Myristica fragrans Houtt
Summary
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a tree 3-20 meters tall of the Myristicaceae family, native to the Banda Islands, Maluku, and an important spice commodity since Roman times. Its sharply aromatic seed is used as a cooking seasoning, perfume, and soap ingredient worldwide. Traditionally, nutmeg is also believed to relieve stomach ulcers, nausea, and sleep disorders.
Agroecology
Grows well in mountainous regions with elevations >700 m above sea level, rainfall of 2,000-3,500 mm/year, humidity around 50-80%, air temperature of 20-30°C. Favors loose soil with a compact-to-sandy structure.
Morphology
- Roots taproot that anchors into the soil and has fibrous roots like a monocot plant.
- Trunk dark gray bark, thin, and when scratched produces a red sap that darkens when dry.
- Leaves ovate, tapering base and tip. Underside pale bluish-green, upper side dark green.
- Flowers dioecious, male and female flowers on different parent trees.
- Fruit pear-shaped, broad, tapering tip. Consists of flesh, mace (aril), shell, and seed.
- Seeds solitary, round to oblong, brown, two-lobed.
Cultivation
Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (by air layering and budding).
Chemical Content
Essential oil, pentosan, resin, safrole, linalool, trimyristin, myristic acid, camphene, 3-carene, α-terpinene, limonene, p-cymene, β-myrcene, α-phellandrene, allyl catechol methylene, elemicin, myristicin, β-ocimene, γ-terpinene, α-terpinolene, p-menth-2-en-1-ol, and α-terpineol.
Benefits
Treats rheumatism, stomach ulcers; acts as an antinausea agent; treats dysentery; acts as a carminative (relieves gas); stimulates the digestive tract; addresses insomnia; controls blood sugar; antibacterial.
Simplisia
Not yet available
Local Names
Masiho (Tidore), Falo (Nias), Palangana (Makasar), Palo (Timor), Palalao (Nusa Laut), Gosora (Halmahera).
Traditional Recipes
The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
1. Body-Warming Rub
- Prepare ingredients: 6 nutmeg seeds, 100 g aromatic ginger (kencur), 1 tbsp cloves, 50 g cinnamon, 100 g ginger, 100 g rice, 10 kaffir lime leaves, 50 g bangle ginger.
- Soak the rice for 1 hour. Grind all ingredients together, then add warm water.
- Rub over the whole body except the face.
2. Insomnia Remedy
- Boil 20 g of fresh nutmeg in 2 cups of water until boiling for 15 minutes, let cool, then strain the mixture.
- Drink twice a day.