Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)is a familiar, fragrant holiday spice available to purchase both ground and whole.
It is also used in cosmetics and sold as nutmeg butter and essential oil.
Despite its name, nutmeg is not a nut.
Getty Images / oksix
The spice is produced by grinding the seed of theMyristica fragrans, a native Indonesian evergreen tree.
Learn more about the health benefits of nutmeg, dosage, potential toxicity, and more.
However, human clinical trials are limited, and more research is needed to determine its effects.
May Help With Pain
Using nutmeg oil externally on the body may help reduce joint pain.
However, the research is very limited.
After four weeks, the nutmeg group showed improvement in pain, mood scores, and daily functions.
However, the results were not statistically significant between the nutmeg and placebo groups.
This study was small and short term; therefore, more research is needed to better evaluate its effects.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants can scavengefree radicalsand reduce oxidative stress.
Chronic oxidative stress is associated with an increased risk of disease.
Human research on the direct effect of nutmeg ingestion and blood pressure is lacking.
May Improve Libido
Supplemental nutmeg extracts enhancedlibido(sex drive) in male rats.
In the rats, 500 mg/kg produced a significant change in sexual activity.
Researchers suggest this is due to nutmeg extract’s effects on the central nervous system.
Unfortunately, animal studies do not always translate to human results.
Studies involving humans are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of using nutmeg for libido.
Precautions
Do not consume nutmeg in large quantities.
Recreational use of nutmeg to get “high” is very dangerous.
Ingesting large amounts of nutmeg can achieve a high and lead to adverse effects, including nutmeg intoxication.
Dosage: How Much Nutmeg Should I Take?
Consuming nutmeg in normal amounts, such as those found in food, is safe.
There isn’t enough evidence to suggest a safe dosage of nutmeg.
It is also unclear how much you’ve got the option to apply safely to the skin.
What Happens If I Consume Too Much Nutmeg?
Nutmeg contains a substance calledmyristicin, a natural organic compound present in the essential oil of nutmeg.
Myristicin may be responsible for the psychotic effects of nutmeg.
Some reports suggest toxic effects from ingesting 12 teaspoons of nutmeg in one sitting.
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking nutmeg, especially if you also take prescription medications.
Whole nutmeg can be grated into or onto dishes and typically produces a superior flavor than store-bought ground nutmeg.
Store out of the reach of children.
Summary
Nutmeg is a traditional spice used in sweet and savory dishes.
It has an impressive nutritional profile.
Limited animal studies suggest the powerful plant compounds are responsible for nutmeg’s potential health benefits.
While there is no harm in using nutmeg in cooking, high doses may have adverse effects.
Start by using nutmeg in quantities suggested in recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nutmeg has a sweet and savory flavor.
It is commonly used in spice blends like pumpkin pie spice and garam masala.
Consuming nutmeg in usual quantities is safe.
Recipes usually recommend quantities of about one-quarter teaspoon.
Consuming more than a teaspoon in one sitting can cause adverse effects.
Abourashed EA, El-Alfy AT.Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragransHoutt.
Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.Nutmeg.
2014;10(2):148-151. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0379-7.
American College of Emergency Physicians.Tiktok nutmeg challenge leads to intoxication.
Mukherjee PK, Kumar V, Houghton PJ.Screening of Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.Phytother Res.
2007;21(12):1142-1145. doi:10.1002/ptr.2224
