Bitter nutmeg

The Scientific name of Bitter nutmeg: Myristica Dactyloides / Myristica Malabarica Lam

Name of Bitter nutmeg in different languages:-

English: Bombay Mace, False Nutmeg

Sanscrit: Pashupati

Hindi: Van Jati phal

Malayalam: Kattupathri-Chithirappovu – ചിത്തിരപ്പൂവ്, Kattujathy – കാട്ടുജാതി, Pantha painപന്തപ്പയിൻ.

Plant description of Bitter nutmeg:

Bitter nutmeg is found in the Western Ghats and evergreen forest area, with a range of 1500m altitude, it is growing up to 20 m tall, with stilt roots. The bark is brownish, warty, flaky, and thick foliage, The Leaf stalk is 1.5-4 cm long and the leaves are 12-25 x 4-12 cm, the tree is like a nutmeg tree in nature, with seeds covered with a covered with orange-red deeply laciniate and covering aril, which is the useful part of the plant, Ayurveda treatments and also used to make dyes.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Cuneate Margin-Entire Venation- Pinnate

 

Medicinal Uses in Ayurveda

Bitter nutmeg, known as “Tikshna Jatiphala” in Ayurveda, is used for its various medicinal properties:

  1. Digestive Aid: It’s believed to stimulate digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.
  2. Respiratory Health: Bitter nutmeg may be used to address respiratory conditions like cough and asthma.
  3. Pain Relief: It’s thought to have analgesic properties and may be used for pain relief.
  4. Anti-inflammatory: Bitter nutmeg is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
  5. Aphrodisiac: In some traditional practices, it’s used to enhance libido and sexual function.
  6. Nervine Tonic: It’s believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
  7. Toothache Relief: Bitter nutmeg may be used topically for toothache relief.
  8. Mental Clarity: Some practitioners believe it can improve mental clarity and cognitive function.

Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before using bitter nutmeg or any other herb for medicinal purposes, as improper use can have adverse effects. They can guide safe and appropriate usage based on individual health conditions.

Useful plant parts: Nut, Aril

Other uses: The aril of bitter nutmeg can be used as a food coloring agent (Yellow color like turmeric), and instead of Nutmeg  it can be used as medicine

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