Unlock the Healing Power of Nutmeg: 4 Ayurvedic Benefits You Need To Know

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As the crisp air of fall sets in, there's nothing quite as comforting as the warm, aromatic spices that define this season. Every year, I make apple pies in September and October, and pumpkin pies in October and November. These pies have a lot of the flavors and spices that provide grounding in fall, and they can actually help with digestion and sleep when eaten in the right amounts and at the right time. 

People close to me say that my pies have magical powers. My best friend and I joke that one of my pies is the reason she got pregnant! In a world where sweet foods are vilified, are you surprised that eating pie contents could have some benefit to your health? Well, they could – for the right person.

One such spice featured in apple and pumpkin pies is nutmeg. While its rich, sweet flavor may be familiar in holiday baking, nutmeg has a much deeper and ancient significance in the world of Ayurvedic medicine. Revered for its numerous health benefits, nutmeg is considered a potent and versatile spice with the power to balance the body, mind, and spirit.

Nutmeg in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system widely practiced in India, every herb, spice, and food is understood to have fundamental qualities that govern our physical and mental well-being. Nutmeg is known to be warming in nature, which makes it especially beneficial during the colder months when our bodies can become cooler and more sluggish.

Nutmeg's properties are believed to balance the Vata and Kapha doshas, which are both colder doshas. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key wellness benefits of nutmeg from the Ayurvedic perspective:

1. Digestion

Nutmeg is often used in Ayurveda as a digestive aid, particularly for those experiencing poor absorption, abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery and even intestinal gas. Its warming, carminative properties help to stimulate the digestive fire - what we call Agni - which is central to healthy digestion in Ayurveda. Nutmeg can promote a healthy gut environment and improve digestion and assimilation.

2. Nervous System

Nutmeg is known to have mild sedative properties that can help calm the nervous system. According to Ayurvedic tradition, stress and anxiety are often linked to an imbalance in Vata, which governs movement and communication in the body. Nutmeg can help to ground Vata energy, offering a sense of warmth and relaxation. For those struggling with insomnia or restless sleep, nutmeg is believed to promote deeper, more restorative rest by quieting an overactive mind.

3. Circulation

Nutmeg’s warming nature is beneficial for improving circulation, especially in colder months when the body tends to feel more sluggish. It helps to increase the flow of prana (life force) through the body, ensuring that energy and oxygen reach every cell. It’s wonderful ally for those with Vata-related issues like arthritis or stiffness.

4. Sleep

If you're having trouble winding down after a long day, nutmeg might be your secret weapon. Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend nutmeg as a natural remedy for insomnia. Its calming effects on the mind and body help to promote relaxation and peaceful sleep. Nutmeg can be taken in a warm milk or herbal tea before bed to encourage a restful night’s sleep. 

Incorporating Nutmeg into Your Daily Routine

In Ayurveda, the key to health and wellness is balance. Nutmeg, with its warming, grounding properties, can be a great ally for balancing the mind and body, especially during the fall and winter months when energies shift toward a more inward and reflective state, and nervous energy often increases.

Whether you sprinkle it into your morning porridge or add a pinch to your evening tea, nutmeg is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. To get the most benefit, opt for fresh nutmeg, ground at home if possible, as it retains its potency better than pre-ground varieties (but OK if you don't have time for this too). And consuming it in something warm will aid in the assimilation. A pinch or two is totally safe, but I bet that you didn’t know that if you were to consume in larger dosages, then nutmeg can have a hallucinogenic property.

For those of you looking for a way to relax and warm up during the cooler months, try my Relaxing Nighttime Spiced Milk. It can be great to have between dinner and bedtime for sleep challenges, or between meals earlier in the day if you’re dealing with anxiety. This warm beverage will bring comfort to your body and mind.

Relaxing Nighttime Spiced Milk

(Makes 1 adult serving or 2 child servings)

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened oat milk or cow milk 

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1-2 pinches ground nutmeg

Optional: 1 tsp honey (for vata and kapha) or maple syrup (for pitta)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, warm the milk.

2. Add nutmeg and cinnamon and stir.

3. Remove from heat before boiling.

4. Taste and optionally add honey or maple syrup.

Remember, nutmeg is much more than just a cozy spice that adds flavor to your fall treats. Its benefits from an Ayurvedic perspective are vast, offering digestive support, stress relief, enhanced circulation, and even better sleep. As you embrace the changing seasons, incorporating nutmeg into your wellness routine can help you stay grounded, balanced, and nourished.

Need a natural wellness alternative? Set up a consultation today!