Myristica, Nutmeg, Rou Dou Kou 肉豆蔻
Macis, Mace

Nux Muscata (Latin)
Jatiphala (Ayurveda, Unani)
Cathikkay (Siddha)
Rou Dou Kou 肉豆蔻 (TCM)
Dza ti ཛཱ་ཏི (Tibetan)

Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Darstellung und Beschreibung sammtliche, Berg, 1858

Parkinson, Theatrum Botanicum, 1640

Whole Nutmeg

Mace

Botanical name:

Myristica fragrans

Parts used:

1. Fruit (Nutmeg);
2. Mace

Temperature & Taste:

Hot, dry. Pungent, astringent.
“Hot and Dry from the last phase of Second degree to the Third degree”. (Avicenna)

Classifications:

NUTMEG:
2B ATTENUATER.  2H. CARMINATIVE.  2I. ANTISPASMODIC
3C. ALEXIPHARMIC.  3D. CORDIALS & CARDIACS.  3F. LITHONTRIPTIC.  3I. APHRODISIAC.  3J. INCREASE SEMEN.  3L. ANTI-TUSSIVE
4a. CEPHALIC.  4b. OPTHALMIC.  4c. CARDIAC.  4e. STOMACHIC.  4g. HEPATIC.  4h. NEPHRITIC.  4i. UTERINE.  4j. NERVINE
MACE:
3C. ALEXIPHARMIC.  3D. CORDIALS & CARDIACS.  3F. LITHONTRIPTIC
4a. CEPHALIC.  4b. OPTHALMIC.  4e. STOMACHIC.  4g. HEPATIC.  4i. UTERINE

Uses:

1. Warms the Kidneys, Astringes to Stop Leakage (Nutmeg: all systems):

–Chronic Diarrhea (cold and weakness of the Stomach/Spleen and Kidneys); “Daybreak Diarrhea” (TCM)
–Incontinence and dribbling Urine

2. Warms the Kidneys, Astringes the Essence (Nutmeg):

-Cold and Weak Kidneys and lower back; Edema or excess Urination
-‘Eases pains of the Head, and of the Joints, strengthens the Body, takes away weakness coming of Cold’ (Culpeper)
-Spermatorrhea (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India)
-helps to retain the Kidney Essence
-Aphrodisiac; because it increases the retention of Semen it is therefore used for Premature Ejaculation
-“It has the virtue of strengthening”. (Dorsetn, 1540)

3. Warms the Stomach, Promotes Digestion (Nutmeg, Mace; all systems):

-discusses Wind, stops Vomiting
-Cold and weakness of the Stomach/Spleen
-“abates the Spleen”. (Schroder)
-“epigastric and abdominal distention and pain due to accumulation of Cold”. (Kai Bao Ben Cao)
-“principal drug in treating infantile diarrhea due to indigestion of milk”. (Wang Ji)

4. Clears Wind and Phlegm, Stops Spasms (Nutmeg, Mace: all systems):

-Cold-Phlegm-Wind conditions of the Brain and Nerves: Headaches, Migraines, Vertigo, Dizziness, Epilepsy, Apoplexy, Lethargy, Cramps, Convulsions as well as Comas, Lethargy and Drowsiness (important for Wind diseases in Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine in particular)
–Salmon said the “Powers” of Nutmegs were “Inferior to none” in the treatment of Vertigo.
-special effect in Paralysis; “good to eat againft lamenefs of the body”. (Dutch Dispensatory, 1659)
-traditionally used for loss of Memory, and was said to ‘Quicken the Sight’ and sharpen the Mind and Intellect.
-Cold-Phlegm Lymphatic swellings, Numbness, Rheumatic Arthritis, and pain
-“drives Wind out of the body”. (Dutch Dispensatory, 1659)

