Whenever I think of the nutmeg (the seed of the nutmeg tree), I think of three things.  The first is a very tempting Caribbean dish known as ‘duccanah’ which is cooked in banana leaves or aluminum foil and consists of grated sweet potato, grated coconut, a dash of spices (nutmeg included) and other ingredients as per the cook’s choice. The second is Grenada- because all Caribbean children would have learnt that Grenada is the spice island and a top producer of nutmeg.  The third is homemade vapour rub.

Some 16 years ago, I was caught up in a bad relationship with a mean cold, which, as mean colds go, harassed me day and night- especially at night.  There was some hustling, bustling and calls for vegetable shortening, rubbing alcohol and matches (matches!!). I was a curious observer as a spoonful or so of vegetable shortening was placed on a saucer.  My curiousity grew as a shallow hole was dug into the shortening and then some rubbing alcohol poured in.

Someone called out for nutmeg- there was the scratch-scratch sound of nutmeg on a grater. A few seconds later, there was the scratch-scratch sound of a match and the light “poof” of flame as the saucer was now on fire.  There might have also been a gasp coming from my direction- the sound of curiousity blossoming into fear. That night, I received a thorough “rub down” with this homemade vapour rub. And, the next morning, I was skipping about as happily as anything which skips about.

When someone suggests using the nutmeg to remedy any ailment, they always take care to caution that you not use a lot since the nutmeg is pretty potent stuff (think hallucinogen). For insomnia or to provide relief from restlessness, a common recommendation is that you drink a cup of warm milk with a bit of nutmeg grated in. The same can be used for diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting and gas. In the case of the latter three, you can supposedly substitute warm milk with fruit juice (like apple juice) and grated nutmeg with nutmeg powder.

The nutmeg is also, reportedly, quite the spice when it comes to making a sex tonic or aphrodisiac. The list of ingredients in this case normally range from coconut water with a bit of grated nutmeg to nutmeg with some aloes and egg to nutmeg with honey, egg and milk. Sex tonic aside, the nutmeg is also considered just the thing for dealing with other types of problems- skin problems nutmeg such as eczema. The paste is quite simple to make- just add a bit of water to grounded nutmeg.

I remember the nutmeg as being very popular as a remedy for toothache. An ailing person, especially one with pain from cavities, was always being advised to add a bit of grounded/grated nutmeg to a bit of rum/whisky. Then, he or she would be entreated to drop some of the mixture into the cavity.

But, the nutmeg wasn’t/isn’t just about relieving tooth pains. In general, nutmeg oil (available commercially) is considered quite effective in relieving joint and muscle pains, menstrual cramps, stress, headaches and aiding in increasing circulation.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)