Health Benefits Of Allspice
Allspice (aka Pimenta officinalis) is a mixture of clove, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and a few other spices all rolled into one to get a unique flavor. Allspice, also known as pimento or Jamaican pimento in the Caribbean, a spice used regularly by every household for cooking and baking, it is native to some countries of the Caribbean Islands and South America. Allspice oil is extracted by a process called steam distillation of its leaves and fruits. The oil made from the fruit is pale yellow in color and has a fresh, warm, spicy smell that can be used for many different things along with providing some amazing healthy benefits, lets take a further look!
For Aches And Pains:
Allspice is a traditional remedy for muscle aches and pain. To make sure it stays in contact with the painful area, herbalists often suggest making a poultice (plaster), by mixing ground allspice with just enough water to make a thick paste. It’s applied to the painful area and left on for at least 20 minutes. A thin piece of gauze may be applied over the allspice paste to prevent it from drying out and preventing mess.
Allspice Improves Circulation:
Allspice encourages the circulation of blood within the body. This particular spice consequently helps you to enhance the optimal health and wellness. Tea made out of this particular spice can be used an energy drink. It calms the body and may additionally assist to unwind the mind as well as increase your mood.
Good For Digestion?
Allspice may benefit digestion. The eugenol components of allspice’s fruit not only provide an unusual aroma but supposedly can also ease digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In addition, allspice may provide carminative, or gas-reducing, effects. This fragrant spice purportedly acts as a relaxant to aid stomach cramps and conversely acts as a stimulant to aid digestion. Though believed useful, scientific evidence is insufficient to prove the effectiveness of allspice for the treatment of digestive disorders.
Side Effects Of Allspice:
Although practitioners sometimes suggest applying very small amounts (no more than three drops a day) of the oil, larger amounts of the pure oil shouldn’t be used on skin as it can cause irritation. Larger amounts could theoretically be absorbed through the skin and result in overdose.
Allspice oil shouldn’t be ingested unless under the supervision of a health practitioner. Even one teaspoon may result in eugenol poisoning, resulting in nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and slowing of the central nervous system.
For the best experience of this spice, buy whole allspice corns instead of pre-ground (powdered) varieties, for reasons relating to purity and flavor retention. The corns should be heavy, round and compact. They can be stored at room temperature for many years and can be ground with a mortal and pestle as needed (or a coffee grinder). Once ground, however, store your allspice in the refrigerator in airtight containers and uses as soon as possible; it will quickly diminish strength as its essential oils evaporate (also where many of its health benefits lie).
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Thanks for Reading!
Chris