5. Benefits the Heart, Moves the Qi and Blood (Nutmeg, Mace; West, Tibet, Ayurveda):

-Warms and regulates the Heart; Cold chest Pain, Palpitations
-Heart disorders in Ayurveda and is considered a specific for Heart-Wind disorders in Tibetan Medicine
-Fainting, Palpitations (Gerard, Salmon)
-Anxiety from Heart Qi deficiency (Tibet)
-increases blood circulation
-“It strengthens the Heart … Against tremor of the heart, use Mace,” (Dorsetn, 1540)
-“They improve the complexion, if one eats half a morning”. (Dorsetn, 1540)

6. Benefits the Womb, Promotes Menstruation (Nutmeg: West, Ayurveda, Tibet):

-cold and painful menstrual disorders; Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea
-makes the Womb “Fruitful”.
-hastens Labor, promotes Birth.
-Schroder said it ‘refreshes the Child in the Womb’
-given after childbirth in India to prevent postpartum Uterine disorders including Sepsis and return the Womb to its usual state.

7. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough (Nutmeg):

-Cold-Phlegm conditions such as hoarseness, Coughs, Bronchitis, Asthma, Wheezing, difficulty Breathing. (Especially Tibetan Medicine)

8. Externally:

-Grated Nutmegs have been used in ointments for piles; it may be heated in ghee or lard for topical application.
-the Oil is used in liniments and plasters as a gentle stimulant.
-cold pains, arthritis, cold swellings etc.
-In India Nutmeg is used as a rub on the gums of teething children, either with Milk or Honey, which also promotes sleep
-externally to promote Sleep, anointed on the Navel for infants Colic (exp. Oil)

Nutmeg & Mace

The 2 are similar in function and uses.
Mace is “of the same force and operation that Nutmeg is”
1. Mace is lighter, sharper and more piercing, having a higher volatile oil content, but is devoid of the tannin content of Nutmeg. Mace also has a signature of being fine capillary-like threads which envelop the seed. Mace is therefore better for warming and increasing the fine capillary circulation of the Head and Heart. “It has the power of strengthening, cutting, and consuming all evil humors”. (Dorsetn, 1540)
2. Nutmeg is deeper and heavier in its action. Its warming astringent nature is focused more on the Kidneys and lower abdomen, and it has secondary tonic effects. It also has an effect of astringing the Qi in the lower body. Nutmeg is the more active of the two and is most used.

Dose:

Nutmeg in Powder: 200mg–1 ½ grams;
Mace in Powder: 100mg–1 gram
Expressed Oil of Nutmegs: 1–2 grains for children; 1–1 ½ scruples for an adult.
Tincture of Nutmeg (1:5 in 50% alcohol: 1–5 mls.
Spirit of Nutmeg (1:10 in 45% alcohol): 0.3–1.2 mls.

Correctives:

1. Coriander seed
2. Violet
3. Honey
4. Gum Arabic
5. Rose Water

Substitutes:

1. Mace and Nutmeg can generally substitute for one another.
2. Clove or Saffron can be used for Mace
3. As an astringent Chebula can replace Nutmeg
4. “The substitute of Nutmeg is Indian Spikenard either in equal quantity or half of it.” (Avicenna)
5. Valerian (Unani)

Preparation:

Roasted Nutmeg
Nutmegs are often toasted or stir-fried in TCM before being decocted.
They were likewise roasted in the West, especially when used for Diarrhea.
Roasting lessens the hot, pungent nature while enhancing its astringent effect.

Main Combinations:

Clove & Nutmeg
Cinnamon, Clove & Nutmeg

Brain, Nerves, Senses:

1. Cold-Wind-Phlegm of the Brain and Nerves: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Pyrethrum, Marjoram, Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Clove (Nutmeg Tablets)
2. Strengthen the Brain: “A roasted Nutmeg boiled in wine and drunk, is beneficial to the Liver and Lungs. If Mastic, Anise, and Cumin are mixed with such wine, this drink taken in the morning and evening strengthens the brain”. (Dorsetn, 1540)
3. To benefit Memory:
i. Nutmeg and Mace, with Elecampane, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove (as in Powder Against Forgetfulness)
4. Cold and Weakness of the Stomach and Brain, Nutmeg, Mace, Clove, Cinnamon, Indian Spikenard, Lesser Cardamon, Emblic Myrobalan (as in Electuary of Javed, Unani)
5. ‘Elixir of Life’: Nutmeg, Mace, Cinnamon, Clove, Orange peel, Saffron: Cordial, revives the Three Spirits, strengthens Heart, Brain and Nerves.
6. Wind Diseases:
i. Nutmeg with Chebulic Myrobalan, Frankincense, Aloeswood, Clove, Saffron, Tabasheer, Greater and Lesser Cardamon, Sandalwood (as in the Tibetan Pills Against Wind)
ii. Nutmeg and Mace with Galangal, Cinnamon, Stoechas, Rose, Rosemary, Camomile (as in Powder to Warm the Head)
7. Dizziness and Vertigo:
i. Nutmeg with Peony, Coriander, Mistletoe, Galangal, Long Pepper, Ginger, Tormentil, Rosemary (as in Powder for Dizziness and Vertigo)
8. Paralysis:
i. Nutmeg with Licorice, Aniseed, Elecampane, Peony root (as in Electuary for Paralysis)
ii. Nutmeg with Mother of Pearl, Licorice, Tabasheer, Safflower, Lesser Cardamon, Greater Cardamon, Clove (as in Pills of Mother of Pearl of Tibetan Medicine)
9. Childhood Epilepsy, Nutmeg with Peony, Lavender, Amber (as in Powder for Childhood Epilepsy)
10. To benefit Eyesight, Mace with Eyebright and Fennel seed
11. As a sedative, Nutmeg, Meconopsis, Indian Spikenard. This can be used for people coming off sleeping pills or anti-depressants..

Stomach:

12. Cold and Weakness of the Stomach and Brain, Nutmeg, Mace, Clove, Cinnamon, Indian Spikenard, Lesser Cardamon, Emblic Myrobalan (as in Electuary of Javed, Unani)
13. ‘Elixir of Life’: Nutmeg, Mace, Cinnamon, Clove, Orange peel, Saffron: Cordial, revives the Three Spirits, strengthens Heart, Brain and Nerves.
14. Vomiting, Nutmeg with Wormwood, Mint, Galangal, Quince (as in Decoction Against Vomiting)

Lungs, Phlegm:

15. “”A roasted Nutmeg boiled in wine and drunk, is beneficial to the Liver and Lungs”. (Dorsetn, 1540)
16. Catarrh, Sinusitis:
i. Nutmeg with Triphala (3 Myrobalans), Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamon, Rosemary, Lavender (as in Wine for Catarrh of Pope Adrian)
ii. Nutmeg and Mace with Balm, Marjoram, Betony, Oregano, Clove, Benzoin, Frankincense (as in Powder for Catarrh)
17. Scrofula in children: Nutmeg, torrefied Bay berries, calcined Deer horn (1 oz. each), Licorice (3 oz.). Powder. Dose: half teassponful, twice a day for a one-year old; one spoonful for 2–4 year olds. (Niemann)

Heart

18. Heart disease, Angina:
i. Nutmeg with Bdellium, Arjuna
ii. Nutmeg with Myrrh, Saffron, Cinnamon, Licorice
19. To penetrate the fine capillary circulation, Mace combines well with Saffron

Kidney, Kidney weakness:

20. “Crushed; mixed with bay berries, taken in a drink, it causes urination”. (Dorsetn, 1540)
21. Sexual Debility:
i. Nutmeg powder with Honey and a boiled Egg
ii. Nutmeg with Withania and Asparagus root
iii. Nutmeg with Long Pepper, Cinnamon
22. Gravel and Stones, Nutmeg with Juniper berry, Bay berry (as in Powder of Maximillian for Gravel)
23. Painful urination from Stones: “Nutmegs laid in Oyle of Olives, being cut in great pieces, and taking thereof a little spoonfull sometimes with about a quarter of a Nutmeg at once, is a very good remedy for those that make their water with great pain, by reason of Gravel”. (Dutch Dispensatory, 1659)

Astringent:

24. Chronic Diarrhea or Dysentery:
i. “Take a very good Nutmeg, prick it full of holes, and toast it on the point of a knife; then boil it in milk till half be consumed; then eat the milk with the Nutmeg powdered in it: in a few times it will stop”. (The Compleat Housewife, E. Smith, 1753)
ii. Nutmeg with roasted Chebulic Myrobalan
iii. Nutmeg, Galls, Clove, Licorice
25. Leukorrhea: Burn a whole Nutmeg very well, and divide into two doses. Take one-half in the morning and the other half at night. This is claimed to be very effective.
26. Kidney weakness with Threatened Miscarriage, Leukorrhea, Spermatorrhea, Excess Urination, Nutmeg with Water Lily, Sandalwood, Bistort, Date (as in Decoction of Water Lily Compound)

Gynecology, Obstetrics:

27. Excessive Menstruation:
i. Nutmeg with Tormentil, Plantain seed (as in Powder for Excessive Menstruation)
ii. Nutmeg with Mussel shell, Coral, Tormentil, Red Earth, Nettle seed, Plantain seed (as in Powder of Mussel Shells Compound)
28. Threatened Miscarriage, Nutmeg with Clove, Tormentil, Pearl, Red Coral (as in Powder Against Miscarriage)
29. Leukorrhea: Burn a whole Nutmeg very well, and divide into two doses. Take one-half in the morning and the other half at night. This is claimed to be very effective.
30. Afterpains following childbirth, Nutmeg with Comfrey, Peach kernel, Amber (as in Powder for After-pains)

Major Formulas

Decoction Against Vomiting
Powder of Nutmeg Compound
Powder of Nutmeg for Vertigo
Powder to Warm the Head (Rondeletius)
Powder for Excessive Menstruation
Powder for After-pains (Midwife to the Queen of France)
Powder of Maximillian for Gravel
Powder for Dizzyness and Vertigo (Gabelhover)
Confection for Dizziness and Vertigo
Troches of Nutmeg (Rhasis)
Pills of Nishat (Unani)
Tincture for Apoplexy
Electuary for Paralysis (Wirtzung)
Aloeswood 8 (Tibetan Medicine)
Aloeswood 15 (Tibetan Medicine)
Eleven Holders of Life (Srog dzin dcu gcig) (Tibetan Medicine)
Camphor 14 (Tibetan Medicine)
Golden 11 (Gser mdog 11) (Tibetan Medicine)
Nutmeg Powder (Jatiphaladi Churna) (Ayurveda)
Nutmeg 3 Decoction (Dza ti gsum thang) (Tibetan)
Nutmeg 5 (Dza ti lnga pa)
Nutmeg 14 (Dza ti bcu bzhi)
Pills of Mother of Pearl of Tibetan Medicine
Si Shen Wan
Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang

1. Nutmeg Tablets. (Platerus)
Nutmegs ½ oz.
Cinnamon 1 ½ drams
Pellitory roots 1 dram
Marjoram, Sage, Lavender, Rosemary ½ dram ea.
Cloves, Galangal ½ dram ea.
Githseeds 1 scruple
With sugar dissolved in Sage Water, form into lozenges.
“They strengthen the Brain and Nerves, and correct the Cold Moisture of those parts, and of the Stomach”. (Iatrica: The Practice of Curing … William Salmon, 1684)
2. Compound Spirit of Nutmeg:
i. Nutmeg (2 parts), Lemon peel, Orange peel, Balm, Crisp Mint (1 part each), Proof Spirit (64 parts), Water (192 parts). Distil 48 parts. (Pharmacopee Usuelle, Louvain, 1821)

Cautions:

1. Not used in Heat-type Diarrhea
2. Avoid overdose. Doses of 5 grams have been associated with hallucinations, dizziness and tachycardia.

