Nutmeg Vs Jatamansi – Qualities, Usage, Side Effects
This is in reply to a query by Gaurav –
I’d like to know the differences between Nutmeg and Jatamansi. Which one is one stronger than the other? thank you.
Is nutmeg slow acting? i.e. it takes a few hours after ingestion to start having the (sleep inducing for example) effect? If so, I’m curious what property makes it so.
Nutmeg (Jaiphal) and Jatamansi (Spikenard) – both these are exceptional herbs used in treating different diseases, including insomnia. Here is a comparison between these two herbs with respect to quality, benefits, usage and side effects.
Both these herbs have been elaborated already.
Click to read about Jaiphal- Nutmeg- Myristica fragrans Uses, Dose, Side Effects
Click to read about Jatamansi – Benefits, Usage, Side Effects
Table of Contents
Part used, dosage
Parts used
Jaiphal – Seed, seed coat, oil.
Jatamamsi – Rhizome
Jaiphal – Seed, seed coat, oil.
Jatamamsi – Rhizome
Dosage:
Nutmeg – 250 mg to 2 grams in divided dose per day.
Jatamamsi – Powder -1-3 g in divided doses.
Qualities, effect on Doshas
Ayurvedic qualities:
Nutmeg – Hot, Light to digest , strong, piercing
Jatamansi – Coolant, oily
Taste:
Nutmeg – Pungent, astringent
Spikenard – Bitter, astringent,
Effect on Tridosha:
Nutmeg – Balances Kapha and Vata Dosha
Spikenard – Balances Kapha and Pitta Dosha
Effect on Health
Nutmeg – Aphrodisiac, digestive, improves voice, strength and immunity
Jatamansi – Improves skin complexion, strength, immunity, intelligence, improves mood.
Neuro-psychiatric analysis
Both nutmeg and Jatamansi are useful in improving mood, depression. It is useful
But nutmeg is more useful in treating anxiety and sexual disorders.
Spikenard is more useful in treating schizophrenia, excess anger, short temper and migraine headaches.
Sleep
Nutmeg is useful in people to induce sleep in Kapha and Vata body type persons. It is useful for those who feel difficulty in continuing sleeping till early morning hours.
Spikenard is more useful in people finding it difficulty to fall asleep, but who could sleep well after that.
I would rate Jatamansi a bit higher than nutmeg in treating insomnia.
Other Diseases
Nutmeg – Because of its hotness, nutmeg is useful in treating digestive disorders, cough, cold, asthma, vomiting, bloating, abdominal colic pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also useful in excessive thirst, oral disorders, bad breath, throat disorders, diarrhoea due to Vata (with gas, bloating and stomach pain), cardiac disorders, anorexia, IBS, urinary tract disorders, Cardiac disorders, intestinal worms, cough, cold, asthma, vomiting, bloating, abdominal colic pain, rheumatoid arthritis.
Jatamansi – Jatamansi is very useful in Pitta conditions such as skin disorders with bleeding and redness, poisoning, herpes, burning sensation and high blood pressure.
External application
Nutmeg is used externally, more commonly to improve skin complexion, skin tone etc. cosmetic purposes.
Jatamansi is applied externally, more commonly to treat skin disorders, to relieve burning sensation in herpes wounds etc.
Side effects
Nutmeg can be used in pregnancy, lactation and in children, in lower doses.
Jatamansi is usually avoided during pregnancy. Used in lactation period and in children only for limited time period.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can
this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets,
Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most
of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product
per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western
medicines
Seek your
doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western
(allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern
medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is
best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the
Ayurvedic medicine.
Over-dosage
Nutmeg – Over-dosage may cause convulsions, palpitation, weak pulse, hypothermia, disorientation, giddiness, nausea and vomiting.
Jatamansi – over-dosage may cause vomiting, twitching abdominal pain and purgation.
9 comments on “Nutmeg Vs Jatamansi – Qualities, Usage, Side Effects”
malicka
What is the tamil name for jatamansi
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Jatamamsi itself.
Narayan
Dear Sir Thank you for this Article. You have mentioned “It is useful for those who feel difficulty in continuing sleeping till early morning hours.” for Nutmeg. I have this problem from last 1-2 months. Kindly advice how to use this to cure the imbalance.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
You can simply try with 500 mg of Nutmeg powder at night, after food for a month. If symptoms do not improve, consider consulting an Ayurveda doctor.
Dr Rajesh Sharma
Very elaborately explained with very good and comprehensive knowledge. But how these can be used, I mean with honey, water or milk, that has not been told.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Respected sir, Many thanks for your support and valuable suggestion.
Regarding Nutmeg, I have detailed about its usage in depression, acne, cold and cough etc in a detailed article – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2014/11/26/jaiphal-nutmeg-myristica-fragrans-uses-dose-side-effects/
Jatamansi dosage and other details – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2013/09/06/jatamansi-benefits-usage-side-effects/
Gita
Is Jatamansi considered to be an endangered species? It is not easily available outside of India, I think. Nutmeg essential oil applied on the temples at bedtime is also helpful for sleep.
Khalid Hamza
Can both Jatamansi and Jaiphal be combined for synergistic effect in insomnia?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Yes.