Nux Mosch.

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans syn. Nux moschata

Overexcited, exaggerated senses are typical in those who respond best to Nux mosch., as are rapidly alternating emotions, such as laughing and crying in turn. They may feel as if they have two heads, or as if one part of them is able to watch another part. These people have a sense of detachment from ordinary life, feeling as if they are wrapped in cotton wool.

The classic symptom picture for Nux mosch. is of confusion, dizziness, fainting, loss of coordination, and great, even overwhelming, drowsiness. Extreme "dryness" in the digestive system may be treated by the remedy, especially if there is the classic drowsiness. Symptoms typically include chronic constipation with fullness and bloating in the abdomen, and a tongue so dry that it sticks to the roof of the mouth.

Although best known now as a culinary spice, nutmeg has long been used medicinally by several cultures, although only in low doses.

The whole, fresh or dried nutmegs are treated with lime before being macerated in alcohol.

Uses

Nutmeg has been widely used since AD 540 when it was brought from India to Constantinople. It was used as a cosmetic to remove freckles. Medicinally, it was first mentioned by Avicenna in the 11th century, who called it "the nut of Banda." Nutmeg was given for stomach upsets, headaches, and to ease gas. It has also been taken as a hallucinogen. The essential oil is good for rheumatic pain.
Nux mosch. is given for mental illness, hysteria, problems of the nervous system, and digestive complaints. Nux mosch. also treats the same hallucinogenic symptoms that are caused by large doses of nutmeg, such as dizziness, fainting, and lack of coordination. Such symptoms may occur after a stroke or in epilepsy.
Nux mosch. is also good for gas with constipation and bloating in the digestive tract associated with indigestion and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). People who need this remedy are markedly dehydrated, but are not thirsty.