Evidence supporting the use of: Nutmeg & Mace
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and its aril, mace, have a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East. In these traditions, nutmeg and mace are often employed as warming spices and are believed to help treat symptoms associated with colds and fevers, including congestion, cough, and general malaise. Their use is typically based on the spices’ reputed warming and stimulating properties, which are thought to help "dispel cold" from the body and improve circulation.
Some traditional remedies recommend nutmeg and mace as part of herbal mixtures or in decoctions for respiratory tract infections and feverish illnesses. However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of nutmeg or mace for the treatment of colds with fever is limited. Basic pharmacological studies have shown that nutmeg contains volatile oils (like myristicin and eugenol) with mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings have not been translated into clinical studies specific to colds or fevers.
In summary, while nutmeg and mace are historically used in traditional medicine to help manage cold symptoms and fever, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence to justify their efficacy for this purpose. The use is primarily traditional and should be approached with caution, especially due to potential toxicity at high doses.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
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)