If you belong from India then you must have heard about this extremely beneficial spice named Jaiphal or Nutmeg. It has been an inherent part of the Indian cuisine, culture, and medicine since ancient times. The exotic aroma and flavor of nutmeg add a specialty to rich Indian food. In Ayurveda nutmeg is said to be beneficial for skin, immunity, and overall strength of the body. Our grandmas always insisted on using Nutmeg for babies to cure cough and cold during rainy seasons. Other spices such as clove and cardamom also form an the important spices given to babies. It is recently that the western world is starting to appreciate the goodness of these spices not only for flavors but also for their health benefits.
Nutmeg originated from Indonesia, from there it came to India, through sea route, and later spread in the entire world during colonial times. It is thus named differently in different parts like jaiphal, jayphal, jatiphala, Myristica fragrant, etc. But whether using nutmeg in baby food is safe or not is a vital question. Nutmeg or any other spices make the body warm and can cause indigestion to your baby if given in excess. So you need to know the quantity, benefits and precautions of giving nutmeg to your baby.
In This Article
- Video of Introducing Nutmeg For Babies
- What is Nutmeg(Jaipal)?
- Is Nutmeg Safe For Babies?
- When Can You Introduce Nutmeg to Your Baby?
- Nutritional Value of Nutmeg
- How Much Nutmeg Can You Give Your Baby?
- Amazing Top 6 Health Benefits of Nutmeg For Babies
- Are There Any Side Effects of Nutmeg For Babies?
- FAQ’s
Video of Introducing Nutmeg For Babies
What is Nutmeg (Jaipal)?
Nutmeg is a spice obtained from the dried seeds of the fruits of the Myristica trees. It has a sweet taste and fine aroma. The fleshy fruit of the same plant with a deep red skin is called javitri or mace which is also used as a spice. Jaipal seed is fleshy but firm and contains essential oils. Nutmeg requires warm and humid tropical weather to grow.
Jaipal is used as a home remedy for coughs, loose motion, diarrhea and gas in babies for ages. It also has the properties to induce good sleep.
Is Nutmeg Safe For Babies?
According to the a study by NCBI, nutmeg does not have any side effects. Though there is not enough scientific research on the side effects of nutmeg on babies. You can consider it safe as Indian parents are using a bit of nutmeg in baby foods and milk for generations. A pinch or two of nutmeg will not harm your baby. Yet you must consult with your doctor before introducing jaiphal to your baby.
When Can You Introduce Nutmeg to Your Baby?
You can start giving Jaipal to your baby after the rice ceremony which means after 6 months. It is better to introduce spice only when your baby gets fully habituated to solid food and can digest them.
Nutritional Value of Nutmeg
Even a teaspoon of nutmeg has enough nutrients for your baby. According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, a teaspoon of nutmeg contain:
| Nutrients | Value |
| Carbohydrate | 1.08 g |
| Protein | 0.13 g |
| Total Lipid or Fat | 0.8 g |
| Energy | 11.55 (kcal) |
| Dietary Fibre | 0.46 g |
| Sugar | 0.63 g |
| Calcium | 4.05 mg |
| Magnesium | 4.03 mg |
| Phosphorus | 4.69 mg |
| Iron | 0.07 mg |
| Vitamin A | 2.24 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.07 mg |
| Folate | 1.67 mcg |
| Carotene, Beta | 0.35 mcg |
| Sodium | 0.35 mg |
How Much Nutmeg Can You Give Your Baby?
You can give 0.5 mg of nutmeg once a day to your baby during the summers. You can increase the amount to 0.10 mg per day during winter or monsoon. So roughly a pinch or two of Jaipal is enough for your baby. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the milk of your baby or add Jaipal in the lentil, porridge or khichdi of your baby. Adding a pinch of nutmeg will surely make the baby food more flavorful.
[Read : Khichdi For Babies]
Amazing Top 6 Health Benefits of Nutmeg For Babies
Nutmeg has several health benefits. That is why it is used popularly as a home remedy for various health issues in babies, such as:
1. Excellent Cure For Gas and Colic
Babies often suffer from gas and colic as most of the time they lie or sit in bed. According to some fresh research, Nutmeg along with honey can cure digestive problems in babies.
[Read : Health Benefits Of Honey For Babies]
2. Helps Cure Diarrhea
The immature digestive system of a baby often causes diarrhea. The fiber present in nutmeg will help in good bowel movements and induce digestive secretion and digestive enzymes to cure diarrhea.
3. Provides Relief From Cold and Cough
Nutmeg keeps the body warm from within. You can offer a pinch of nutmeg powder in warm milk when your baby is suffering from cough and cold. Do not use honey if your baby is less than 12 months.
4. Promotes Good Sleep
Good sleep is needed for the appropriate growth of your baby. Nutmeg can help in this with its relaxing properties.
5. Enhances Appetite
As nutmeg has carminative effects it can reduce gas and bloating. This in turn results in increased appetite.
6. Boosts Immunity
Jaipal contains the goodness of several bioactive compounds like eugenol, methoxyeugenol, and isoeugenol along with antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of nutmeg will also boost your baby’s immunity in the long run.
Are There Any Side Effects of Nutmeg For Babies?
Only a pinch or two of nutmeg is enough for your baby. A little overdose (5 to 20 g/ 1 to 4 teaspoon) of nutmeg can cause serious side effects like intoxications. The side effects of nutmeg overdose can be:
- Nausea
- Abdominal distress
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Skin allergies such as rashes, redness and hives
Side effects of nutmeg overdose can start between 3 to 6 hours of intake and can last up to 12 to 24 hours. Thus to detect whether your baby is having any nutmeg allergies, you must introduce nutmeg for the first with food your baby is able to safely have without any side effects.
So nutmeg is a trusted spice to cure many little health problems in babies for which you should not always rely on medicines. But it is beneficial only when used in limited quantities. Buy organic nutmeg and store it in an airtight container to preserve its taste and aroma. And grind it only when you need it. Do let your pediatrician know before introducing nutmeg to your baby and go ahead only if he/she nods yes.
[Read : Vomiting in Babies]
FAQ’s
1. Does Nutmeg Help the Baby Sleep?
Yes, research show that nutmeg has the quality to cure insomnia. Though there is not enough study on its effect in babies yet the relaxing property can induce sound sleep in babies.
2. Is Nutmeg an Allergen For Babies?
Allergic reaction due to nutmeg is very low. There is not enough study about it too. The isoeugenol in nutmeg can cause allergy. Though its name may suggest nutmeg is not a nut. So you can offer nutmeg to your baby even if he/she has a nut allergy.
3. Is Nutmeg Good For Babies’ Colds?
Yes, nutmeg will keep your baby’s body warm from the inside. Nutmeg can also boost immunity and thus your baby will be able to fight the cough and cold easily. If your baby is having a cold just add a pinch of nutmeg powder to the warm milk or dal or khichri and offer it to them.
Read Also: Fennel Seeds For Babies – Benefits And Precautions
