Nutmeg, with its warm and rich aroma, has long been a favorite ingredient in the culinary world. But did you know that Nutmeg Essential Oil can offer a range of benefits beyond its use in the kitchen? This versatile oil can be used in various ways to support overall health and wellness, from reducing stress and improving digestion to promoting healthy skin and hair.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various Nutmeg Essential Oil benefits and uses and some recipes to get you started. So, whether you’re a seasoned essential oil user or just starting out, get ready to discover all the amazing ways Nutmeg Essential Oil can enhance your life.
Extracting Nutmeg Oil
The humble nutmeg seed is the key ingredient in extracting nutmeg essential oil. To extract this precious oil, the seed is steam distilled, a process that involves passing steam through the seed and separating the oil from the water. The result is a highly concentrated and aromatic oil used in various ways, from culinary applications to medicinal remedies.
Nutmeg Essential Oil Benefits
Aids Digestion
Nutmeg Essential Oil is a powerful tool in aiding digestion. Research1 has shown that it stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, which can help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation. By incorporating this oil into your wellness routine, you can enjoy its many benefits and feel confident that you are taking steps towards better digestive health.
Promotes Stomach Wellness
One notable benefit of Nutmeg Essential Oil is its ability to soothe stomach wellness. According to this review2, since ancient times, nutmeg has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat nausea. Its natural compounds have a calming effect on the digestive system, promoting healthy digestion and reducing discomfort.
Supports Joint Function
If you’ve ever suffered from joint pain, you know how frustrating it can be to find something that alleviates the discomfort. But what if I told you that a potential solution could be as simple as Nutmeg Essential Oil? According to a 2016 study3, this versatile oil has shown promising results in mitigating joint swelling and supporting joint function overall. It could also help soothe chronic inflammation and pain.
Soothes Muscles
Another notable benefit of Nutmeg Essential Oil is its ability to soothe muscles. The same study3 mentioned above has shown that Nutmeg Oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it a potential natural remedy for muscle pain and spasms. This makes nutmeg a valuable addition to any natural wellness routine and oil collection.
Supports Women’s Wellness
Nutmeg is a natural and effective way to support women’s wellness. An experiment4 conducted on a group of women showed that inhaling and massaging Nutmeg Essential Oil provided superior pain reduction in primary dysmenorrhea. The oil contains myristicin, which reduces inflammation and promotes healthy hormone balance.
Calms
The soothing properties of Nutmeg Essential Oil have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and now there’s scientific evidence to back it up. Research5 has found that when combined with other oils, it can create a calming effect, providing a soothing aroma that can help to calm our minds and reduce stress. Nutmeg is a pleasant scent in your home and a powerful tool to help you relax after a long day.
Centers
Nutmeg Essential Oil may just be the solution you’ve been searching for if you’re looking to alleviate stress and anxiety. A study6 has indicated that nutmeg has anxiogenic activity, which can promote feelings of calm and relaxation. With its warm and comforting aroma, Nutmeg Essential Oil can be diffused in your home or added to a carrier oil for topical use.
Nutmeg Essential Oil Uses & Recipes
Personal Care Recipes
Nutmeg Essential Oil is versatile and can benefit when incorporated into personal care recipes. One of the most attractive aspects of this oil is that it can support physical and emotional health. When used topically or inhaled, it can help alleviate body pains and promote healthy digestion. The warm and spicy aroma of Nutmeg Oil can also evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation, making it an excellent addition to recipes.
Candle Recipes
Candles have always been a go-to item to create a cozy atmosphere. Nutmeg Essential Oil is a perfect addition to candle recipes. The warm and soothing nutmeg aroma can help to create a calming and relaxing ambiance. Its sweet and spicy scent will make you feel cozy and comfortable.
Roll-On Recipes
One easy way to use this oil is by making a roll-on recipe. Doing so can help with digestion and body pain and improve overall mood. So why not give it a try? Whether you’re dealing with a pesky stomach ache or just need a little pick-me-up during the day, Nutmeg Essential Oil could be just what you need.
