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Nutmeg
( Myristica fragrans )
Family
Myristicaceae
Synonyms
Rou dou kou ( Chinese )
Character
Aromatic, carminative, digestive,
antispasmodic, stimulant, appetite stimulant, anti-inflammatory,
antivomiting, antifungal
Description
In 1512, nutmeg was brought to
Portugal from the Banda Islands and gained an impressive reputation as a
curative plant and tonic. Its hallucinogenic properties were then
discovered, causing widespread nutmeg intoxication. Concerning its use in
the rain forest, the nutmeg family of trees contains over 250 species in
both hemispheres. Most of these trees grow in areas of new Guinea and the
Amazon.
Phytochemistry
Nutmeg is comprised of various
phenols, lignans, tannins, sterols, triterpenes. ( NOTE: This family is well
known for its rich supply of essential oils and its psychotropic activity. )
Traditional rain forest use
Folk medicine has employed this
family of herbs in a number of ways. The outer aril of the nutmeg fruit has
been made into an ointment-like substance for rheumatic joints. Related
species have been used in the rain forest to treat fungal infections by
crushing the bark and using it as a skin rub and wound-healing agent.
Myristicacea tree bark is commonly harvested by Amazonian tribes for its
hallucinogenic properties and is sued in paste form. Bark decoctions of this
species have been used for diarrhea. smoke from burning leaves has been used
to treat asthma. The Virola genus is extensively utilized for stomach
and bladder disorder and as a popular hallucinogenic snuff or narcotic
pellet.
Modern medicinal applications
Nutmeg is primarily used in
western and Asiatic medicine for digestive ailments including nausea,
vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea and food poisoning. Externally, nutmeg oil
is sued for rheumatic pain, toothaches and halitosis.
Authentication
Some clinical trails have
indicated that nutmeg may be valuable in treating Crohn's disease.
Safety
Large doses are considered
dangerous and can result in heart palpitations and even convulsions. |
