Nutmeg (Jayphal)
Also known as
Latin : Myrstica fragrans
English : Nutmeg tree
Sanskrit : Jati, Jatiphalah
Hindi : Jaykapet, Jayphal
Marathi : Jatphal
Tamil : Jastimaram, Jatikkai
Telugu : Jajikaya
Malayalam : Jatikka
Kannada : Jajikayi
How it looks�it is a moderate sized aromatic, evergreen tree with creamy yellow fragrant flowers and yellow fruits which split on maturity. The seeds are oval with yellowish red
arils.
What it does�It is anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, expectorant, digestive and carminative.
How we use it�
In
thirst & vomiting�A cold infusion of nutmeg quenches thirst and suppresses nausea, and vomiting.
In
black discolourations�Paste nutmeg with some water and apply on the face to rid yourself of spots and discolorations. This paste is effective in healing cracked soles too.
In
indigestion�The volatile oils present in nutmeg are digestive and carminative, and thereby a decoction of nutmeg is highly beneficial in such conditions.
In
headache�As a topical application in headache, the paste of nutmeg provides quick relief.
In
arthritis�The oil of nutmeg is mixed with mustard oil and applied on painful joints for relief. Even a paste of nutmeg can be applied in the absence of oil.
In
diarrhoea�The decoction of the heartwood of nutmeg is useful in
arresting diarrhoea.
In
burning eyes�Nutmeg is rich in fats and volatile oils and so is used for its beneficial effects on the eyes. Paste nutmeg in milk and apply all around the eyes and over the
eyelids for its cooling effects.
Modern Study
Experimental studies on an extract of nutmeg showed that it significantly lowers total cholesterol levels in the heart.
Warning
Eating too much nutmeg produces narcotic effect causing delirium and convulsions.
