Evidence supporting the use of: Nutmeg & Mace
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and its aril, mace, have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani for supporting women's reproductive health, including the management of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). The rationale for their use is largely based on historical and anecdotal evidence. Traditional texts often describe nutmeg as having warming, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, which may be thought to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. In practice, nutmeg powder or preparations containing nutmeg and mace are sometimes recommended as part of herbal blends for menstrual health.
However, scientific studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of nutmeg or mace for menstrual cramps are scarce. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that nutmeg contains compounds (such as myristicin and elemicin) with potential analgesic and muscle-relaxant effects, but these have not been directly correlated with relief from menstrual pain in human clinical trials. The evidence remains largely traditional, with only weak indirect scientific support based on the general pharmacological properties of the plant. As such, while the use is justified by tradition, the overall evidence supporting the effectiveness of nutmeg or mace for menstrual cramps is limited and not robustly validated by modern research.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
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)