Evidence supporting the use of: Nutmeg
For the health condition: Cough (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. In these traditions, nutmeg is sometimes used as an ingredient in home remedies for coughs, colds, and other respiratory complaints. The rationale for its use is often linked to its warming properties, aromatic compounds, and purported ability to soothe the throat. Traditional Ayurvedic and Unani texts may mention nutmeg in formulations aimed at relieving cough, often in combination with honey or other herbs.

However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of nutmeg specifically for treating or relieving general cough. Modern pharmacological studies have focused mainly on nutmeg’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, but not directly on cough suppression. Any perceived benefit for cough is likely anecdotal or based on its traditional use as a flavoring agent and general remedy.

Because of this, the evidence rating is low (1/5), reflecting that while traditional uses exist, there is no high-quality clinical data or scientific consensus supporting nutmeg’s effectiveness for cough. Additionally, nutmeg can be toxic in large amounts, so caution is needed with its use.

More about Nutmeg
More about Cough (general)

Other ingredients used for Cough (general)

allspice
aloe vera
alpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
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jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
pumpkin
raspberry
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
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malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
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anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
prickly ash
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
root tuber
silk tree
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amber
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
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Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
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Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
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Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
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Atractylone
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Bryonia
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berry
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black salt
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Borassus Palm
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banana
Bassia scoparia
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Chekiang Fritillary
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Currant
Chondrus
Dragonhead
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Desmodium
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Products containing Nutmeg

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.