A-Z Blogging Challenge -- "N"
Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by to visit!
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For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - How they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning for each day of the A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.
"N" is for Nutmeg
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Could have been Nasturtian, could have been, Nigella, but in fact it is...............
NUTMEG.
The hard brown seed from the nutmeg tree, which is a tropical evergreen, has a warm spicy sweet flavour. Mace is the dried lacy membrane from around the nutmeg seed. The nutmeg tree is indigenous to the Banda Islands of Indonesia but is also grown in the Caribbean. At one time, nutmeg was one of the most valuable spices. It has been said that in England, several hundred years ago, a few nutmegs could be sold for enough money to enable financial independence for life!
Nutmeg is one of my favorite spices and I use it frequently in cooking. It is a must on custard.... speaking of which, if you love nutmeg, you will love this recipe from Food.com for a Baked Custard Tart With Nutmeg. It is also a must with Eggnog!!
Medicinal Uses:
Six health benefits of nutmeg-
1. During ancient times,Romans and Greeks used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic because nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain. As a result it can help eliminate fatigue and stress. Nutmeg can also improve your concentration so you can become more efficient and focused at work.
2.Nutmeg is an effective sedative. In fact nutmeg is a staple in ancient Chinese medicine and was used to treat inflammation & abdominal pain. To relieve muscle pain arthritis and aching joints apply nutmeg oil to affected areas.
3.Because of it's antibacterial properties, nutmeg can effectively treat halitosis or bad breath.
4.The liver and kidney are two of the organs where toxic build up occurs. As a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove these toxins..Nutmeg is also effective in preventing and dissolving kidney stones.
5.Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin issues. -- A scrub made from nutmeg powder and orange lentil powder can help with clogged pores. It also helps reduce scarring from some forms of acne. To achieve this, mix nutmeg powder with some honey to make a paste and apply to acne marks.
6.If you have difficulty sleeping at night, drink a cup of milk with some nutmeg powder. This will help you achieve relaxation and will induce sleep.
Sources:
~Food.com
~ photos courtesy of Google Images
Disclaimer
The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner. *The medicinal usages are for informational and educational purposes only*
Not only all that, it tastes good. I have never heard of Nigella, I will have to look that up. There is a British TV cook called Nigella Lawson.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
Good Morning Jo. Don't think it is named after him/her, but one never knows!!!
DeleteI didn't realize it had so many medicinal properties. The ancients were very smart to use what they had on hand. Great 'N' post.
ReplyDeleteKathy at Oak Lawn Images
I didn't know they looked like that. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteI use nutmeg in my quiche. Everyone wonders at the taste and rarely identify it (okay, I cook for Neanderthals!). They are surprised at how well it works with the eggs. Thanks for another interesting post!
ReplyDeleteNow this is a spice I know! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI love nutmeg and it will forever remind me of Christmas. Have you ever used whole nutmeg? I have looked in the store a couple times with no luck. Wow...I never knew of all the other uses for nutmeg and I wish a few would still set a person for life!
ReplyDeleteMonica, I was able to pick up a few whole nutmegs at the Bulk Barn. I need to buy a special grater, though, to be able to use them. Thanks for the comment.
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