Evidence supporting the use of: Nutmeg & Mace
For the health condition: Dyspepsia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and its aril, mace, have a longstanding history in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Unani, for the management of digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). Historical texts and ethnobotanical literature document their use as carminative agents, intended to reduce bloating, flatulence, and discomfort following meals. The warming, aromatic properties of nutmeg and mace are believed to stimulate digestive secretions and help soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Some traditional herbal formulations include these spices specifically for their perceived ability to improve appetite and ease symptoms related to sluggish digestion.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited but suggestive evidence supporting their traditional use for dyspepsia. In vitro studies have identified volatile oils in nutmeg and mace, such as myristicin and eugenol, which may possess mild spasmolytic and gastroprotective effects. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on animal models. The degree of evidence, therefore, is moderate for traditional use, but weak when evaluated strictly by modern scientific standards.
In summary, nutmeg and mace are primarily justified for dyspepsia based on traditional uses, with limited supporting scientific evidence. Care should also be taken due to potential toxicity when consumed in large amounts.
Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia
cutchallspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
black pepper
blackberry
rice
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
Indian tinospora
licorice root
marshmallow
mustard seed
oregon grape
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
fern
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Black Seed
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Belleric myrobalan
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Banyan
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bitter principals
Black root
banana
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Centaury
Cinnamomum
Combretum quadrangulare
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Curcumen
Catechu
Campylandra fimbriata
Colombo
Corktree
Curcuma
Chirata
Costus
Colocynth
Celosia
Dianthrone
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Four leaved grass
Goldthread
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Gentianella amarella
Gallotannin
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Snakeroot (unspecified)
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)