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Dec. 20, 2023

Nutmeg: Tasty and... Toxic?

Nutmeg: Tasty and... Toxic?

We've all heard that "the dose makes the poison." Nowhere is this a more apt saying than with nutmeg.  Hey, don't get us wrong, just a wee bit of nutmeg can help you tolerate some of those holiday food indulgences! Nutmeg is warming, has anti-parasite and pain-relieving properties, and can be used topically for pain relief.  Join us as we touch on some history and give you our takes on nutmeg: the spice, the medicine, the poison.  Oh, and go ahead and share this episode with someone who would enjoy it! Maybe a friend who's a chef or a baker?

Did you know that nutmeg was a commodity so precious it was traded for Manhattan? From serving as a sleep aid (insomniacs chickens?) to its pain-relieving effects, nutmeg has lots of potential as a medicinal spice. Just remember, while nutmeg may enhance your holiday season, moderation is key, and it's always advisable to consult a professional before using higher doses of nutmeg as medicine.

Books we mention: (If you purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.)
Jill Stansbury's Botanical Medicine for Herbalists (formulas and how to)
A Modern Herbal, the Maude Grieves Herbal Book (originally printed in ....

Recipes:
Medieval Cookies from Atlas Obscura
Golden Milk Recipe from our blog

MEDICINAL USE:
Anti-diarrheal and Sleep inducing effects
Reduction of colon cancer (in rats)
Traditional Users: A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieves - botanical.com (FREE!)
Ayurvedic perspective of nutmeg

TOXICITY:
Brain damage (in rats) from nutmeg
German Commission E Report on Nutmeg
Case reports of toxicity over 10 years (Illinois Poison Center)

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