Nutmeg
All About Nutmeg
Nutmeg has most commonly been used for its potential narcotic effect, and as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. While lacking human studies, folkloric uses and a number of valuable in vivo studies have demonstrated these therapeutic actions.
Fun Fact
While most people know nutmeg to be an ingredient in eggnog, it is also a hallucinogen that can be smoked. Overuse of nutmeg can be bad for health, and could even lead to death in some cases.
Nutmeg Research
A few dozen research studies were found, demonstrating in vivo and in vitro results for nutmeg as a potential stimulant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-thrombotic, anti-diarrhoeal, anxiolytic, anti-cancer, anti-convulsive, insecticidal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant herb. Human studies are warranted.
Nutmeg Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Myristica fragrans
Family: Myrtaceae
Other Names
- Other common names: Nux moschata, jaatipatree, muscade, Ron Dau Kou,
- Other Latin names: Myristica officinalis, Myristica aromata
- Not to be confused with mace, which comes from the same plant, but has differing chemistry
Plant Description
Nutmeg comes from a 30 – 60 ft evergreen tree growing in a hot moist climate near the sea, with bark that has reddish sap and flowers that are pale yellow, along with the dried brown nutmeg seeds.
Herb Description
Nutmeg is crushed into powder form and added to food and drink. Adults can have up to 1/4 tsp a day. See contraindications before use.
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the dried seed. Viscosity is watery, but it thickens with age. The color is pale yellow or white, and the aroma is spicy, piney, and warm.
Key Constituents
- Sabinene
- Pinene / Alpha Pinene / Delta Pinene / Beta Pinene
- Myristicine / Apiol / Apiole
- Myrcene
- d-Limonene / Limonene / Dipentene
- Safrole
