CHARACTERISTICS OF NUTMEG HERB

- The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet.
- The fruit when dried gives nutmeg which is the seed and mace which is the covering.
- The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed.
- Nutmeg has sweet, spicy and nutty taste, is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens.
- Nutmeg has a very distinct odor.
- Nutmeg is often used as a food flavoring for baked goods, egg nog, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, and vegetables.

Therapeutic properties of nutmeg are stimulant, sedative, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and bactericide.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG AND NUTMEG OIL

- Nutmeg oil acts like a stimulator for brain.
- Nutmeg oil reduces stress and mental strain.
- Nutmeg is also good for curing anxiety and depression.
- Nutmeg increases blood circulation.
- Nutmeg is an excellent antidote for cardiovascular systems.
- Nutmeg helps detoxify liver and kidneys.
- Nutmeg oil is added to cough syrups.
- Nutmeg is used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, sciatica, menstrual cramp, and toothache as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg powder heated on the pan with sesame oil until brown is used for this.
- Nutmeg helps in getting rid of diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion and hiccups as well as it improves appetite.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia.
- Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil is is used for relief from cramps during menstruation and often provides relief from menstrual irregularities.

PRECAUTION:
- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. It is not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders because of its psychoactive properties.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.

English cucumbers – Have very little in the way of seeds and can grow to around 2 feet in length.
Mediterranean cucumbers – Skins are smooth with nearly seedless flesh, they have a mild taste.
Japanese cucumbers – A dark green cucumber with a very bumpy skin. Mainly used for slicing, salads and pickling.

Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

- Cucumbers have high water content (about 95 percent).
- They have fiber-rich skin and their levels of potassium and manganese, which help regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions.
- Cucumbers help remove uric acid, which is beneficial for those who has arthritis.
- Cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes.
- Cucumber is very beneficial for burns, swollen eyes, and dermatitis. because it consists of Caffeic and ascorbic acids, which prevent water retention.
- Its juice is a nourishing vitamin for our hair and skin.
- Cucumber is good for those who are dieting as it is very low in calories.
- Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair.
- Cucumber juice is certainly beneficial the treatment of rheumatic conditions.
- This colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.
- The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
- The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.
- Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.
- Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.
- Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.
- Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.
- Helps in kidney and urinary bladder disease.

However, early studies on pomegranate juice suggest it is surely healthy to drink. The fruit can be quite fun to eat as well. There are numerous pomegranate juice products available, many quite highly priced because of the health craze surrounding pomegranate juice. It is likely if continued studies show promising health benefits, more manufacturers of pomegranate juice will emerge and help ease prices through competition.

Health benefits of Papaya

- A papaya face pack can also be made using the fruit. Papaya is a product from nature which is used in many skin lightening creams
- Papaya is an ideal choice of fruit for those who are suffering from digestive ailments and dyspeptic patients since it is easily digestible and ideal for weight losing since it has high fibre, nutritious,low calories and enriched with water content.
- Papaya is a fruit high in fiber which lowers cholesterol levels. Papaya contains antioxidants which prevents the cholesterol from oxidizing.
- Papaya contains a high amount of potassium and the flesh of papaya is very high in Vitamin A.
- Papaya seeds and leaves are useful in treating intestinal worms found in the body.
- The skin of papaya is excellent for treating skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly.
- Regularly consuming papaya helps to relieve morning sickness and nausea.
- Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancerous properties.
- Papaya is very good for those who frequently suffer from cold, cough or flu because intake of papaya boosts the immune system.
- Papaya is also very good for the hair and helps in controlling dandruff.
- Raw papaya also helps in reducing menstrual irregularities for women.
- Slices of green fruits rubbed over meat and boiled with tough meat, make the meat more tender.

What are the side effects of papaya?
- Even though papaya is enriched with vitamin A and C, and a small amount of Calcium and Iron, but if eaten in excess, it can cause the yellowing of palms and skin known as carotenemia.
- Scientists have found that the black seeds of papaya contain, in traces, a toxic substance called carpine. Carpine in large quantities is said to lower the pulse rate and depress the nervous system.

Health Benefits of Banana :
- Banana is an energy booster.
- Bananas are fruits that are high in fiber, making them an ideal remedy for constipation and an alternative to chemical laxatives.
- Bananas are a natural source of potassium which helps to keep the body fluids and electrolyte balance in body cells and helps in regulating blood pressure.
- Bananas are not only a good source of B vitamins they also contain vitamin C, A.
- Banana is a rich source of iron, thus it is helpful in cases of anemia.
- The skin of the banana is said to help remove warts(cover the warts with the inner skin of banana).
- Banana is also helpful in Stomach ulcer (banana has a natural antacid), Colitis, Digestive disorder, Diarrhea, Constipation (banana is high in fiber), Hemorrhoids.
- Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
- Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
- Bananas are useful in the treatment of arthritis and gout. A diet of bananas only for three or four days is advisable in these conditions.
- One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey as it calms the stomach.
- Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
- Cooked banana flower eaten with curd is considered an effective medicine for menstrual disorders like painful menstruation and excessive bleeding.
- Bananas are an ideal fruit to be eaten when a person is suffering from ulcers.
- Eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%.

Bananas and losing weight :
Bananas may be one of the best fruits to eat when attempting to lose weight. They are full of nutrients for increased energy and vitality. Bananas are also low in calories and fat, plus they have a high water content and potassium levels. A diet high in potassium foods and lower in sodium-loaded processed foods can help reduce water weight.
The daily diet is restricted to six bananas and four glasses of skimmed milk or buttermilk made from skimmed milk for a period of 10 to 15 days. Thereafter green vegetables may be introduced gradually, reducing the intake of bananas from six to four.

Storing Bananas :
Bananas need to be treated with care as they bruise easily. The ideal way to store bananas is to keep them at room temperature. In order to ripen bananas, you can either wrap them in a newspaper or keep them in a brown paper bag. If you store a banana in a fridge it will turn black. However it will still be edible.