Nutmeg Kernel


Source Seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt., (Fam. Myristicaceae..

Producing Areas Mainly found in Indonesia, Malaysia and China, in the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan.

Properties Sour, Astringent, War.

Channels Large Intestine.

ACTION

  • Astringes the intestines and relieves diarrhoea
    Treats prolonged diarrhoea due to deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, or diarrhoea before dawn due to deficiency-cold of the spleen and the kidney. May be consumed with Cassia Bark (Ruogui), Pilose Asiabell Root (Dangshen), Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Baizhu), Medicine Terminalia Fruit (Hezi) etc.
  • Warms the middle-jiao and alleviates pain
    Treats stomach flu with stagnation of vital energy manifested as abdominal pain, poor appetite and vomiting, and those complicated with deficiency of spleen-energy. May be consumed with Common Aucklandia Root (Muxiang), Chinese Date (Dazao) etc.
  • To treat poor digestion
    May be consumed with Villous Amomum Fruit (Sharen), Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha) etc.

Usage and Dosage
3–9 g is used in decoction for oral use; also in pills and powder. For oral use, it is roasted to remove the oil.

Notes
Contraindicated in cases of dysentery due to damp and heat, and pain in the stomach due to heat.


Storage
The oil present in the herb tends to seep out, which makes the herb lose its fragrance easily. The herb also changes colour when exposed to moisture.
Keep in a cool and dry place.
Protect from worms and moths.

Description of Quality Herb
The good one is big in size and heavy. When sliced open, it emits a strong fragrance.