Nutmeg
Myristica fragransTo protect its nutmeg monopoly, in 1667 the Netherlands kept the tiny island of Run in the Banda Islands and left Manhattan to England in exchange.
What is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a plant of the Myristicaceae family. Traditions that use it: Asia and Siberia. Part used: seed and aril (mace).
What is Nutmeg used for?
Traditional use: Native to the Banda Islands. Scientific evidence: traditional. Myristicin and elemicin in nutmeg affect the nervous system at high doses.
Is Nutmeg safe?
Safety label: caution. Pinches used in cooking are safe. High doses cause poisoning: nausea, palpitations, dry mouth, anxiety and hallucinations start after a few hours and can last a day or two. Using it to get high is dangerous. Avoid large amounts in pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children.
Traditional use
Native to the Banda Islands. In 1621 the Dutch East India Company killed or deported most of the Banda people to seize the nutmeg monopoly.
It went into Ottoman electuaries and sherbets; in medieval Europe it was a costly spice believed to protect against plague. Today it flavours béchamel, meatballs and biscuits.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a completely different plant. Mace is the red covering of the same seed and contains similar compounds.
Preparation
The whole seed is grated just before use; a pinch is enough for a dish.
What science says
Myristicin and elemicin in nutmeg affect the nervous system at high doses. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects have been shown in the lab, but there are almost no clinical studies in people. Poisoning reports show dizziness, palpitations, vomiting and hallucinations with amounts above about 5 grams (two teaspoons).
Safety
Pinches used in cooking are safe. High doses cause poisoning: nausea, palpitations, dry mouth, anxiety and hallucinations start after a few hours and can last a day or two. Using it to get high is dangerous. Avoid large amounts in pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Medicines acting on the nervous system, and alcohol | At high doses, nutmeg’s effects may be stronger. |
| Antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors) | Myristicin is a weak MAO inhibitor; interaction is possible at high doses. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Nutmeg.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchNutmeg (myristicin) poisoning: report on a fatal case and a series of cases (Forensic Sci Int 2001)
- ResearchStoned on spices: a mini-review of three commonly abused household spices (Clin Toxicol 2021)
- ResearchPhytochemical and pharmacological properties of Myristica fragrans: an updated review (Arch Pharm Res 2020)
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Myristica fragrans
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe