We already know the nutmeg, or the seeds of Myrystica fragrans for its uses such as spice in the kitchen.
But perhaps we do not know its uses (known since ancient times) for health, let alone the possibility of obtaining other products such as'essential oil or even butter.
Be careful though! There nutmeg is quite toxic in high doses and some of its derivatives are not to be used in the kitchen.
Among these precisely the nutmeg butter: what then are its properties and uses? Let's find out together.
Nutmeg butter: properties
The seeds of the Myrystica fragrans plant contain amido and lipidi.
They are used after drying (they become what we call "nutmeg") or if one is made distillation to obtain essential oil, or you can cold press, to obtain the separated lipid fraction, which has the consistency of a butter: the nutmeg butter precisely, which contains high percentages of myristica (a fatty acid derived from myristic acid) and fatty acids derived fromoleic and palmitic acid.
The main properties of nutmeg and its derivatives are largely due to myristicin, substance: which in high doses is a potent narcotic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and hallucinogenic; in modest doses it can cause migraine, nausea, diarrhea, hypotension, depression, acidosis.
In minimal doses the myristicin contained in nutmeg butter has properties:
> Eupeptiche (stimulates the appetite, promotes digestion);
> of improvement of peristalsis intestinal;
> vasodilatatorie;
> anti-emetic, that is, it stops vomiting and motion sickness.
Read also Almond butter, properties and uses >>
Nutmeg butter: uses
Nutmeg is usually linked to cooking and spicy recipes.
This is not the case for nutmeg butter: lits ingestion is absolutely forbidden, both for its neurological activity and for its intrinsic activity liver toxicity, both for its business of interaction with anticoagulant drugs.
Nutmeg butter can be found in pharmacies and is used for external use in these situations:
> against i rheumatic pain;
> against i neuralgic pains;
> as a stimulant of local epidermal circulation;
> come base for plasters medicated;
> as part of sports massage creams.
Always do an allergy test on a small area of ​​skin, before using the product. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Caution: not used nutmeg, and its derivatives (essential oil, nutmeg butter) in children and in pregnancy, for suspected abortive effects.
Read also Cocoa butter, properties and uses >>
