by M. Bradley McCauley
Member since:
April 21, 2006

Before you put away the Nutmeg!

December 26, 2009 08:42 AM UTC (Updated: December 26, 2009 11:49 AM UTC)
views: 0 | 9 people recommend this | comments: 35

The mention of nutmeg usually conjures up images of holiday dishes and aromas.  But nutmeg has more to offer all year round than just spicing up your holiday season.

Nutmeg, a native spice of the Moluccas Islands in the South Pacific, has been considered to:

Lower blood pressure;
Soothe digestive upset; Ease joint pain and inflammation
Provide relief from diarrhea
Promote concentration
Stimulate the cardiovascular system
Relieve pain from tooth aches
Relieves nausea
Relieve insomnia
Calms muscle spasms and anxiety
It is frequently used externally for eczema and arthritic pain.

For information only.  You should never change your diet or health routine without checking with your medical adviser.


A small pea size amount taken over a long period of time has been known to help chronic nervous disorders and heart problems.

There's more haling spices information like Turmeric for arthritis, and Ginger for nausea - and more at Spices That Heal -

 

Comments: 35

Rose Hill Dec 26, 2009, 8:51am UTC
I love nutmeg, it's fabulous in spinach. The main thing to remember is that a little goes a long way.

Merry Christmas to you and thanks for the link!
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 9:33am UTC
I forgot about it on spinich--you are so right, also using only a little. Nutmeg has been known to be a hallucinogenic with some very serious bad side effects!
Sandi S. Dec 28, 2009, 4:54pm UTC
Wow....I hadn't thought of putting it in spinach. I will have to try that.

But, M, I will be sure not to use too much!!! ;-)
Ms Lee P. Dec 26, 2009, 9:41am UTC
Wow. I did not know about any of these benefits from this wonderful smelling spice. Thanks for sharing.
Linda B. Dec 26, 2009, 10:48am UTC
Nutmeg, in large doses, is a hallucinogenic drug. I don't know what the 'dangerous level' is but I never use more than a quarter teaspoon in a day. Be careful with it! Most drugs originated in plants; just because it's 'natural' doesn't mean 'no side effects'. Always do your homework before using herbs for any medicinal purpose; there are several websites available with interaction calculators that encompass prescription and OTC drugs and herbal remedies.
Angel sent from God Secret Sisters Dec 26, 2009, 10:53am UTC
I agree with you Linda , if I use any Nutmeg its a tiny bit!! No more!!
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 11:48am UTC
Great post Linda, it is very important to check out the info and the inter action with drugs and medicines.
~~ Sarina ~~ Dec 26, 2009, 11:25am UTC
I do remember reading that you shouldn't use a lot of the spice because of the hallucinogenic properties. My husband uses it on his cauliflower. I love it on homemade custard!
Donna Spirit Dec 26, 2009, 12:42pm UTC
I remember learning about Nutmeg's hallucinogenic properties as a teenager, lo those many moons ago. A bunch of us tried putting nutmeg into gelatin capsules and taking them to see if we would "trip"...we didn't, but we got sick as all get out!
Teresa A. Dec 26, 2009, 11:27am UTC
I am working on an article explaining all the wonderful health benefits of herbs and spices for my clients. Totally amazing!
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 11:47am UTC
Maybe we can help each other. You can check out my 'spices that heal' site at
http://www.squidoo.com/spicehealth

and also my healing spices blog. http://healingfoodandspices.blogspot.com/
Teresa A. Jan 7, 2010, 4:42pm UTC
Thanks, I will go check them out.
Marsha C. Dec 26, 2009, 12:10pm UTC
I was wondering what all you can use it in or on?
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 12:33pm UTC
Slightly sweeter than mace, nutmeg is essential to bechamel sauce and also goes well with baked or stewed fruit, custards, eggnog, punches, curries, sauces (particularly onion-based and milk sauces), pasta, and vegetables (especially spinach).

