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BOTANICAL NAME: Myristica fragrans
Nutmeg trees grows in Malaysia, Indonesia, Srilanka and west Indies. It appears from ancient records that Nutmeg tree flourished in India at one time, but is a scarce plant species now.
Nutmeg is the dried kernel of the seeds of an evergreen tree. It has a strong aroma with a slightly bitter taste. Nutmeg tree is usually 9-12 mts high but sometimes attains a height of upto 20mts or more.
Nutmeg contains a essential oil and saponin. The dry, ripe seeds of the fruit contains a volatile oil and a fixed oil. The dry leaves of the treee yield an essential oil consisting of myristicin.
Nutmeg was used in the preparations of various medicines in ancient times. Even today it is used in several important and widely used in pharmaceutical preparations. The oil extracted from the herb is used in liniments, perfumery. hair lotions and as an antispasmodiec carminative.
Medicinal uses of Nutmeg
carminative, stomachic, stimulant. The grated or powdered kernel is used to relieve flatulence, vomiting and nausea. It is mainly used as an ingredient of various medicines and as a culinary spice. Nutmeg has similar properties to mace but mace has a stronger flavour. Large doses of nutmeg can be toxic, producing disorientation, double vision and convulsions.
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