Diffuser Blend Recipes
Nutmeg Essential Oil is a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. With its ability to be incorporated into diffuser recipes, it can create a peaceful atmosphere and help to soothe anxiety when inhaled. The warm and spicy scent of nutmeg essential oil can ease tension in the mind and body, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Other Recipes
What to Blend With Nutmeg Essential Oil
With its sweet, spicy, and woody aroma, Nutmeg has a unique, warming and comforting fragrance. It blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Orange, Lavender, Blood Orange, Clove, Geranium, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Sandalwood, Tangerine, and Tea Tree Essential Oils.
Simply Earth Blends That Use This Oil
Gingerbread Blend
Aroma: Spicy
Gingerbread Essential Oil Blend uses Nutmeg Oil as one of its key ingredients, giving it a distinct spicy note that perfectly complements the sweet warmth of the other oils. The resulting scent will fill your home with holiday cheer and leave you feeling cozy and content.
What’s the Science Behind This Oil?
History Of Nutmeg Essential Oil
Nutmeg has a fascinating history that dates back to the 4th century. Originally discovered in Vietnam and South China, it was native to the Banda Sea Islands. Its early uses were for medicinal purposes, with many marketing it as a cure for the plague. The wars ensued over the control of the nutmeg trade were intense and numerous, demonstrating how valuable this spice was once considered. Though it’s no longer worth its weight in gold, nutmeg is still widely used worldwide and often regarded as a staple in most households. Its warm and comforting aroma has made it a favorite in many culinary creations, aromatherapy, and personal care products. The ongoing popularity of this spice is a testament to its versatility and enduring appeal.
Chemical Constituents
α-Pinene
α-Pinene is an organic compound found in the oils of many species of coniferous trees, notably the pine. It is an anti-inflammatory and is likely antimicrobial. It is also known to aid memory and increase alertness.
β-Pinene
β-Pinene is a monoterpene, an organic compound found in plants. It has a woody-green, pine-like aroma.
Sabinene
Sabinene is isolated from the essential oils of a variety of plants. It is one of the chemical compounds that contributes to the spiciness of black pepper and is a major constituent of carrot seed oil.
What Earthies Are Saying About It
A Meticulous Farm in Java, Indonesia
Simply Earth’s Nutmeg Essential Oil is sourced from a farm in Java, Indonesia, where nutmeg trees thrive in the tropical climate. The farm has been in the essential oil business for 15 years and takes great pride in using only organic fertilizer and practicing meticulous cultivation and extraction techniques. The seeds are even harvested by hand, ensuring the highest quality and purity possible. Trust Simply Earth to provide you with the best Nutmeg Essential Oil on the market.
Things to Remember When Using This Oil
Nutmeg Essential Oil can be skin irritating. Use caution when using it on your skin, being sure to dilute it properly. Check out this dilution chart for diluting Nutmeg Essential Oil properly.
This essential oil is safe to use with kids age 10+.
This oil is generally safe to use if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor prior to use.
Avoid using this oil around cats & dogs.
For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.
For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless under the direction of a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils check out this blog post.
Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those who have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Reference:
- Carl-Hermann Hempen, Toni Fischer. A Materia Medica for Chinese Medicine, 2009
- Ashokkumar K, Simal-Gandara J, et al. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) essential oil: A review on its composition, biological, and pharmacological activities. 2022 Jul
- Zhang WK, Tao SS, et al. Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo. 2016 Apr
- Lee MS, Lee HW, Khalil M, Lim HS, Lim HJ. Aromatherapy for Managing Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. 2018 Nov
- C R Kholibrina, A Aswandi. The aromatherapy formulation of essential oils in reducing stress and blood pressure on human. 2021
- Muchtaridi, Subarnas A, et al. Identification of compounds in the essential oil of nutmeg seeds (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) that inhibit locomotor activity in mice. 2010 Nov