Nutmeg

Identity

Common Name

Nutmeg

Scientific Name

Myristica fragrans

Botanical Family

Myristicaceae

Native Region

Banda Islands (Maluku), Indonesia

Cultivation Regions

Indonesia (Banda Islands), Grenada, India, Sri Lanka

Plant Parts Used

Seed (nutmeg), Aril (mace)

Synonyms

Myristica, Jatiphala, Bandan Nut

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

An evergreen tropical tree with leathery oval leaves; the ripe fruit splits to reveal a shiny brown oval nutmeg seed wrapped in a red lacy aril (mace). Both seed and aril are dried as spice.

Historical Background

Native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, nutmeg was one of the most prized spices of the medieval and early modern world, driving colonial rivalries for control of its tiny island home. In Ayurveda and medieval European medicine it was a warming digestive and sleep comfort spice, used in tiny amounts in milky bedtime teas.

Earliest recorded uses: Indian and Arab medicine for centuries; a prized spice in medieval European trade — the Banda Islands were the world's sole source.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Warm, sweet, woody, spicy

Tea Information

Research Summary

Nutmeg has a long tradition as a warming digestive and sleep-comfort spice. Clinical evidence is limited; larger doses are toxic due to myristicin. It is not a treatment for digestive disease, insomnia, or any condition, and should be used only in small culinary amounts.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources