Nutmeg usage, dosage, side-effects, and US places to buy.

Nutmeg Scientific Name

Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg Other Names

English: Nutmeg
French: Noix de muscade, Muscade
Hindi: Jaiphal
Sanskrit: Jatiphala

What is Nutmeg?

This plant is native to Indonesia. Nutmeg is mainly known for it’s distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste. It is mainly used as a flavoring agent in desserts.

It is a good source of many essential oils, protenis, starch, minerals and resins. It is digestive, aromatic and astrigent. Nutmeg is known for it’s anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac and psychoactive properties.

Common forms of Nutmeg

Fruit, Seed, Seed Coat, Oil, Powder

Nutmeg is commonly used for:

Sciatica
Jet Lag
Relieving diarrhea and dysentery
Relieving pain
Anti-inflammatory action and can reduce inflammation on body
Lowering blood cholesterol level
Treating kidney stones and preventing infection

Nutmeg Dosage

Regular Food amounts are generally considered safe. A recipe for 2 to 4 people usually requires 1/2 to 1/4th tsp of Nutmeg powder, which is considered a s a safe amount. There is not much research on therapeutic intake of Nutmeg

Nutmeg Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Overdose can cause convulsions, palpitation, weak pulse, nausea and vomiting.
Not so common side-effects: Long term high doses of Nutmeg, more than 120 mg, has been linked to hallucinations and other mental side effects.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Higher doses can lead to miscarriages and birth defects. For safe consumption stick to food amounts.
Children: Not Known.

Where to Buy Nutmeg in US?

Check out the Recipes that use Nutmeg

Nutmeg (Jaiphal)