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Jaiphal जायफल
Myristica fragrans
Also known as: Javitri
Part used: Seed, Aril (Flower Mace)
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Myristica fragrans
- Part used: Seed, Aril (Flower Mace)
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Seed powder 125–500 mg per dose, not exceeding 1 g per day.
Jaiphal in other languages
Introduction
Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans) is nutmeg, the seed kernel of an evergreen tree of the Moluccas long traded into India. Its lacy red aril, dried separately, is mace — Javitri — a distinct drug in the same texts.
Ayurveda uses nutmeg as a Grahi and Vedanasthapana drug: it binds a loose bowel, settles pain and, in small doses, brings sleep.
Classification
Family Myristicaceae. The seed kernel is the officinal part; the aril (Javitri) is treated separately. Rasa: Katu, Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata.
Uses & benefits
Given in diarrhoea and Grahani where the stool is loose and frequent, in poor appetite, and in insomnia in very small doses. It is also used as a Mukhashodhana for bad breath, and externally as a paste for headache and joint pain. In this catalogue it appears in Laxmivilas Ras and the aromatic compounds.
Jaiphal for the loose bowel
Its Grahi action checks a loose stool while its warmth supports digestion, which is why it is preferred where diarrhoea comes with cold and weak Agni.
Jaiphal for sleep
In doses of a pinch, traditionally with warm milk at night, nutmeg is used for restless sleep. The dose matters — larger amounts do the opposite.
Dosage — how much to take
Seed powder 125–500 mg per dose, not exceeding 1 g per day. This is a small-dose drug and the limit is not nominal.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Jaiphal?
The citations held for Jaiphal in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga — Jatiphala).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Jaiphal?
Katu-tikta rasa, ushna virya; grahi and indicated in atisara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Jatiphala.
What is Jaiphal traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in diarrhoea and Grahani where the stool is loose and frequent, in poor appetite, and in insomnia in very small doses. It is also used as a Mukhashodhana for bad breath, and externally as a paste for headache and joint pain. In this catalogue it appears in Laxmivilas Ras and the aromatic compounds.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Jaiphal?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Jaiphal classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Jaiphal carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Jaiphal is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed, Aril (Flower Mace).
How much Jaiphal is taken, and how?
Seed powder 125–500 mg per dose, not exceeding 1 g per day. This is a small-dose drug and the limit is not nominal. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Jaiphal be avoided?
Do not exceed the stated dose. Nutmeg in gram quantities is intoxicant and toxic, causing confusion, palpitation, nausea and prolonged distress; several grams can be dangerous. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid in pregnancy. Do not use to self-treat insomnia beyond the classical pinch dose.
Where does Jaiphal grow?
Native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia; cultivated in India chiefly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and to a lesser extent in the Andamans.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga — Jatiphala
Katu-tikta rasa, ushna virya; grahi and indicated in atisara. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Part I — Jatiphala
Seed of Myristica fragrans; dose limits specified.
Safety & precautions
Do not exceed the stated dose. Nutmeg in gram quantities is intoxicant and toxic, causing confusion, palpitation, nausea and prolonged distress; several grams can be dangerous. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid in pregnancy. Do not use to self-treat insomnia beyond the classical pinch dose.
Where it grows
Native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia; cultivated in India chiefly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and to a lesser extent in the Andamans.
Frequently asked questions
How much nutmeg is too much?
Stay within 1 g per day. Doses of several grams are intoxicant and genuinely toxic — this is one drug where the classical small dose is a safety limit, not a suggestion.
Is Javitri the same as Jaiphal?
They come from the same fruit but are different drugs. Jaiphal is the seed kernel; Javitri is the red aril around it, dried as mace.
