The home of the nutmeg is the Maluku Islands, known as the "Spice Islands". It is also cultivated on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, the Caribbean and tropical regions of Africa.
Muscat is an evergreen dioecious tree of the Muscataceae family that produces fleshy fruits that are harvested 2-3 times a year during full disclosure. The pulp, nuts and arillus are removed from the selected crop and dried. The fruits peeled from the shell are further used for various purposes. Nutmeg oil is obtained from the seeds of ripe, bursting fruits by steam distillation.
The dried pericarp of nutmeg is sold as a spice called mace or nutmeg.
Since ancient times, nutmeg has been known as an air freshener and an effective herbal medicine. Pliny the Elder described its medicinal properties in the 1st century AD. They began to trade it in the 6th century, and by the end of the 12th century they learned about it in Europe. The cost of nutmeg at that time was very high due to delivery difficulties. In the Middle Ages, the fruit was endowed with magical properties. Healers recommended it to men to enhance potency. Used nutmeg and as an anesthetic in the treatment of tumors, tuberculosis, diseases of muscles and joints.
Nutmeg is rich in fats and proteins, vitamins, macro- and microelements. The myristicic acid found in it is harmful to the liver in large quantities. Therefore, it is recommended to add nut to culinary dishes and medicinal preparations very carefully.
The main value of nutmeg lies in essential and fatty oils, which contain up to 50% in the nut. They are used externally so as not to harm health with an overdose. Nutmeg oil eliminates overexcitation and stress, relieves nervous tension, improves memory and attention, increases appetite, and promotes good functioning of the digestive tract. The spice inhibits the production of substances in the body that cause inflammation, therefore they treat stomach ulcers. Due to its analgesic and antiseptic properties, walnut relieves pain, kills germs and boosts immunity. Therefore, during the cold and flu season, it is recommended to use aroma lamps with nutmeg oil indoors.
In addition, nutmeg oil also has hemostatic, antifungal, expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, antioxidant, astringent, laxative, general stimulating properties. In cosmetology, it is used to improve blood circulation and renew skin cells, relieve swelling and inflammation. It also has a positive effect on hair growth, prevents hair loss and dandruff.
Nutmeg oil is used in perfumery to create oriental spicy compositions.
Muscat is widely used in the food industry. It is added to sausages and sausages, used in the preparation of spicy and pickled fish. They are flavored with sweets, cookies, cakes, creams and cakes. It is added to chicken and vegetable soups, to the main courses of lamb, beef, pork. It goes especially well with chicken and game. Vegetable, egg, cereal, flour dishes and sauces are flavored with nuts.
It should be remembered about contraindications. These are pregnancy, epilepsy, nervous irritability, childhood, individual intolerance to the substances contained in the nut. It is undesirable to take other drugs at the same time and exceed the dosage. And the doctor's advice will always come in handy.
