Nutmeg (Jaiphal): Culinary Spice and Traditional Uses

Nutmeg, or as we fondly call it in India, ‘Jaiphal’, is a delicious spice known for its warm, sweet flavour. A staple in traditional Indian and global cuisines, nutmeg powder enhances both sweet and savoury dishes with its distinctive aromatic profile. From baked goods like cakes and cookies to rich curries and soothing beverages like tea and mulled wine, the uses of nutmeg are aplenty. Nutmeg is not only a culinary marvel but also offers numerous potential traditional health benefits.

Let’s explore the wonders of this amazing spice in the following article, keeping in mind that its medicinal use should always be in moderation and ideally under professional guidance [1].

Uses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg (Jaiphal) is a versatile spice that enhances the flavour of a range of dishes.

Culinary Uses

• Flavouring Agent: Nutmeg powder is widely used to add a warm, sweet flavour to cakes, cookies, and pies. It’s an essential ingredient in many dessert recipes.
• Savoury Dishes: The spice significantly enhances the taste of various soups, stews, and curries, especially in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
• Beverages: It’s also added to drinks such as chai tea and mulled wine for a comforting aroma and flavour.
• Seasoning: Nutmeg is used to season vegetables, meats, and sauces, lifting their overall flavour profile.

Traditional Uses

The potential benefits of Jaiphal extend to traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, where it’s used for its myriad health benefits, often administered in the form of Jaiphal powder, oil, or tincture for specific conditions [2].

Potential Traditional Health Benefits of Nutmeg

Nutmeg isn’t just a flavourful spice; it also offers numerous potential health benefits, largely attributed to its active compounds like myristicin, eugenol, and various antioxidants [3].

• Supports Immune Function: Nutmeg is a source of antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress and support the immune system. It also possesses antimicrobial properties, which may safeguard against certain infections [3].
• Aids Sleep and Relaxation: In traditional practice, a very small amount of nutmeg powder (a pinch) has been traditionally used with warm milk at night, as many believe it may promote relaxation and support better sleep [1].
• Supports Digestive Comfort: Nutmeg is recognised for its digestive benefits. It may help relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas, and is traditionally used to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes [2].
• May Benefit Brain and Mood: Nutmeg has traditionally been used for its potential benefits on mood and memory. Its compounds may stimulate brain activity and improve concentration, making it potentially beneficial for mental clarity. Research has explored the potential anti-depressant and anxiolytic-like effects of nutmeg components in animal models [4].
• Potential Anti-inflammatory Action: Nutmeg’s anti-inflammatory properties are being studied for their potential to provide relief from joint and muscle pain. Nutmeg oil, when applied topically, has been shown to alleviate inflammatory pain in some studies [5].
• Supports Oral Health: The antibacterial properties of nutmeg oil can combat oral bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of cavities and promoting better oral health when used in formulations like mouthwash or toothpaste [3].

Precautions: Essential Warnings for Nutmeg Use

While the culinary benefits of nutmeg are many, there are some important and serious precautions to consider. Nutmeg contains psychoactive compounds like myristicin, which can be toxic and dangerous in large quantities.

• Moderation is Crucial: High doses of nutmeg, particularly over 10-15 grams (which equates to approximately 1-3 whole nutmegs or over 120 mg of myristicin), can lead to adverse, toxic effects [6]. These effects can include hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, stupor and coma. Always measure and use nutmeg sparingly.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women must strictly limit their nutmeg intake to small, culinary amounts. Due to potential uterine stimulant effects and the risk of psychoactive components passing to the fetus or infant, high doses of this spice are contraindicated and could pose risks to the baby [7].
• Medical Conditions and Drug Interactions: For those with existing liver disease, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before using nutmeg as a supplement or in high doses. The myristicin content in nutmeg is metabolised in the liver and could potentially interfere with liver function or interact with certain medications [8].
• Allergic Reactions: Like any food item or spice, some individuals may be allergic to nutmeg. Symptoms can include skin rashes or respiratory issues. If you notice any allergic reactions after consuming nutmeg, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Nutmeg, also known as Jaiphal, is more than just a fragrant spice. It carries a wide range of traditional uses and potential benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting relaxation when used in small, culinary amounts. At the same time, strict moderation is essential because excessive intake can lead to serious adverse effects. When used in small amounts, nutmeg can enhance flavour while supporting overall wellness naturally. For therapeutic use, consult a certified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional.

FAQs

What are the different forms of nutmeg available?

Nutmeg is available in various forms, like whole seed (Jaiphal), ground nutmeg powder, and essential oil.

Can nutmeg be used topically?

Yes, nutmeg oil can be used topically. It’s often incorporated in skincare products for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but should typically be diluted before application.

Is nutmeg safe for consumption during pregnancy?

Very moderate use of nutmeg in cooking is generally safe during pregnancy. However, high amounts are unsafe and should be avoided. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Is Jaiphal hot or cold?

In Ayurveda, Jaiphal or nutmeg is considered to have a heating effect on the body, thus it’s classified as ‘Ushna Virya’ or hot in potency.

How to take Jaiphal with milk?

Add just a small pinch (less than 1 gram) of Jaiphal powder to a warm glass of milk and drink it before bed for potential sleep-promoting benefits.

References

[1] Okiki, P. A., Nwobi, C. P., Akpor, O. B., Adewole, E., & Agbana, R. D. (2023). Assessment of nutritional and medicinal properties of nutmeg. Scientific African, 19, Article e01548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01548

[2] Al-Rawi, S. S., Ahmad Hamdy Ibrahim, Heshu Jalal Ahmed, & Zhikal Omar Khudhur. (2024). Therapeutic, and pharmacological prospects of nutmeg seed: A comprehensive review for novel drug potential insights. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 32(6), 102067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102067

[3] Vakili, F., Roosta, Z., Safari, R., Raeisi, M., Hossain, Md. S., Guerreiro, I., Akbazadeh, A., & Hoseinifar, S. H. (2023). Effects of dietary nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seed meals on growth, non-specific immune indices, antioxidant status, gene expression analysis, and cold stress tolerance in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, Article 1038748. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1038748

[4] Ahmad, J., Kaul, M., & Vohora, S. B. (2007). Behavioral and neurochemical studies on the anti-depressant like effect of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 109(3), 517–521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.08.030

[5] Zhang, W. K., Tao, S.-S., Li, T.-T., Li, Y.-S., Li, X.-J., Tang, H.-B., Cong, R.-H., Ma, F.-L., & Wan, C.-J. (2016). Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo. Food & Nutrition Research, 60(1), Article 30849. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v60.30849

[6] Nutmeg: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (2025). WebMD. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-788/nutmeg-and-mace

[7] Nutmeg – Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). National Library of Medicine. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501838/

[8] A Proteomics Study on the Mechanism of Nutmeg-Induced Hepatotoxicity. (2021). Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, Article 8893901. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8893901