Latin Name
Myristica fragrans

General Description
As early as the seventh century, Arabs used nutmeg for digestive disorders, kidney problems, and lymphatic ailments. Today it is used principally as a spice in cooking and as a treatment for diarrhea, insomnia, indigestion and flatulence. It relaxes muscles, sedates the body and helps remove gas from the digestive tract. Early reports described hallucinogenic reactions to ingesting whole seeds, but these have not been substantiated. Nutmeg is native to a province of Indonesia once known as the Spice Islands, where it is still used as a culinary seasoning and medicinal herb. It comes from an evergreen tree that produces a fruit called the nutmeg apple. Nutmeg comes from the nut, which is removed and dried.

Target Ailments

• Diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, colic, flatulence and insomnia. (Taken internally.)

Preparations
Nutmeg is available as a powder and tincture.

Special Information

• WARNING: Women have suffered toxic reactions when attempting to use nutmeg to induce abortions. It is no longer thought to precipitate abortion.
  
• It is reported that in some Middle Eastern cultures, nutmeg is used in love potions as an aphrodisiac.