Last update July 22, 2025

Nutmeg

Limited compatibility

Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.

The seed of the tree is used. The essential oil contains myristicin, safrole, eugenol and isoeugenol, among other products. Indication Commission E German Ministry of Health: none, as its claimed properties are not considered proven. (Blumenthal 1998)

At the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Some of its components, such as eugenol, are excreted in breast milk. (Debong 2024)

Cases of poisoning due to abuse of high doses for recreational purposes have been reported, resulting in anticholinergic symptoms with convulsions, narcosis and hallucinations. (Flam 2015, Roeters 2015, Sivathanu 2014, Ostabal 2014, Carstairs 2011, Pastrana 2008, Forrester 2005, Lavy 1987). The anticholinergic effect (Cuong 2014) could inhibit milk production.

Widely used as a spice. Given its lack of toxicity at correct doses, moderate consumption as a culinary condiment is acceptable during breastfeeding.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Nutmeg is also known as


Nutmeg in other languages or writings:

Groups

Nutmeg belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Nutmeg in its composition:

List of 6 tradenames
  • Agua del Carmen™. Contains other elements than Nutmeg in its composition
  • Bittner™. Contains other elements than Nutmeg in its composition
  • Digestion Calming Drops™. Contains other elements than Nutmeg in its composition
  • Eau des Carmes (Belgium)™. Contains other elements than Nutmeg in its composition
  • Pervivo™. Contains other elements than Nutmeg in its composition
  • Vicks VapoRub™. Contains other elements than Nutmeg in its composition

References

  1. Debong MW, Homm I, Gigl M, Lang R, Hofmann T, Buettner A, Dawid C, Loos HM. Curry-Odorants and Their Metabolites Transfer into Human Milk and Urine. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2024 Apr;68(8):e2300831. Abstract
  2. Roeters van Lennep JE, Schuit SC, van Bruchem-Visser RL, Özcan B. Unintentional nutmeg autointoxication. Neth J Med. 2015 Abstract
  3. Flam B, Bendz E, Jonsson Fagerlund M, Höjer J. Seizures associated with intentional severe nutmeg intoxication. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2015 Abstract
  4. Cuong TD, Hung TM, Han HY, Roh HS, Seok JH, Lee JK, Jeong JY, Choi JS, Kim JA, Min BS. Potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitory compounds from Myristica fragrans. Nat Prod Commun. 2014 Abstract
  5. Sivathanu S, Sampath S, David HS, Rajavelu KK. Myristicin and phenytoin toxicity in an infant. BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Abstract
  6. Ostabal Artigas MI. [Serious powdered nutmeg intoxication]. Med Intensiva. 2014 Abstract
  7. Carstairs SD, Cantrell FL. The spice of life: an analysis of nutmeg exposures in California. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011 Abstract
  8. Pastrana Delgado J, Beunza Nuin JJ, Ramírez Medina S, Orduna Martínez J. [Nutmeg poisoning]. Med Clin (Barc). 2008 Abstract
  9. Forrester MB. Nutmeg intoxication in Texas, 1998-2004. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2005 Abstract
  10. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. The American Botanical Council. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Integrative Medicine Com; Boston, MA, USA: 1998
  11. Lavy G. Nutmeg intoxication in pregnancy. A case report. J Reprod Med. 1987 Abstract

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