WARNING: Nutmeg contains a substance called myristicin, a narcotic with very unpleasant toxic side effects .
Heather E. Dec 26, 2009, 12:33pm UTC
Mom often used nutmeg to relieve stomach distress. I am a firm believer that many of the things we eat can help us heal if seasoned properly.
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 12:42pm UTC
Ginger is also good for stomach upset and you really should read my article on Turmeric - amazing - is it a spice or miracle food?
Turmeric
Kevin E. Dec 26, 2009, 1:55pm UTC
Great information. I have never used nutmeg for much before. I will now, thank you!
jennifer d. Dec 26, 2009, 2:12pm UTC
I have always really liked nutmeg, nice to know it is doing good styff for me :).
jennifer d. Dec 26, 2009, 2:13pm UTC
Sorry, that was supposed to be "stuff" not "styff"
Sonia M. Dec 26, 2009, 2:16pm UTC
I love using nutmeg with spinach also....they just seem to go together.
A dusting over cream of cauliflower soup is also good. Try it with a Curried Hot Fruit Compote.

I have turmeric growing in my yard. The flowers are beautiful!
Angela A. Dec 26, 2009, 3:41pm UTC
Nutmeg, yummy!
Sharon P. Dec 26, 2009, 4:00pm UTC
So very true.
Larry H. Dec 26, 2009, 5:09pm UTC
thanks for sharing.
Brenda (square peg in a round hole) H. Dec 26, 2009, 5:44pm UTC
Nutmeg is a very sore subject in my house. My boyfriend's teenage son has been using it to get high from. Its not illegal so there is not much we can do to stop him.
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 7:46pm UTC
I have read that the side effects of using that way are extremely bad. Did you read the one above about the people who put it in gelatin capsules and didn't get high but got very sick from it.
Carol Lloyd Dec 26, 2009, 7:00pm UTC
My wish is that we all learn to be good to the only home we have and to all of its inhabitants. That is of course planet Earth. That we view our neighbors not only as the people across the street but across oceans as well. That we learn very soon that if mankind wants to survive it is in our interest that all species thrive. This Earth we call home has room for all species to roam. We need to learn the rewards of charity. And the respect of all peoples faiths. Not one better than the other but each serving the believer. The big one is that mankind learns to be less violent as it is easier to make war than make peace but the efforts that go into making peace reap the longterm benifits. Most of all we build lasting bridges between our differences and realize that perhaps when it comes to the basics of life which is all we really need there really are no differences. Take care. Keep Caring. A Happy Holiday Season to all.

Carol Lloyd Proud member of the Woodstock Generation and her trusy sidekick Junior Bug the Beagle
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 26, 2009, 7:47pm UTC
Amen! Pray that we all may love our earth and take care of it for those who follow us.
*Mary C Miller Dec 27, 2009, 7:17pm UTC
So, how much should one use to relieve arthritis pain and how often?
M. Bradley McCauley Dec 27, 2009, 11:14pm UTC
Mary C, I found the greatest arthritis fighter for me was giving up all dairy. It wasn't easy and passing up a dish of ice cream or chunck of cheese has been very hard but oh my, how the arthritis pain has gone. Also, read my article -- arthritis defense at Arthritis Gone! on squidoo.
Vinod Sailes Dec 28, 2009, 3:34am UTC
Solid bit of information. Thanks.
Vinod Sailes Jan 1, 2010, 7:16am UTC
Wishing you ……………

H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity for posterity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at life’s simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber
E very thing you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E mployment and mirth
A ngels to watch over you
R emembrance of happy years!

May sounds of laughter ring and fill your home with good cheer….
And may your heart be happy, Throughout this New Year…….
May good luck shine on you and bring you more success…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Sandi S. Dec 28, 2009, 4:56pm UTC
Herbs and spices, delicious and nutritious! Good to know. Thanks, M.
Beth G. Dec 28, 2009, 8:42pm UTC
This is good to know nutmeg can do other things besides tasting good:-)
Katrina Douglas Dec 29, 2009, 1:18am UTC
Cinnamon is supposed to work wonders for diabetes. Very interesting. I will get some nutmeg which I love but haven't used in awhile.

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