Atipalam (ஆதிபலம்) | Nutmeg | Myristica fragrans
Atipalam (ஆதிபலம்) is the Tamil name for Nutmeg or Jaifal (Myristica fragrans). It comes from a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg or Atipalam (ஆதிபலம்), from its seed, and mace or javitri (जावित्री), from the seed covering or arillus.
Nutmeg is not a nut, but the kernel of an apricot-like fruit. Mace is an arillus, a thin leathery tissue between the stone & the pulp; it is bright red to purple when harvested and turns amber when dried.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India are the main producers of jaiphal and mace.
Read more: Health Benefits of Atipalam (ஆதிபலம்)
Jaifal or Jaiphal contains antibacterial, antiviral & anti-cancer activities. It is used in traditional medicine for treating various disorders. In Ayurveda, it is used to balance Kapha & Vata doshas.