Mace (Nutmeg)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Myristica fragrans
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Fibrous covering
Seeds
Chemicals this herb contains:
Elemicin
Eugenol
Fixed oil (See Glossary)
Isoeugenol
Methoxyeugenol
Methyleugenol
Methylisoeugenol
Myristicin
Protein
Starch

KNOWN EFFECTS

Stimulates muscular movement of intestinal tract. Stimulates central nervous system.

Miscellaneous information:
May produce hallucinations. No effects are expected on the body, either good or bad, when herb is used in very small amounts to enhance the flavor of food. Nutmeg is the seed. Mace is the fibrous covering.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Alters mood. Treats digestive disorders. Treats cholera. Causes abortion. Triggers menstruation to begin. Arouses or enhances instinctive sexual desire.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Mind altering and hallucinogenic effects are unpleasant. Do not use nutmeg for these purposes.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over
55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for
extended periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS