Jatiphala
Jatiphala or Jaiphal is a small evergreen aromatic tree which grows upto the height of 5-13m. Jatiphala belongs to Myristicaceae family having botanical name Myristica fragrans. Commonly it is known as Nutmeg.
Chemical Composition –
It contains Pipene, Alpha Terpinene, Safrole, Methyl Eugenol, Myristicin, Elemicin, Trimyristin, Dihydro-disoeugeneol, Myristic acid, Epicatechin, Cyanadin, Nectandrin B, Verrucosin, Lignans and neolignans etc. chemicals.
Properties –
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antibacterial
• Antidiarroheal
• Appetizer
• Analgesic
• Aphrodisiac
• Expectorant
• Prevent accumulation of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids •Memory enhancing
• Natural antidepressant
Effect on Doshas –
Jatiphala balances Vata and Kapha doshas.
Part used
Fruit, Seed, seed coat and oil of Jatiphala is used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Powder of Jatiphala should be taken in 0.5-1g dosage with honey or ghee after meal.
• Oil1-3drops
If you are using it in your diet, as a spice, then there is no need to take it additionally.
Benefits –
• Manages Acne problem
A paste of nutmeg made with water or milk is applied externally to treat pimple and acne scar.
• For respiratory infections
A very tiny piece of nutmeg can be used in preparing food in babies above 9 months to treat cold and cough. It is also useful in asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases
In children above 2 years of age,can be used in a small quantity.
• Promotes Digestion
It works over flatulence , thus results as good appetizer and improves digestion.
• Diarrhea
It is useful in relieving diarrhea associated with bloating and abdominal pain.
• Relieves Depression
Jaiphal is an aphrodisiac, useful to induce sleep and calm mind. It is also very good to relieve depression.
• Headache
It is very useful even with external application in case of headache.
• Oligospermia
It is used for the treatment of low sperm count and also stimulates sexual desire.
Ayurvedic formulations having Jatiphala
• Chandrakala Rasa
• Jatiphala Churna
• Dadimavleha
• Laksmivilasa rasa
• Jeerakarishta
• Dasamoola Rasayanam
• Bhringaraja asava
• Mentat Syrup
• Dasamoolaarishtam
• Dhanwantaram gulika
• Draakshaadi kashyam
Side Effects –
In high dose it is not recommended to be used. Nutmeg is unlike other nuts. So, even if you have nut allergies, it is quite safe to use nutmeg in diet.
Over-dosage may cause convulsions, palpitation, weak pulse, hypothermia, disorientation, giddiness, nausea and vomiting.
Nutmeg in safe during pregnancy, if used in little quantities of half to one gram during pregnancy. Only a very high dose is not recommended during pregnancy.
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