NUTMEG(जातिफलम्).
Nutmeg is an indigenous herb originating in the Western Ghats of India. It has an important place in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine. The herb is a delicate, slightly sweet spice that is widely used in cuisines around the world, including both Asian and western recipes. The tree is also highly valued because of the essential oils that are derived from it. Nutmeg butter is another popular derivative food that gives a health punch. The essential oil from nutmeg mace is largely exported from India in large scale every year.
Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans
Family : Myristicacea
English Name: Nutmeg
Tamil name: ஜாதிக்காய்
Malayalam name: ജാതിക്ക
Part used: Seeds and mace
Therapeutic attributes or Rasa Panchaka:
• Initial taste(Rasa) Bitter(Tikta)
• Quality(Guna) Light(laghu),Potent(teekshna)
• Heating or cooling effect(Veerya) Heating effect( Ushna)
• Post digestive effect(Vipaka) Pungent(Katu)
• Special Action(Prabhava) Nil
Medicinal uses:
Nutmeg is commonly used as a digestive tonic and to relieve thirst. It is effective against microbes, and used for maintaining oral hygiene. It also prevents infections1. The herb is a known anti-oxidant and relieves stress and anxiety. It can be administered in sleeplessness (Sedative) and helps lower the blood pressure. It also relaxes the muscles and relieves pain.
The oil extracted from the herb is effective in arthritis and can be given in cancerous conditions as well2.
Due to its efficacy in improving digestion, nutmeg is helpful in diarrhea, vomiting and other associated conditions3. It improves liver function and pacifies convulsions . The herb is useful in cold and fever and can be given to children and pregnant ladies. Modern researches have proved its efficacy in treating diseases of the respiratory system and heart, which is strikingly similar to what is mentioned in ancient Ayurveda scriptures4.
As a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove the toxins. It is also a known aphrodisiac herb6. It also increases the metabolism and reduces obesity7. According to new research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester, It is possible to manage the serious condition of diabetes naturally using nutmeg seeds.
Chemical constituents:
d-camphene as well as quantities of d-pinene, limonene, d-borneol, l-terpineol, geraniol, safrol, and myristicin.
Home remedies:
1) A paste of nutmeg with water or milk can be applied externally to treat pimple and acne scar.
2) Powdered nutmeg with milk in appropriate doses relieves sleeplessness and anxiety.
3) The oil can be applied externally over the penis as a remedy for erectile dysfunction
Ayurveda formulations containing Nutmeg:
1) Jatiphaladiu choornam
2) Mrita sanjeevani gulika
3) Dadimavaleham
4) Naasika choornam
Disclaimer
We have tried to provide the essence of the Vedas and Ayurveda Scriptures by interpreting meaning of the text in English through research & investigation. We have used the modern terminologies & technical words of the latest science to give the readers a better understanding and assimilation. If found any errors, kindly bear with us & help us rectify.Kindly request you not to get into self medication with minimal knowledge, always consult a physician before any medication.
Sources and references:
1) Antimicrobial activity of Nutmeg against Escherichia coli O157
By Akiko Takikawa , Keiko Abe , Makiko Yamamoto , Shoko Ishimaru , Mari Yasui , Yoko Okubo Kumio Yokoigawa ,
2)Anti-bacterial,anti-oxidant and cytotoxic potential of various extracts of Myristica fragrans
By Council of Science and Technology, Lucknow,UP, India
3)Anesthetic, Hypothermic, Myorelaxant and Anticonvulsant Effects of Synthetic Eugenol Derivatives and Natural Analogues.
By Dallmeier K. • Carlini E.A.
4) The efficacy of the application of essential oils for the prevention of acute respiratory diseases in organized groups of children
By Kilina AV, Kolesnikova MB
5) Natural remedies for heart diseases
By Lokhande PD*, Jagdale SC & Chabukswar AR
6) An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg)
By Tajuddin , Shamshad Ahmad, Abdul Latif, Iqbal Ahmad Qasmi, and Kunwar Mohammad Yusuf Amin
7) AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and their anti-obesity effect
By Phi Hung Nguyen a , Thi Van Thu Le a , Hu Won Kang a , Jooyoung Chae b , Sang Kyum Kim b , Kwang-iI Kwon b , Dae Bang Seo c , Sang Jun Lee c , Won Keun Oh
8) http://www.rpsgb.org.uk/
