Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans · जातीफल

Spices. Ayurveda.

Also called Jaiphal, Nutmeg tree seed

Spanish: Nuez moscada

Sanskrit: जातीफल (Jatiphala)

Toxic in large doses

The seed of a tropical evergreen, used as a warm spice that can be seriously toxic in large amounts.

Did you know? For centuries nutmeg grew only on a few small islands in Indonesia, and European traders fought hard over the trade.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Digestion & gut health. Used for gas, nausea and loose stools in tradition. Human research is very limited.
Traditional proof
Pain & headaches. Traditional rub for aches. Lab work shows some pain-easing compounds, but there are no good human trials.
Traditional proof
Sleep. Some people take nutmeg to sleep or to get high. Its compound myristicin can cause hallucinations and a racing heart, so this is not a safe benefit.
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Parts of the body

Gut & intestines, Stomach, Nerves & pain, Brain & mind

Traditional use

Ayurveda uses nutmeg for digestion and loose stools. Western folk medicine has used it for upset stomach and aches.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Carminative, Astringent, Analgesic. Energy: warming.

How people take it

Grate a small pinch into oatmeal, custards or soups. Several grams can cause serious effects, so never use large amounts.

Food and powder.

Where to get it

Grown in Indonesia, Grenada, India and Sri Lanka. Buy whole nutmeg in spice shops, since whole seeds keep their flavor longer than ground.

Be careful

Food amounts are safe. Large amounts can cause a racing heart, dry mouth, confusion, hallucinations, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Nutmeg oil is toxic if swallowed.

Avoid if: pregnancy; epilepsy; heart disease.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
A common spice in Caribbean sea moss drinks, with milk.
Works well together
Warm spice pair in baking and mulled drinks.
Works well together
Classic holiday spice blend.
Use caution
Antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and others)
Nutmeg may interact with MAO inhibitor antidepressants. This is poorly studied, so avoid large amounts.

The honest take

Nutmeg is a safe spice in food amounts, and its folk uses have very little human proof. The real risk is deliberate high doses, which have caused serious poisoning. Never use nutmeg as a sleep aid or to get high.