NUTMEG AND MACE Overview Information
Nutmeg and mace are plant products. Nutmeg is the shelled, dried seed of the plant Myristica fragrans, and mace is the dried net-like covering of the shell of the seed. Nutmeg and mace are used to make medicine.
Nutmeg and mace are used for diarrhea, nausea, stomach spasms and pain, and intestinal gas. They are also used for treating cancer, kidney disease, and trouble sleeping (insomnia); increasing menstrual flow; causing a miscarriage; as a hallucinogen; and as a general tonic.
Nutmeg and mace are applied to the skin to kill pain, especially pain caused by achy joints (rheumatism), mouth sores, and toothache.
In foods, nutmeg and mace are used as spices and flavorings.
In manufacturing, nutmeg oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Nutmeg oil is distilled from worm-eaten nutmeg seeds. The worms remove much of the starch and fat, leaving the portions of the seed that are rich in oil.
How does it work?
Nutmeg and mace contain chemicals that might affect the central nervous system. Nutmeg and mace might also kill bacteria and fungi.
NUTMEG AND MACE Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Producing hallucinations. Eating 5-20 grams of nutmeg powder (1-3 whole seeds) might cause psychoactive effects. Because nutmeg and mace are so similar, high doses of mace might also have psychoactive effects but, as yet, this has not been proven.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach problems.
- Intestinal gas.
- Cancer.
- Kidney disease.
- Pain.
- Other conditions.
NUTMEG AND MACE Side Effects & Safety
Nutmeg and mace are UNSAFE in doses larger than amounts found in foods. Side effects such as thirst, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, feelings of pressure in the chest or stomach, dry mouth, stomach pain, and many other problems might occur in some people. More serious side effects might include hallucinations, seizures, and death.
Not enough is known about the safety of using nutmeg and mace on the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nutmeg and mace are UNSAFE in doses larger than amounts found in foods. In pregnant women, they may cause miscarriages or birth defects.Not enough is known about the safety of using nutmeg and mace during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
NUTMEG AND MACE Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with NUTMEG AND MACE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Nutmeg and mace might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking nutmeg and mace along with some medications that are changed by the liver can lead to a variety of effects and side effects. Before taking nutmeg and mace talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some of these medications that are changed by the liver include chlorzoxazone, theophylline, bufuralol, and others. - Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with NUTMEG AND MACE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Nutmeg and mace might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking nutmeg and mace along with some medications that are changed by the liver can lead to a variety of effects and side effects. Before taking nutmeg and mace talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some of these medications that are changed by the liver include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others. - Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) substrates) interacts with NUTMEG AND MACE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Nutmeg and mace might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking nutmeg and mace along with some medications that are changed by the liver can lead to a variety of effects and side effects. Before taking nutmeg and mace talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. - Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B2 (CYP2B2) substrates) interacts with NUTMEG AND MACE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Taking nutmeg and mace along with some medications that are changed by the liver can lead to a variety of effects and side effects. Before taking nutmeg and mace talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. - Phenobarbital (Luminal) interacts with NUTMEG AND MACE
The body breaks down phenobarbital (Luminal) to get rid of it. Nutmeg and mace might increase how quickly the body breaks down phenobarbital (luminal). Taking nutmeg and mace along with phenobarbital (luminal) might decrease the effectiveness of phenobarbital (Luminal).
NUTMEG AND MACE Dosing
The appropriate dose of nutmeg and mace depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for nutmeg and mace. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
