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Myristicae Semen
Nutmeg
肉豆蔻 〔肉豆蔻〕 ròu dòu kòu
Alternate Chinese names: 迦拘勒 jiā jū lè; 肉果 ròu guǒ; 蔻仁 kòu rén
Kingdom: Plant
Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Myristica fragrans Houtt. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)
Origin in unofficial sources: Myristica fragrans Houtt.
Use: Medicinal
Category: Exterior-resolving agents
Properties: Acrid; warm.
Channel entry: Spleen, stomach, and large intestine channels.
Actions and indications:
- Astringes the intestines and checks diarrhea: Enduring diarrhea due to spleen-kidney yáng vacuity.
- Warms the center and moves qì: Distention and pain in the stomach duct and abdomen due to stomach cold; vomiting with reduced eating.
Dosage and method: Oral: 1.5–6g in decoctions; or use in pills or powders.
Warnings: Contraindicated in diarrhea and dysentery due to damp-heat. Nutmeg can cause hallucinations and clouded spirit if used in excessive dosages, particularly if used raw. This condition is accompanied by severe dry throat, headache, and red eyes. The volatile oils are irritating, so it is often roasted to remove the oil to minimize side effects. High doses of nutmeg should be used cautiously with monoamine oxidase-inhibiting drugs.
Product description: The dried seed is ovate or elliptical, 2–3.5 cm long, and 1.5–2.5 cm wide. The exterior surface is mid-brown to dark brown, with indistinct broken longitudinal ridges. On one side is a distinct furrow marking the raphe. At the wider end is a round protuberance that marks the hilum, and at the narrow end is a faint indentation that marks the chalaza. On the longitudinal section, the perisperm that forms the superficial layer stretches inward to intermesh with the white endosperm creating a marble pattern. At the broader end is an indentation in which the dried shrunken embryo can be seen. This seed is hard and has a strong aroma.
Quality: Large firm heavy seeds with strong aroma are the best.
Production area: Malaysia and Indonesia.
Etymology: The name ròu dòu kòu 肉豆蔻, fleshy cardamom,
suggests a relationship to the (round) cardamom. More at dòu kòu 豆蔻.