Nutmeg: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), known as Jatiphala in Sanskrit, is a pungent spice with heating virya and pungent vipaka (VK- P+). The fruit (seed) is used medicinally. It acts on the plasma, muscle, marrow and nerve, and reproductive tissues, working through the digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems.

Nutmeg is one of the best spices for increasing absorption, particularly in the small intestine. It works well in this respect with such spices as cardamom and ginger. Its key actions include astringent, carminative, sedative, nervine, aphrodisiac, and stimulant properties, making it a valuable digestive and nervous system remedy.

It is indicated for poor absorption, abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal gas, insomnia, nervous disorders, and impotence. Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy and in high Pitta conditions. Preparations: Infusion (do not boil), milk decoction, powder (250 to 500 mg).

• Pa-cana: Digests toxins
• Dı-pana: Enkindles the appetite
• Kr.mighna: Vermifuge Śulapraśama Stops intestinal spasms
• Vedana-stha-pana: Analgesic
• Stambhana: (mala, rakta, śukra) Astringent, especially in diarrhoea, bleeding and premature ejaculation
• Va- jı-karan.a: Aphrodisiac
• Rasa- yana: Rejuvenative, especially to reproductive tissues and intestines
• Hr• daya: Heart tonic
• Nidra-janana: Promotes sleep
• Madakarı-: Intoxicating
• Biomedical: Astringent, nervine, sedative, psychotropic, carminative, aphrodisiac, stimulant, expectorant

Contraindications: Never use high doses (>6g) as it; can be intoxicating, causing hallucinations, headaches, dizziness; and heart palpitations. Caution in; high pitta

Dosage: No drug–herb interactions are known but caution with sedative, antihypertensive and antidepressant medication. 0.5–6g per day or 1–6ml of a 1:3 @ 45% tincture.

Combinations:

• With bitters for inflammations and bleeding, and aromatic herbs for spasms and gas.
• Ashwagandha, brahmi, jatamansi for nervousness and insomnia.
• Amalaki, haritaki, kutki, fennel, cardamom for digestive upset.
• Haritaki, kushtha, bakuchi for diarrhoea from coldness. Chapter 6 PLANT PROFILES
• Ashwagandha, gokshura, lotus seeds for impotence and premature ejaculation.
• Shatavari, rose for female infertility and menstrual irregularity.

Rasa (Taste): Pungent, Bitter, Astringent

Virya (Energy): Heating

Vipak (Post-digestive effect): Pungent

Dosha effect: Increases Pitta; decreases Vata and Kapha

Nutmeg has a pleasant smell. It improves the flavor of food, is good for digestion, helps relieve cough, induces sleep and can reduce pain.

• For headache: Apply a paste of a pinch of nutmeg and water to the affected area.
• For insomnia: Apply a fine paste of nutmeg with an equal amount of ghee around the eyes and forehead before bed. Also drink 1 cup of hot milk with a pinch of nutmeg. This may produce a little constipation, so drink a cup of triphala tea the next morning (1/2 teaspoon steeped in 1 cup boiling water).
• For diarrhea: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of warm ghee, and slowly eat from a spoon 2 to 3 times a day.
• For nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy: Take a pinch each of nutmeg and cardamom in 1/2 cup warm milk.
• For arthritic pain: Rub nutmeg oil on the affected joint.