Nutmeg (Pala)
spice
Nutmeg is the seed, or the ground spice derived from the seed, of several tree species of the genus Myristica; fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg, from its seed, and mace, from the seed covering. It is also a commercial source of nutmeg essential oil and nutmeg butter. The Banda Islands, in Maluku, Indonesia, are the main producer of nutmeg and mace, and the true nutmeg tree is native to the islands.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Add to meals during cooking, brew as tea, or mix into warm water with honey.
- Use ¼–1 tsp per serving.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
Pregnancy
AvoidCulinary pinches are generally fine, but nutmeg in anything beyond small culinary amounts contains myristicin, which has hallucinogenic and uterine-stimulant properties at higher doses — medicinal/concentrated use is avoided in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionCulinary amounts are considered fine; avoid concentrated/medicinal doses due to myristicin content.
Children
Use CautionSmall culinary pinches are fine; nutmeg is toxic in even modestly excessive amounts (myristicin) and should never be given to children in concentrated or supplement form.
Interactions & contraindications
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Processed by the liver
Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)
Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.