulant as it stimulates the central nervous system. Being carminative in action it fastens the absorption of other ingredients. It alters mood and acts as tonic to nervous system. Due to its irritative action on the mucous membranes of urinary passage, it increases its aphrodisiac action. It is hot by nature.
According to Ayurveda, herbs are taken in combination with other herbs to neutralize the toxicity of one herb with the opposing effect of the other or to enhance the particular effect of one herb with the help of other.
"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
