Homeopathy Nux mosch. Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans syn. Nux moschata

The homeopathic remedy nux mosch. is prepared from the seed or nutmeg of the nutmeg tree, which is among the several tree species in genus Myristica. Among these, Myristica fragrans is the most significant as well as commercially grown species. Myristica fragrans is an evergreen or perennial tree that is native to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas of Indonesia or the Spice Islands, commonly known as Maluku Islands. In fact, nutmeg is the seed of the nutmeg tree. It is somewhat egg-shaped and each seed grows to approximately 20 mm to 30 mm (0.8 inch to 1 inch) in length and 15 mm to 18 mm (0.6 inch to 0.7 inch) in width and when dry, it weighs anything between 5 g and 10 g. The dried mace of the tree is 'lacy' reddish shell or the fleshy, usually bright colored seed covering (aril). The first harvesting of the nutmeg tree is generally undertaken only after the tree is around seven to nine years old, while the tree yields maximum nutmegs only when it is 20 years old. Generally, nutmeg, the seed of the nutmeg tree, is used in the form of powder. The nutmeg tree is very useful commercially, since a number of viable products are prepared from the tree, for instance nutmeg butter, essential oils and extracted oleoresins (a blend of essential oils and resin found in nature). The outer surface or the covering of the nutmeg is easily damaged. While nutmeg is more familiar as a spice used for cooking purposes, it has a long history regarding therapeutic use also. Numerous cultures across the globe have used nutmeg for medicinal purpose, but only in small dosages. Nutmeg is somewhat exceptional since it is used in the ancient Chinese as well as the more contemporary Western herbal medicines. Apart from its use in medicines, nutmeg is also very popular as a spice and is widely used in preparation of foods and drinks. In addition, nutmeg also has industrial uses and forms an important ingredient in many soaps and cosmetics. In fact, nutmeg was not only scarce, but also very expensive in ancient Rome and Greece and this gave rise to a belief that this seed from the nutmeg tree was an excellent tonic for the brain. On the other hand, the Arabs have been using nutmeg since the 17th century. Talking about the culinary uses of nutmeg, it needs to be mentioned that its use is primarily related to sweet and spicy delicacies, such as cookies, spice cakes, puddings, pies and custards. Since nutmeg blends wonderfully with several types of cheese, it is used in preparing cheese sauces and souffl�s. Nutmeg also goes well together with egg dishes and vegetables, such as spinach, cabbages, beans, onions, broccoli, tomatoes and eggplant. When used in soups, nutmeg combines well with slit pea, tomatoes, black beans and even chicken. Nutmeg is also used to flavour Scottish haggis, Italian mortadella sausages as well as the lamb dishes in the Middle East. While the seed of the nutmeg tree is virtually necessary when preparing eggnog as well as several mulled wines and punches, nutmeg is frequently used as an ingredient while preparing Moroccan spice blend 'ras el hanout'.

Parts used

The homeopathic remedy nux mosch. is prepared from the whole nutmegs, freshly obtained or dried nutmegs from the nutmeg tree. Soon after collecting the nutmegs, they are treated with lime and subsequently macerated or marinated in alcohol for sometime. The resultant solution is the homeopathic remedy nux mosch. which does not retain any trace of the original substance - the nutmeg, but is useful in treating a number of health conditions.

Uses

As aforementioned, nutmeg has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. In fact, the seed of the nutmeg tree has been used extensively since 540 AD around the time when it was carried from India and introduced in Constantinople. In the early days, people used nutmeg powder as a cosmetic to get rid of blotches and facial stains. However, the Persian philosopher and scientist Avicenna was the first to refer to the medicinal use of nutmeg. He described nutmeg as the 'nut of Banda'. In the early days, people used the nutmeg to treat headaches, stomach disorders and also to alleviate flatulence. In addition, medications prepared with nutmeg were also used internally to treat mood swings. The essential oil extracted from nutmeg is effective for treating rheumatic pains. Homeopathic physicians often prescribe nux mosch. for treating various mental conditions, such has hysteria and disorders of the nervous system. In addition, this homeopathic medicine is also useful for treating digestive problems, especially those related to flatulence, bloating in the stomach and constipation. In homeopathy, nux mosch. is especially useful in treating gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining. It may be noted that people who require this homeopathic remedy often feel very dehydrated, but are not that thirsty. As discussed earlier, nux mosch. is also an effective remedy for hallucinogenic symptoms (conditions related to mood) which may often be a result of using nutmeg in large doses. Precisely speaking, this is an ideal homeopathic medication for treating conditions such as, fainting, dizziness and absence of harmonization. These symptoms are generally associated with conditions like epilepsy and stroke. Individuals who respond best to the homeopathic remedy nux mosch. are those who usually are hyper sensitive and always have an exaggerated feeling. In addition, such people also suffer from frequent mood changes - their changing emotions can be described as they may be sad or crying one moment and be laughing at the very next moment. People who require nux mosch. may often have a strange feeling as if they have two heads and one can see the other! Moreover, such people feel that they are isolated from the daily or common life and have a sensation like they are covered with cotton wool - some sort of being delicately protected. People who typically need the homeopathic remedy nux mosch. usually suffer from a number of mental/emotional symptoms. The most common symptoms endured by such individuals may include fainting, dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination and an intense and some times irresistible drowsiness or stupor. Nux mosch. is extremely beneficial for people suffering from severe dryness in the digestive tract, particularly if it is accompanied by characteristic stupor or drowsiness. Other symptoms that can be cured using this homeopathic remedy are constant constipation accompanied by fullness and distension in the abdomen and a very dry tongue that is almost attached to the roof of one's mouth.

Source

The homeopathic remedy nux mosch. is prepared from nutmeg, the seed of the common or aromatic nutmeg tree, which is indigenous to the Banda Island in Indonesia. In addition, nutmeg trees are now also commercially cultivated in Malaysia and the Caribbean, particularly in Grenada. Nutmeg trees are also grown in the southern Indian state Kerala.