Jathikai Powder | ஜாதிக்காய் பொடி

Jathikai Powder (Nutmeg Powder)

🌰 Jathikai Powder is derived from the dried seed kernel of the Myristica fragrans tree, an evergreen species native to the Spice Islands (Moluccas) and widely cultivated in South India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Known commonly as Nutmeg, this spice holds an esteemed place in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine for its carminative, aphrodisiac, and calming properties.

🌰 In traditional medicine, Jathikai is used to enhance digestion, improve sleep, support reproductive health, and relieve nervous tension. It is also applied externally in formulations for joint pain and inflammation.

🌰 Jathikai helps balance vata and kapha doshas, promoting warmth, clarity, and grounding energy in the body and mind.

Description of Jathikai (Nutmeg) Plant

🌿 Myristica fragrans is a medium-sized, evergreen tree belonging to the Myristicaceae family.

🌿 The tree bears fruits similar to apricots, which split open when ripe to reveal a brown seed (Nutmeg) covered by a lacy red aril (Mace or Javitri).

🌿 The seed kernel, when dried and powdered, is called Jathikai Powder.

🌿 The tree has dark green, glossy leaves, and small, pale yellow flowers that are aromatic.

🌿 Both the seed (Jathikai) and the aril (Javitri) are valued spices with medicinal and culinary uses.

Morphological Characteristics of Jathikai (Nutmeg)

🌿 Grows up to 10–20 meters in height with a straight trunk and dense canopy.

🌿 Leaves are simple, alternate, elliptic-lanceolate, and glossy on the upper surface.

🌿 Flowers are small, bell-shaped, and fragrant, usually dioecious (male and female on separate trees).

🌿 The fruit is a fleshy drupe about 5–6 cm long; when mature, it splits into two halves exposing the seed (Nutmeg) and the red aril (Mace).

🌿 The seed is oval, brownish, and oily, with a hard shell enclosing the aromatic kernel.

🌿 Rich in essential oils (myristicin, elemicin, eugenol), fixed oils, and antioxidants, contributing to its characteristic aroma and therapeutic action.

Habitat of Jathikai – Myristica fragrans

🌿 Native to the Moluccas (Indonesia) but widely cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in India.

🌿 Prefers tropical, humid climates with abundant rainfall and partial shade.

🌿 Grows well in loamy, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

🌿 Thrives at low to medium elevations (up to 1000 meters) in evergreen or semi-evergreen forest regions.

🌿 Often intercropped with coconut, areca nut, or clove trees in spice plantations.

Jathikai (Nutmeg) Powder – Organic Information

🌰 100% natural, shade-dried, and hand-ground from mature nutmeg seeds.

🌰 No chemical additives, preservatives, or synthetic flavoring agents.

🌰 Ethically sourced from sustainable spice farms in the Western Ghats.

🌰 Rich in natural essential oils that provide a warm, aromatic flavor and numerous health benefits.

🌰 Traditionally used in herbal tonics, sleep remedies, digestive powders, and skincare formulations.

🌰 Known to stimulate digestion, improve circulation, calm the mind, and support reproductive vitality.

🌰 In Siddha and Ayurveda, it is also used in small, measured doses to promote sound sleep and enhance memory.