Evidence supporting the use of: Nutmeg & Mace
For the health condition: Chest Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and its aril, mace, have been used in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Unani, primarily as digestive aids, carminatives, and general tonics. In some traditional contexts, nutmeg is mentioned as a remedy for chest discomfort, palpitations, or non-specific chest pain, but these references are relatively sparse and not consistently detailed. The rationale in such systems usually ties to nutmeg’s reputed warming, soothing, and antispasmodic properties, which are believed to help with muscular or “wind”-related chest discomfort rather than ischemic cardiac pain.
From a scientific standpoint, there is no robust clinical evidence supporting the use of nutmeg or mace for the treatment or relief of chest pain, whether the pain is cardiac or non-cardiac in origin. The available scientific literature mostly investigates these spices for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but not for analgesic effects specifically related to the chest or cardiovascular system. Furthermore, nutmeg contains myristicin and other compounds that can be toxic in large doses, and its safety profile for medicinal use is not firmly established.
In summary, while there is some traditional precedent for the use of nutmeg and mace in addressing chest discomfort, this practice is not well supported by strong historical documentation or scientific validation. The evidence level, therefore, is very low (1 out of 5), and these spices should not be relied upon for treating chest pain, especially of cardiac origin.
Other ingredients used for Chest Pain
allspicebasil
betel
clove
turmeric
fish oil
garlic bulb
ginger
hawthorn
magnesium
pear
plantain
pomegranate
rhizome
rosemary
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
lingusticum wallichii
siler root
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Anamu
Aconite
Ajuga
Adrenergic amines
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Dianthus
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Nutmeg & Mace
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Amenorrhea
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)