Drug Interaction:

Use cautiously or avoid in those taking barbiturates, benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antidepressants and antihypertensives.

Toxicity:

-Oral LD50 for Nutmeg oil is 2600 mg/kg in rats, 4620 mg/kg in mice, and 6000 mg/kg in hamsters
-One study in India tested short term (8 day) doses of up to 4000mg/kg of a 50% ethanolic extract in rats with no signs of acute toxicity noted.
-Nutmeg’s toxicity is due mainly to the myristicin content (which is related to safrole).
–Nutmeg Poisonings: A Retrospective Review of 10 Years Experience from the Illinois Poison Center, 2001–2011

Main Preparations used:

Candied Nutmegs, Confection of Mace, Distilled Water of Nutmegs, Distilled and Expressed Oils of Nutmegs, Tincture of Nutmeg, Salts of the Ashes, Extract of Nutmegs, Balsams

1. Confected Nutmeg
Steep the best Nutmegs in a sharp lye made of wood ashes until they are softened, then pour off the liquid and remove the outer skin. Then wash it well with fresh water to remove the sharpness of the lye; then let them dry in a sieve. Next prepare a syrup of Sugar which has been well decocted, and so pour it luke warm over the Nutmegs.
These Nutmegs are Warm and Dry, and are more tonifying than unprepared Nutmegs. They strengthen the Head, Brains, Heart, as well as the Vital Spirits; they increase Natural Heat. They consume troublesome and excess Humors, and they strengthen the Stomach. They are good for all hardness and swellings of the Spleen and Liver which come from Cold or Phlegm. They have ‘great power for to dry a moist head’. In addition, they “make fresh Blood”. (Wirtzung)
They are not good for the Lungs, however.
Schroder noted that in his time, they were brought out of India already confected, which was done while they are still green which are best.
2. Tincture of Mace:
i. Mace (1 part), Rectified Spirit (10 parts); digest 8 days in a moderate heat; express and filter.
3. Spirit of Nutmeg:
i. Nutmeg bruised (2 oz.), Proof Spirit (1 gallon), Water (sufficient to prevent burning); distil one gallon with a gentle heat. (London)
ii. Best Nutmegs, grated 8 oz., Tartarised Spirit of Wine 5 lbs.
Mix, digest 48 hours, then distil in BM to dryness. If it is Cohobated upon the faeces 3 or 4 times, it is much stronger.
“It is Cephalic, Stomatic, Cardiac, Neurotic and Uterine; it warms and cherishes a cold and afflicted Brain and habit of the Body; comforts the Nerves, strengthens the Stomach, and causes a sweet breath. It discusses wind, eases the Colic, and gripings of the Guts, sharpens the Eyesight, comforts the Liver and Spleen, provokes Urine, is good against the Whites, and a cold distemper of the Womb, it cheers the Heart, revives the Spirits, is good against the Palsy, Cramp, Tremblings and other weaknesses of the Nerves, and prevails against the Apoplexy, Vertigo, Megrim [Migraine], Headache from a cold cause, Lethargy and other distempers of the Head”.
4. Essential Oil of Nutmeg
“Specific against all diseases of the Head and Womb, especially such as proceed from cold and moisture: Apoplexy, Epilepsy, Lethargy, Comas, Caras, Dullness, Drowsiness, Megrims and the like. It gives ease in the Colic, Strengthens the Heart, Stomach, Liver and Womb, and is prevalent against fainting of the Heart, and swoonings: It abates Tumours of the Spleen and pain of the Stomach by outward unctions, being mingled with a little Oil of Aniseeds or Ben to abate its fiery force; and so anointing the Temples, it eases pains of the head, helps in the Strangury and Disury, provokes the Terms, and hastens birth”. (Salmon)
5. Expressed Oil of Nutmeg:
i. Nutmegs rasped (any quantity); reduce to a paste by triturating in a heated marble mortar; enclose the paste in a hair-bag, press between two heated tin plates, melt the oil and strain through linen. (Pharmacopoeia Hispana, 1798)
ii. Bruise Nutmegs in a mortar; work the mass on a heated slab, boil in water till the oil separates, then remove from the surface when it becomes cold and solidified. (Pharmacopoeia Gallica, 1818)
Excellent for all cold diseases of the Head, Womb and Nerves, helping the pain and hardness of them. Powerful against Phthisic, and also used for shortness of breath. It opens pain and obstruction of the Spleen. It revives and cherishes the Spirits, Resists Poison, Plague, and all types of Pestilental Infection; good for Epilepsy, Palsy, Convulsions, Vertigo, Apoplexy etc. Externally, it softens hardness, and warms any cold pain; good for shrinking of the sinews.
Dose: ½ dram. (Salmon)

Extra Info
History
Research
Comment

Click the above Tabs for more information on this medicine

-Nutmeg is said to have been first introduced to Europe in 1512 when the Portugese reached the ‘Banda’ (‘Nutmeg Islands’).
-‘The reticulate furrowing of the surface of the Nutmeg kernel has a superficial resemblance to the superficies of the brain, hence, the suggested or applied usage of Nutmeg as a cerebral or neural medicinal agent’.
-In the East, especially in India and parts of Indonesia, Nutmeg is mixed with Betel and snuff where it is used as an intoxicant.
-The expressed Oil of Nutmeg, also known as Nutmeg butter, has long been used in Balsams, Ointments, as well as in making candles. It is a stiff semi-solid mass collected by cold pressing Nutmegs, as opposed to the Essential Oil which is distilled off.

PSYCHOACTIVE
–Towards a Better Understanding of the Psychopharmacology of Nutmeg: Activities in the Mouse Tetrad Assay
FATTY LIVER DISEASE
–The Protective Effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Extracts Against Obesity and Inflammation by Regulating Free Fatty Acids Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
OBESITY
–Prominent Pancreatic Lipase Inhibition and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of a Myristica fragrans Ethanolic Extract in vitro. Potential Role in Obesity Treatment
–The Protective Effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Extracts Against Obesity and Inflammation by Regulating Free Fatty Acids Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
–Effect of Myristica fragrans extract on total body composition in cafeteria diet induced obese rats
–Novel Aspects in Inhibiting Pancreatic Lipase with Potential New Compound from Nutmeg in Connection with Obesity – In Vitro, In Silico, In Vivo and Ex Vivo Studies
URINARY INCONTINENCE
–Efficacy of mace (Arils of Myristica fragrans Houtt) plus pelvic floor muscle training on symptoms in mixed urinary incontinence: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
APHRODISIAC
–Aphrodisiac activity of 50% ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) in male mice: a comparative study
–An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg)
–Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs
–A panoramic view of medicinal plants traditionally applied for impotence and erectile dysfunction in Persian medicine
–A Review on Plants Used for Improvement of Sexual Performance and Virility
CYTOTOXIC
–Anti-Helicobacter pylori, Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Antioxidant Activities of Mace Extracts from Myristica fragrans
CANCER
–Lignan compound isolated from n-Hexane extract myristica fragrans Houtt root as antioxidant and antitumor activities against MCF-7 cell lines data
–Modulation of Colon Cancer by Nutmeg

You must be logged in to view this content, please login. If you're not a member then Click this link to subscribe

Myristica, Nutmeg, Rou Dou Kou 肉豆蔻Macis, Mace

Nux Muscata (Latin)Jatiphala (Ayurveda, Unani)Cathikkay (Siddha)Rou Dou Kou 肉豆蔻 (TCM)Dza ti ཛཱ་ཏི (Tibetan)