-
How does it feel?
Nutmeg is the seed of an evergreen tree native to the Banda islands in the Spice Islands of Indonesia; it is now cultivated in tropical climates across the globe. Myristica fragrans is the latin for the most important commercial tree species to produce the nutmeg seed. The trees can grow to heights of up to 25 feet. Nutmegs are egg shaped and 2-5cm in diameter. The inside of the seed is a creamy white with characteristic dark brown veins running throughout. It is these dark veins that carry the essential oils which give this spice its distinctive taste and smell. It is the kernel of the fruit that is the ‘nutmeg’; the outer seed coating is classed as a completely separate spice known as ‘mace’. The two are separated after collection, whereby the kernel, or ‘nutmeg’ is left to dry before being ground into a powder.
-
What can I use it for?
Nutmeg is packed with pungent essential oils, primarily myristicin. Myristicin is a stimulant to the gastrointestinal tract, where its pungency can help to clear pain and discomfort associated with bloating and indigestion. These volatile oils are also effective anti-inflammatories that encourage a healthy inflammation response within the digestive tract and also the nervous system.
Nutmeg contains anti-spasmodic portions that relax agitation specifically within the nervous system, calming irritation and anxiety but also tension that may be affecting the functioning of the urinary and reproductive system.
-
Into the heart of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is fantastically calming and soothing to a frayed and tense nervous system. It helps to relax whilst also tonify and restore its strength. It is particularly suited to those with excessive agitation, excitation or hyper-activity that is affecting sleeping patterns and concentration. The pungent essential oils also help to stimulate the blood flow to the brain and improve overall clarity and ‘peace of mind’. Nutmeg will help to relax but also tonify a weakened nervous system, making it effective where anxiety or tension has reduced the efficiency of a particular body system.
Nutmeg is indicated in insomnia with waking in the night, agitated mind and lack of concentration. When there is excitation in the mind it draws the expansive nature inwards. It helps to relax the muscles and prevent pain associated with angina, fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Nutmeg helps absorption in the small intestine; its astringency draws nutrients into the bloodstream. It can help to stop diarrhoea and dysentery whilst also calming intestinal spasms, pain, gas and bloating. It is also a useful anthelmintic.
Indicated in male infertility, and premature ejaculation. It is considered a primary aphrodisiac. It also astringes a weak urinary flow and is used in prostatic disease and incontinence.
The hot and penetrating properties of nutmeg can help to clear excess mucous and congestion from the lungs.
-
Traditional actions
AphrodisiacsAphrodisiac herbs are those that nourish, build and stimulate sexual desire and potency. Examples include Saffron (Crocus sativa) and Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera).
AstringentsAstringents contain tannins that act to precipitate proteins and draw tissues together, tightening and toning them to reduce secretions and discharge. Astringents also tend to stop bleeding and can act on tissues with which there is no direct contact. Examples include Raspberry leaf (Rubus ideaus), Lady’s Mantle leaf (Alchemilla vulgaris), Agrimony leaf (Agrimonia eupatoria), Shepherd’s Purse leaf (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Witch Hazel leaf (Hamamelis virginiana) and Yarrow leaf (Achillea millefolium).
CarminativesCarminative herbs are high in essential oils and help ease digestion by relieving gas, spasms and cramps. Examples include Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) and Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita).
ExpectorantsExpectorants are herbs that assist the body in expelling mucus from the upper respiratory tract. Examples include Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Elecampane root (Inula helenium) and Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris).
NervinesNervines are herbs that soothe the nervous system and have a calming effect on the emotions. Examples include Oatstraw flowering tops (Avena sativa), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Rosemary leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Gotu Kola leaf (Centella asiatica).
-
Did you know?
The tree that produces the nutmeg, does not bloom or produce fruit for the first 7-9 years of its life and the tree will not reach its full production potential for another 20 years.
Additional information
-
Safety
No drug herb interactions are known but caution with sedative, anti-hypertensive and anti-depressant medication.
-
Dosage
0.5–6g/day or 1–6ml of a 1:3 in 45% tincture
