Jaiphal is commonly called Nutmeg. It has various health benefits and it is an important herb in Ayurveda. The botanical name of Jaiphal is Myristica fragrans, which belongs to the family Myristicaceae. It is called Jatiphal in Sanskrit. The seeds and fruits of the herb are used as medicines.
Jaiphal or nutmeg is a kapha and vata doshas suppressant herb. The dry and ripened seeds of nutmeg contains a fixed oil and the dry leaves of this herb contains a compound myristicin. It helps reduce convulsions, pain and inflammation because of its hot potency. It also help clears the respiratory passage and normalizes the digestive system. Various other health benefits of jaiphal are discussed in this article.
Ayurvedic Properties of Jaiphal
Jaiphal has the following Ayurvedic properties:
- Properties (Guna) — Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Taste (Rasa) — Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Potency (Virya) — Hot (Ushna)
Nutmeg Health Benefits
Jaiphal or nutmeg has the following health benefits in Ayurveda:
- Insomnia — This herb is used to cure insomnia. Nutmeg powder is mixed with the freshly extracted amla juice to cure insomnia, depression and irritability. To induce sleep in babies who cry at night, nutmeg paste mixed with honey is given.
- Eczema — To cure skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm, the herb is rubbed on a stone platform with one’s own early morning saliva. This paste is applied over the affected area to treat such conditions.
- Diarrhea — Nutmeg powder measuring 5 to 15 gms is mixed with banana or apple juice to prevent diarrhea caused by food indigestion.
- Hiccups — To cure hiccups, indigestion and morning sickness, 5 to 15 gms of nutmeg powder is taken with 1 tablespoon of fresh amla juice.
- Dehydration — To cure dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting, half a nutmeg is boiled in 1 liter of water. This infusion in the doses of 15 grams is given with coconut water to the patient.
- Running nose — Paste is prepared with the cow’s milk and 75 mg of opium. This paste should be applied to the nose and forehead to get quick relief from the running nose.
- Rheumatism — Jaiphal is coarsely powdered and then fried in sesame oil till the oil becomes brown. This oil should be applied over the affected parts to get relief from neuralgia, rheumatism and sciatica.
Jaiphal is known to have no side-effects when taken in normal doses. It may sometimes cause narcotic effects when taken in large doses. It may excite the motor cortex of the brain and cause liver lesions and epileptic convulsions. Hence, nutmeg should be taken in the prescribed dosage.
