The Incredible Uses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg might be a small little nut but that doesn’t reflect
anything about its ability as a powerful health product. Read on and find out what this flavoursome nut can do.

Next time you see a nutmeg, you’ll know that it’s capable of:

• Working as a mouthwash to kill bacteria in the mouth
• Providing the compound eugenol to help the heart both mechanically and electronically
• Being a source of myristicin – this has been shown to protect the brain against developing Alzheimer’s disease
• Working as an aphrodisiac
• Relaxing the muscles
• Being a sleeping aid – just add ¼ tsp of nutmeg to a cup of boiling milk to promote sleep
• Soothing eczema – grind the seed into a past, add with water and smear over eczema patches

It’s used for a number of purposes on the island. There is an essential oil that can be extracted through steam distillation of the ground nutmeg. This is added to cough syrups, massage oil for rheumatic pain treatment and toothpastes.

Just as a clove can treat toothaches, so can nutmeg. Use the essential oil on a cotton swab and dab it on the offending tooth/gum area.

However, there is a dangerous side to nutmeg if it’s used in large doses. It can bring on a psychiatric disorder and hallucinations. It can also lead to nausea and convulsions. Those who are expecting should avoid using it.

To select the best nutmegs, you should aim for fresh ones. The flavour is not so full after one month. Pick a larger specimen that is 7 or 8 g in weight. You can test how fresh it is by inserting a needle into it by 1cm, if oil comes out, then it’s fresh and ready for use.

When it comes to cooking, be sure to add nutmeg early on in the process. It will help to distribute the flavour better.  Storage should be in the dark.