SS No.1 ஜாதிக்காய் / Jathikai / Nutmeg

Jathikai(in Tamil) is called as Nutmeg in English. Jathikai is widely used in Tamil Nadu for the benefits the spice offers. It is also called as Jathikka. It has plenty of nutritional value. It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Niacin, Folic acid, Ribloflavin, Beta-Carotene.

Whenever you use jathikai, make sure that you include only a dash of it. Nutmeg powder should not be used in more quantity.

1. Jathikai for sleep:

Jathikai helps to induce sleep. People with sleep disorders prefer Jathikai to get a good night sleep. Nutmeg helps to treat various sleep disorders. It has natural sedative properties and helps you to get sleep naturally without sleeping pills and other chemicals.

Mix jathikai powder in warm milk. 1/8 tsp of Nutmeg powder can be added to 1 cup of warm milk. Drink it before going to bed. You will get a deep sleep very soon.

Jathikai is a popular natural sleep aid. It provides relaxation and gives a sound sleep.

2. Jathikai for face, skin and hair:

Jathikai is good in treating pimples, blemishes, acne and acne scars. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Just swipe the jathikai in a wet stone and apply the paste on the pimples. Repeat it daily till the pimple and scars goes off. Make sure that you clean and pat dry your face before applying.

If you have jathikai powder, mix it with water and make a thick paste. Clean and wipe the face gently. Apply the jathikai powder paste directly on the pimples.

You can use freshly ground nutmeg powder too.

After applying, wait for 20 minutes and wash it off with clean water. Pat dry your face.

You can also mix tumeric powder, sandalwood powder with the jathikai powder. Instead of water, you can use rose water or milk to make the paste.

Jathikka is also good for dry skin. You can massage the nutmeg oil before taking bath. Jathikkai thailam is available in market. Use it according to the instructions. Jathikkai oil is used for treating hair problems also like dandruff. Please look out for quality jathikkai oil for usage.

3. Jathikai for babies:

Jathikai is good for babies. But please limit the quantity you give to babies with just a swipe.  It induces the sleep in babies. This is a very old home remedy. People give it as a part of Ura marundhu. People give vasambu, sukku, masikkai, kadukkai and few other ingredients also along with nutmeg.

4. Jathikai for Stomach problems:

Nutmeg is good to treat stomach problems like indigestion, diarrhea and flatulence. You can include nutmeg powder in your breakfast cereals or with warm milk.

5. Jathikai for dental problems:

Nutmeg has anti-bacterial properties. It is used in oral care and to treat problems like tooth pain, sore gums. Nutmeg oil is available in market. One drop of oil can be applied in the problematic area.

6. Jathikai for joint pains, massage and aromatherapy:

There are jathikai oil available in the market for joint and muscular pains associated with rheumatism or overexertion.  Even nutmeg essential oil is available online and offline which can be used in massage and aromatherapy.

How to include Jathikka in your diet | Eating Jathikai?

Adding a pinch of jathikai powder in warm milk is the simplest way to include in your diet. You can also add them in yogurt, juices, rasam, soups, smoothies. Even some make jathikai pickle too.

Warning:

Do not add too much of nutmeg powder. A pinch of nutmeg powder is the recommended dosage. I have never added more than that. It is good to limit yourself to 1 to 2 pinches of Nutmeg powder for adults and 1 swipe for babies and not more than that without medical advice.

Over dosage of nutmeg powder can induce severe side effects like nausea, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and memory disturbances.  It is good to avoid nutmeg during pregnancy.

So, please keep jathikai away from children.