Overview

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.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Nutmeg overview.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with Nutmeg

    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.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Nutmeg

    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.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) substrates) interacts with Nutmeg

    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) interacts with Nutmeg

    Nutmeg might increase how quickly the body breaks down phenobarbital. Taking nutmeg along with phenobarbital decrease the effects of phenobarbital.

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with Nutmeg

    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.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Nutmeg

    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) interacts with Nutmeg

    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.

Dosing

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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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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