Natural Herb Library

Nutmeg

Chinese
肉豆蔻
Pinyin
Rou Dou Kou
Latin
Semen Myristicae
Botanical illustration of Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans, showing split fruit, aromatic seed, dried Rou Dou Kou specimen, and diagnostic seed details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Rou Dou Kou (肉豆蔻), this acrid, warm herb enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it binds the Intestines and stops diarrhea; treats chronic, intractable diarrhea or daybreak (five-more) diarrhea from Kidney and Spleen Yang deficiency, most often applied for diarrhea, abdominal distension, and poor appetite. Modern research has identified Myristicin among its active constituents.

Part used: Seed

Also Known As

Myristica fragrans Myristica

Latin: Semen Myristicae | Pinyin: Rou Dou Kou | Chinese: 肉豆蔻

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid
Temperature
warm
Channels
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Binds the Intestines and stops diarrhea; treats chronic, intractable diarrhea or daybreak (five-more) diarrhea from Kidney and Spleen Yang deficiency
  • Warms the Middle Burner and moves Qi to relieve epigastric and abdominal pain and distension with poor appetite and vomiting from Cold-Deficiency

Secondary Actions

  • Almost always used roasted or otherwise processed to remove excess volatile oil and reduce irritation before internal use

Classic Formulas

  • Si Shen Wan (Four Miracle Pill)

Classical References

  • Documented in later Chinese materia medica as an imported warming, binding spice-seed for chronic Cold-pattern diarrhea

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Myristicin
  • Elemicin
  • Sabinene
  • Terpenoids

Studied Effects

  • Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity documented across extracts
  • Myristicin is neuroactive at high doses and is responsible for the toxic effects of nutmeg overdose, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and central nervous system symptoms
  • Estimated toxic threshold is around 5g of ground nutmeg (roughly 1-2mg/kg myristicin)

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Diarrhea or dysentery due to Heat
  • Heat in the Stomach

Cautions

  • Culinary-range doses are safe, but doses well above typical spice use (around 5g or more of whole ground nutmeg) can cause myristicin toxicity: hallucinations, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal distress
  • Use only the roasted/processed form for internal medicinal use

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nutmeg used for?

Nutmeg is traditionally used to Binds the Intestines and stops diarrhea; treats chronic, intractable diarrhea or daybreak (five-more) diarrhea from Kidney and Spleen Yang deficiency, Warms the Middle Burner and moves Qi to relieve epigastric and abdominal pain and distension with poor appetite and vomiting from Cold-Deficiency. Research has investigated its effects on: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity documented across extracts; Myristicin is neuroactive at high doses and is responsible for the toxic effects of nutmeg overdose, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and central nervous system symptoms.

What are other names for Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is also known as Myristica fragrans, Myristica. In TCM: 肉豆蔻 (Rou Dou Kou); Semen Myristicae.

Is Nutmeg safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Nutmeg during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Nutmeg?

Nutmeg should not be used in: Diarrhea or dysentery due to Heat; Heat in the Stomach. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.