- Jaiphal or Jaifal is an Ayurvedic spice used in cuisines worldwide. It gives food dishes a warm, sweet, and mild fragrance. The most commonly recognized term for Jaiphal in English is Nutmeg.
- It is used in puddings, baked items, beverages, meat, vegetables, and potatoes.
- Nutmeg seeds or ground spice belong to the species Myristica fragrans. Aromatic nutmeg is the only tropical evergreen tree cultivated for two distinct spices, nutmeg and mace – the lacy covering of the seed, with a mild flavor, imparting an orange hue to dishes.
- Nutmeg butter and essential oil are cultivated for commercial purposes.
- Did you know? Indonesia is the largest global producer of nutmeg. Nutmeg is harvested in specific areas like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Apart from these regions, it also grows in Malaysia, China, the Caribbean Islands, Taiwan, South America, and Sri Lanka.
- Along with diverse culinary uses, nutmeg contains anti-inflammatory plant compounds posing as antioxidants.
- These may regulate blood sugar, elevate mood and heart health. That being said, extensive research is still required on these effects among men, to be sure.
Jaiphal Nutrition
This spice is an excellent source of potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an essential constituent that controls blood pressure and heart rate.
Zinc, calcium, copper, and manganese facilitate bone mineral density, while iron is vital for producing red blood cells.
It includes numerous B-complex vitamins like folic acid, vitamin-C, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin-A, and flavonoid antioxidants like cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene vital for good health.
Also read: Kaunch Beej benefits for women
Benefits of Jaiphal
Apart from being a well-liked spice worldwide, nutmeg is also known for its numerous health advantages. Since early times, nutmeg has been used to fix varied conditions. Here are a few Jaiphal benefits for women that you should know.
Jaiphal for Better Libido/Sex Drive
Nutmeg extract is known for healthy libido-enhancing effects among women. As a natural aphrodisiac, it increases female sexual desire and their willingness for intimacy. Clinical investigations revealed regular and appropriate supplementation of nutmeg elevated sexual activity in a sustained manner. How can you use it for this purpose? Add a pinch of Jaiphal powder to milk or your tea to spice up your sexual life!
Jaiphal for Skin and Hair
Nutmeg's antimicrobial properties help treat acne, while its anti-inflammatory properties assist in clearing blemishes and stubborn dark spots. Jaiphal also has anti-aging effects that visibly reduce wrinkles and give your skin a lighter tone. As for the female scalp, nutmeg nurses a damaged scalp and eliminates dandruff. Other home remedies like lemon and curd for dandruff could also help relieve scalp itchiness.
Jaiphal for the Brain
The primary compound nutmeg consists of myristicin, which hinders the enzyme responsible for Alzheimer's disease. It also alleviates mental stress and improves memory. Add this spice to your meals as it acts as an efficient natural remedy to combat anxiety and depression.
Jaiphal for Pain Relief
Women can use the essential oils present in nutmeg to relieve pain as they have anti-inflammatory properties. The phytosterols constituting nutmeg minimize joint inflammation and relieve rheumatic pains. Jaiphal essential oils are incredibly beneficial to relieve menstrual cramps among women as well. Another excellent remedy for menstrual cramps is dark chocolate for periods. Feel free to read about it.
Jaiphal as an Antioxidant
Nutmeg consists of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which help strengthen female immunity. It also prevents the formation of free radicals, which help stop cellular damage and protect you against chronic diseases.
Jaiphal for Digestion
If you suffer from an unhealthy gut, acidity, and constipation often, then Ayurvedic nutmeg should be your go-to herb. Rich in fiber content, it helps smoothen bowel movement and eradicates gas from your body. Moreover, it activates the secretion of digestive enzymes in your body to clean and detoxify your stomach. Along with digestion, this benefit of Jaiphal also applied to uncomfortable bloating women face before and during their menstrual cycles.
Jaiphal for Insomnia
Nutmeg is also a natural cure for sleep problems like insomnia. Its calming, sedative properties make your brain relax and aid sound sleep. It also offers de-stressing effects.
Jaiphal for Toothache
The essential oils and bioactive compound eugenol in nutmeg relieve toothaches and put a stop to tooth decay. Nutmeg oil is a popular remedy for bad breath.
Jaiphal for Cancer
Nutmeg's compounds hamper aspects of a cancer cell's metabolism, killing malignant cells and sparing healthy ones. Moreover, the bioactive compound, phytosterols, is present in sufficient quantities in nutmeg. This compound keeps colon cancer at bay. How? By slowing down cell reproduction in the large intestine.
Jaiphal for a Healthy Heart
Nutmeg enhances blood lipids and minimizes oxidative stress. It also lowers triglyceride levels (bad cholesterol).
Jaiphal for Blood Pressure
Nutmeg helps treat hypertension. As this spice is rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, it helps to regulate high blood pressure.
How To Consume Jaiphal (Nutmeg)?
You can make Jaiphal powder and mix it with honey, milk, tea, etc. It can also be added to soups, stews, puddings, kheers, and several bakery items and savories. Honey for weight loss can also be used to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index among women.
When To Consume Nutmeg?
There is no specific time to consume nutmeg. A pinch is all you need to improve taste and flavor. However, excess consumption must be avoided.
Although nutmeg may offer such great health benefits, it is safer to consume this spice in small amounts. Large doses may lead to side effects.
Also read: What is Shatavari Kalpa?
References
- Shaun D Carstairs & F Lee Cantrell, March 2011; The spice of life: An analysis of nutmeg exposures in California- (PDF) The spice of life: An analysis of nutmeg exposures in California (researchgate.net)
- Deepak Rajpurohit & Ashish Deep Gupta, December 2011; Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)- (PDF) Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) (researchgate.net)
- Singh, R., Sankat. C.K. and Mujaffar, S, November 2003; Case Study - - The Nutmeg & Spice Industry- (9) (PDF) Case Study - The Nutmeg & Spice Industry in Grenada. Singh, R., Sankat. C.K. and Mujaffar, S | Saheeda Mujaffar and Clement Sankat - Academia.edu
- Ankita Chakravarty & Jai Gopal Sharma; March 2020; Jaiphal Myristica fragrans (Houtt)-A promising seed for pharmaceutical industries- Jaiphal Myristica fragrans (Houtt)-A promising seed for pharmaceutical industries | IJPSDR (peertechzpublications.com)
