Nutmeg

Botanical Name: Myrstica fragrans
Indian Name: Jaiphal

Nutmeg is the dried kernel of the seeds of an evergreen tree. It has a strong
aroma with a slightly bitter taste. Nutmeg contains an essential oil and saponin.
The dry ripe seeds of the fruit contains a volatile oil and a fixed oil. The dry
leaves of the tree yield an essential oil consisting of myristicin.

Nutmeg was used in the preparations of various medicine in ancient times. It is used in several pharmaceutical preparations. The oil extracted from the herb is used in liniments, perfumery, hair lotions and as an antispasmodic carminative.

Nutmeg should be taken in very small doses; in appreciable doses it excites the motor cortex and produces epileptic convulsions and lesions in the liver. Even a teaspoon of nutmeg can produce toxic symptoms such as burning in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, restlessness and giddiness with hallucinations.

Dehydration In treating dehydration caused by vomiting and' diarrhoea, particularly in cholera. An infusion prepared from half a nutmeg in half a litre of water given with tender coconut water in doses of 15 grams at a time, is an effective treatment.

Digestive Disorders The powder of nutmeg, about 5 to 15 grams, mixed wit l apple juice or banana, is used as a specific remedy for diarrhoea caused by indigestion of food. The same quantity of nutmeg powder taken with a tablespoon of fresh amla juice thrice daily is effective for indigestion, hiccups and morning sickness.

Insomnia The powder of nutmeg, mixed with fresh amla juice, is also an medicine for insomnia, irritability and depression.

Rheumatism A nutmeg coarsely powdered and fried in til oil, until all the particles become brown, is very useful as an external application to relieve any rheumatic pain, neuralgia and sciatica. The oil, should be cooled and strained before application.

Common Cold In case of a running nose, a paste made from this with cow's milk and 75 mg of opium should beapplied to the forehead and the nose, it will provide quick relief.

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