Nutmeg

(Nutmeg)
Sanskrit: जातीफल • Botanical: Myristica fragrans Houtt

Jatiphala (Nutmeg) is the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans. It is one of the most valued spices and aromatic drugs in Ayurveda. The drug is pungent and bitter in taste with hot potency. It is an excellent digestive, anti-diarrheal, and aphrodisiac. It improves appetite and taste perception. Nutmeg has mild narcotic properties when used in excess. The volatile oil contains myristicin which has significant pharmacological activity. It is used in diarrhea, dyspepsia, and as a component of many compound formulations.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Myristic acid, Myristicin, Volatile oil (5-15%), Fixed oil (Nutmeg-butter 25-40%), Iso-eugenol, Eugenol, Safrole
Also Known As
English: Nutmeg
Sanskrit: जातीफल, जातीकोश, मालतीफल
Hindi: जायफल, जायफर

What is Nutmeg (Jatiphala / जातीफल)?

Jatiphala (Nutmeg) is the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans. It is one of the most valued spices and aromatic drugs in Ayurveda. The drug is pungent and bitter in taste with hot potency. It is an excellent digestive, anti-diarrheal, and aphrodisiac. It improves appetite and taste perception. Nutmeg has mild narcotic properties when used in excess. The volatile oil contains myristicin which has significant pharmacological activity. It is used in diarrhea, dyspepsia, and as a component of many compound formulations.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Dipana (appetizer)
  • Grahi (absorbent/anti-diarrheal)
  • Vajikara (aphrodisiac)
  • Mukhashodhaka (oral cleanser)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Vatakaphaghna (pacifies Vata and Kapha)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Nutmeg by Condition

Explore how Nutmeg is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Nutmeg for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.