Spice

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

T Traditional use

A spice added by the pinch to sweet and milky dishes. Safe in food amounts; more than 1–2 teaspoons can cause poisoning.

Digestion
Nutmeg – Spice

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
BreastfeedingCaution
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsInteraction reported
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At a glance

Nutmeg is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree and is traditionally used for indigestion and diarrhoea. Its myristicin and elemicin affect the nervous system in large amounts: poisonings with hallucinations, palpitations, nausea and confusion have been reported above 5 g (about 1–2 teaspoons). It should not be used as a sleep aid.

Parts used: seeds
Key constituents: Myristicin, Elemicin, Safrole

Updated: October 15, 2026

ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used as a spice for indigestion and wind. [1]

How is it used?

Food

Add a pinch (under 0.5 g) of grated nutmeg to béchamel, mash, milk puddings and drinks.

Amount: A pinch in food

[1]

Safety & interactions

  • Never use outside cooking, for sleep or a "high": amounts over 5 g are poisonous.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • In pregnancy, use no more than a pinch in food.
[1][2]

Drug interactions

Drug interactions
Medicine / substanceEffectSeverity
Sedatives and psychiatric medicinesNervous system effects may increase at high amounts. [2]Moderate

Side effects

  • At high amounts: nausea, palpitations, dizziness, hallucinations, confusion

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

In the 17th century the Dutch gave Manhattan to the English in exchange for a nutmeg-producing island in the Bandas. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Does nutmeg help sleep?

Not meaningfully in food amounts. Using large amounts for sleep is poisonous.

How much nutmeg is safe?

A pinch in cooking is safe; over 5 g (1–2 teaspoons) is dangerous.

Nutmeg vs mace?

Mace is the red lacy covering around the seed; it tastes milder.

Sources

  1. EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible ConcernEFSA · 2022
  2. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009

Cite This Page

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/nutmeg/

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