Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Nutmeg known as Jatiphala in Ayurveda consists of the dried seed kernels of Myristica fragrans. It possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light and Sharp qualities. Its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect enable it to effectively pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. It is a powerful Grahi or absorbent agent making it highly effective for treating diarrhea dysentery and malabsorption syndrome known as Grahani. It acts as a Dipana or appetizer and is renowned for removing bad breath and excess moisture from the mouth. Therapeutically it is indicated for respiratory disorders like cough and asthma and reproductive issues like spermatorrhoea due to its aphrodisiac properties. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 0.5 to 1 gram of the seed powder.
Nutmeg, scientifically known as Myristica fragrans, is a well-known spice and medicinal herb. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Jatiphala. It consists of the dried endosperm (kernel) of the seed. It is highly valued in traditional medicine for its aromatic, digestive, and aphrodisiac properties. It is a key ingredient in formulations used to treat digestive disorders like diarrhea and respiratory issues like asthma.
Nutmeg comes from a moderate-sized aromatic tree, approximately 10-20 meters high. The medicinal part is the seed (specifically the kernel), which is ellipsoid in shape, greenish-black or brown externally, and possesses a strong aromatic odor and a pungent taste. In Ayurveda, it is considered a powerful Dipana (appetizer) and Grahi (absorbent/bowel binder) agent, often used to check excessive fluid loss from the body.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Nutmeg is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Nutmeg is safe when used in the small, recommended therapeutic doses (0.5 to 1 gram). It is a potent herb (Tikshna) and should be treated as a medicine rather than just a food ingredient when taken daily.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Myristicae semen
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Nutmeg Standards
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Jatiphala
https://www.ayush.gov.in
Spices Board of India – Nutmeg Information
https://www.indianspices.com
PubMed – Myristica fragrans Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Myristica+fragrans
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Myristica fragrans
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ScienceDirect – Nutmeg Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/myristica-fragrans
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Nutmeg
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Nutmeg Research Articles
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
In culinary amounts (a pinch), it is generally safe. For medicinal use, it is taken in doses of 0.5 to 1 gram for specific conditions like diarrhea or cough.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often included in formulations taken to improve digestion or stop diarrhea, typically associated with meals or buttermilk.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, it can be taken with water. In traditional formulations like Jatiphaladi Curna, it may be taken with honey or buttermilk (Takra) depending on the condition.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Nutmeg known as Jatiphala in Ayurveda consists of the dried seed kernels of Myristica fragrans. It possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light and Sharp qualities. Its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect enable it to effectively pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. It is a powerful Grahi or absorbent agent making it highly effective for treating diarrhea dysentery and malabsorption syndrome known as Grahani. It acts as a Dipana or appetizer and is renowned for removing bad breath and excess moisture from the mouth. Therapeutically it is indicated for respiratory disorders like cough and asthma and reproductive issues like spermatorrhoea due to its aphrodisiac properties. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 0.5 to 1 gram of the seed powder.
Nutmeg, scientifically known as Myristica fragrans, is a well-known spice and medicinal herb. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Jatiphala. It consists of the dried endosperm (kernel) of the seed. It is highly valued in traditional medicine for its aromatic, digestive, and aphrodisiac properties. It is a key ingredient in formulations used to treat digestive disorders like diarrhea and respiratory issues like asthma.
Nutmeg comes from a moderate-sized aromatic tree, approximately 10-20 meters high. The medicinal part is the seed (specifically the kernel), which is ellipsoid in shape, greenish-black or brown externally, and possesses a strong aromatic odor and a pungent taste. In Ayurveda, it is considered a powerful Dipana (appetizer) and Grahi (absorbent/bowel binder) agent, often used to check excessive fluid loss from the body.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Nutmeg is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Nutmeg is safe when used in the small, recommended therapeutic doses (0.5 to 1 gram). It is a potent herb (Tikshna) and should be treated as a medicine rather than just a food ingredient when taken daily.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Myristicae semen
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Nutmeg Standards
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Jatiphala
https://www.ayush.gov.in
Spices Board of India – Nutmeg Information
https://www.indianspices.com
PubMed – Myristica fragrans Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Myristica+fragrans
NCBI Taxonomy Database – Myristica fragrans
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ScienceDirect – Nutmeg Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/myristica-fragrans
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Nutmeg
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Nutmeg Research Articles
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
In culinary amounts (a pinch), it is generally safe. For medicinal use, it is taken in doses of 0.5 to 1 gram for specific conditions like diarrhea or cough.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often included in formulations taken to improve digestion or stop diarrhea, typically associated with meals or buttermilk.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, it can be taken with water. In traditional formulations like Jatiphaladi Curna, it may be taken with honey or buttermilk (Takra) depending on the condition.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem