Contents
WHEN NUTMEG IS NOT ADVISED
What is nutmeg?
Photo of nutmeg
Nutmeg or mace is the seed of a plant of the of Myristicaceae family, which is used in food as aromatic spice
Nutmeg has appetizing, digestive, carminative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac properties. However, nutmeg is rich in essential oil (8-15%), which in turn contain narcotic and hepatotoxic components.
The toxic dose is very close to the therapeutic dose advocated for adults: from 5g. daily can cause perception problems or adverse reactions. Therefore, the medicinal use of nutmeg is discouraged, so you’d better use other safer medicinal plants.
What contraindications does nutmeg present?
- Long treatments: long treatments with nutmeg is discouraged because it has safrole, a potent carcinogen, which can lead to the development of cancer cells.
- Pregnancy and lactation: the use of preparations of nutmeg is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women. Its use stimulates the movements of the uterus which can cause abortions due to bisabolene and oleanolic acid. Myristicin, rich in the essential oil, has oxitoxic effect, that is, it is able to accelerate labor.
- Children: its use should be avoided in children due to potential neurotoxic effects. Toxic doses are very low in children so nutmeg should stay away from their reach.
- Liver: people with liver disease should not take nutmeg medicines, since nutmeg contains toxic components to the liver (safrole).
More information on nutmeg.
This article was endorsed by Montserrat Enrich - Journalist specializing in edible wild plants and plant uses.
