Often associated with Samhain and Yule, nutmeg is also one of the traditional spices used in the Jewish ritual farewell to the feminine aspect of God on Saturday evening, when warm spices are sniffed to remind us that Her presence should permeate the week, like the sweet smell of a spice permeates the air. Nutmeg is often used in works involving money, especially gambling. Creole folklore of the 19th century advised sprinkling nutmeg in a woman’s left shoe each night at midnight in order to make her crazy with love. — from Alchemy Works
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Plant appearance: a small green evergreen tree around 50 ft high, with small bell-shaped, waxy, cream-colored flowers and large fruits
Parts used: the nut (the pit) of the fruit
Oil appearance: colorless to pale yellow
Therapeutic uses: gastrointestinal spasm, nausea, upset stomach, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, muscular injury, mentstrual cramps, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, tension
Precautions: best avoided while pregnant or breast-feeding. GRAS
RECIPE
Therapeutic Homemade Cola
from Essential Oils Sanctuary
Ingredients:
2 drops nutmeg EO
2 drops cinnamon EO
2 drops cardamom EO
2 drops lemon EO
4 drops orange EO
4 drops lime EO
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
sparkling water
Directions:
1. Add the essential oils to the vanilla extract, and then combine this mixture with the maple syrup or honey.
2. Divide the mixture between 2 tall glasses.
3. Add sparkling water (about 8-10 ounces per glass), stirring gently to mix.
4. Serve in place of commercial cola to help detoxify the body, fight fatty liver disease, reduce insulin resistance, and balance hormones.
The cola sounds really interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it does! A healthy tonic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be worth a try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you make it let me know how it is! I’m slowly building up my collection of essential oils but it takes time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I am able to shop for the ingredients, I will give it a try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love using nutmeg in baking. Must try the cola once! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to try it also!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In our part of the hills nutmeg is a regular ingredient in food and is also used to prepare a concoction for new borns to keep cold and cough at bay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I use nutmeg mostly for custard, eggnog, and pumpkin pie. Very interesting on the concoction for new borns. If you would care to share the recipe for it, I would love to have it.
LikeLike
One cup water
One pinch nutmeg
Half teaspoon carom seeds
One cardamom
Few basil leaves
Boil all ingredients in water until only half a cup is left. Cool. Add honey. One spoonful after bath keeps cold and cough at bay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Thank You. I'm writing this in my Worwood book.
LikeLike
I learnt a lot today with your post, thank you! I was just using nutmeg for cooking. Great recipe to try!
N is for Nature
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you try the recipe let me know how it is!
LikeLike
The cola sounds delicious! I was watching a historical drama about a hospital in New York and there was a shortage of cocaine being imported which they used as an anaesthetic but they also made reference to the fact that the shortage was affecting soft drink manufacture – the Coke in Coca-Cola – I am pretty sure they don’t include it in the secret recipe any more but yours is definitely healthier!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that something! Ah, the good ol’ days!
LikeLike
I have heard of nutmeg. But didn’t know one could a lot with it! Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A little nutmeg goes a long way. I was amazed at where it came from.
LikeLike
This sounds delicious as well as good for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it does!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I associate nutmeg with my childhood home state of Connecticut.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Holidays?
LikeLike
Well, that too. But for mysterious reasons, Connecticut is nicknamed the Nutmeg State and people from Connecticut are called Nutmeggers (it’s kind of old-fashioned but I like to keep the tradition alive).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! Another commenter informed me about CT’s nickname. Nice one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I live in the Nutmeg State, so this is close to my heart!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just had to look that up. Since nutmeg comes from another place it’s especially interesting. I didn’t know States had state spices!
LikeLike
I am nuts for nutmeg.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What’s your favorite way to use nutmeg?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I add it to my Pistachio which is a Greek lasagna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you’d care to share the recipe, I’d be happy to have it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll email it to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ok thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheese is a major component of the Swiss cuisine, and nutmeg goes hand in hand with our cheese dishes. I had no idea about the benefit it has!
A frequent Coke Zero drinker I am intrigued by your recipe. I have all the EOs at home, except cardamom, I do, however have the ground spice, may I use this instead? If yes, how much?
My N is for us Swiss 🇨🇭people being neutral and neat.
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-z-2020-switzerland-neutral-neat.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
So interesting to learn Swiss cuisine uses a lot of nutmeg. For the ground cardamom, I would use just a little and adjust to taste. If you make it, let me know how it goes!
LikeLike
I just nipped to my kitchen to have a sniff of nutmeg! Love it!
N is for …
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love nutmeg. I use it in cooking of course. It’s one spice I make sure I have on hand. Sometimes even the whole “nut” and grate them myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How very cool that you have the whole “nut” and grate from it. I bet it is even more flavorful that way.
LikeLike
your beverage recipe sounds delicious! Thanks I’ll have to try it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please tell how it is if you do!
LikeLike
I love nutmeg, the seasoning. To me, it’s an essential Christmas spice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. I’ll never be able look at nutmeg the same again! How cool is this stuff!? I’ve always just thought of it as a baking spice..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I love that orange lattice that makes mace. Not sure I’ve ever used mace in any cooking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the smell of nutmeg! Interesting to learn about some traditions it’s used in. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome. There is something very comforting about the smell of nutmeg.
LikeLike
I love nutmeg. I esdpecially use it with meat and sometimes sweets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have used it in batter for deboned chicken thighs and it really works well.
LikeLike
I’ve never thought of nutmeg as associated with Samhain, but it’s definitely a spice I love. Cinnamon and nutmeg with apples is wonderful. I’ve never used it as an essential oil, nor have I seen a nutmeg seed with the surrounding mace. Looks lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your lovely comment. Yes the mace on the pit is natural art.
LikeLike
The recipe sounds yummy!
An A-Z of Faerie: Dragons
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike