Nutmeg and mace are common spices that come from the same tree, Myristica fragrans. Nutmeg comes from the shelled, dried seed. Mace comes from the seed covering.
Nutmeg contains chemicals that might affect the central nervous system. Nutmeg might also kill bacteria and fungi.
People use nutmeg for cavities in children, diarrhea, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Nutmeg is sometimes used recreationally in large doses to create a natural "high." Taking large doses may be unsafe and can lead to serious side effects.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using nutmeg for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Nutmeg is commonly consumed in foods. But nutmeg is possibly unsafe when used in in doses of 120 mg or more daily. Long-term use of large doses has been linked to hallucinations and other serious mental side effects.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information available to know if nutmeg is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Nutmeg is commonly used as a flavoring in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in larger doses when pregnant. It might cause miscarriages or birth defects. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Breast-feeding: Nutmeg is commonly used as a flavoring in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if nutmeg is safe to use in larger doses when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with food amounts.
Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Nutmeg can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking nutmeg might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Nutmeg might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Phenobarbital (Luminal)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Nutmeg might increase how quickly the body breaks down phenobarbital. Taking nutmeg along with phenobarbital decrease the effects of phenobarbital.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Nutmeg might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking nutmeg with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Nutmeg can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking nutmeg with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: Nutmeg might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.
Herbs that contain a chemical called safrole: Nutmeg contains a chemical called safrole. Safrole can be poisonous when taken in large amounts. Taking nutmeg along with other supplements that contain safrole might increase the chance of poisoning. Examples of supplements that contain safrole include basil, camphor, mace, and sassafras.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Nutmeg is a spice that is commonly used in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of nutmeg might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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