Description
Nutmeg is a spice that many associate with sweet baked goods. Nutmeg oil is derived from the dried seed of the nutmeg tree fruit and has multiple health benefits. When used to fight the signs of aging, nutmeg oil can reduce wrinkles, brighten dull skin, and help control oil. Nutmeg is a natural stimulant that increases blood circulation in the body, and reduces mental fatigue and stress in the brain. A massage with nutmeg oil can soothe aching muscles and joints, reduce inflammation, and alleviate menstrual cramps.
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- Spicy and woodsy aroma
- Aids in soothing muscle aches.
- Increases circulation.
INGREDIENTS
100% Essential oil of Nutmeg
HOW TO USE
Essential oils have the natural ability to heal, soothe, and stimulate. With antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, essential oils have a wide variety of uses.
Sniff essential oils right from the bottle for an instant pick-me-up, to relive anxiety, or to induce relaxation. Add to carrier oil, such as jojoba, and use in a soothing massage. Place a few drops in diffuser to eliminate household odors. Add to cleaning products for more antibacterial and antimicrobial power. During cold and flu season, diffuse daily to stimulate immunity. Mix with carrier oil and apply to the skin to heal wounds. Add a drop or two to your face serum and apply daily to and protect skin against the signs of aging.
Before applying to skin, do a patch test.
How to patch test – Wash, clean, and dry the area on your upper arm near the crook of your elbow. Apply small amount of essential oil and cover with a bandage. Leave the bandage on for 24 hours, then remove and check for irritation. If skin looks clear and there is no reaction after the allotted test time, the oil is presumably safe to use. If you feel irritation at any time duringthe test, remove bandage and wash area with soap and water.
Nutmeg Essential Oil
Nutmeg (also known as Myristica fragrans) essential oil has quite a rich and colorful history. The Egyptians used it for embalming the dead; the Indians used it to treat intestinal problems; and the people in the Elizabethan era believed it to be effective against the plague.
Since then, while still very much popular, nutmeg oil has taken a bit of a back seat. In recent years, however, we are seeing what can only be considered as the revival of nutmeg oil. The essential oil is added to soaps, body care products, hair care products, and even dental products.
Let’s dig deeper into this intriguing essential oil — everything from the plant it is extracted from to its ample uses and benefits.
What is Nutmeg Essential Oil Made Of?
Nutmeg essential oil comes from the dried kernels of the seeds of nutmeg. An evergreen, the nutmeg tree grows tall and can reach up to a height of approximately 22 meters. It is also the only tropical tree that bears two distinct spices. First, you have the nutmeg. The other spice is mace — a reddish lacy covering of the seed known for its mellow flavors and orange tinge.
Native to the Moluccas Islands, also known as the Spice Islands, you can now find an abundance of nutmeg trees in Java (Indonesia), Penang (Malaysia), and Sri Lanka, too.
How is Nutmeg Essential Oil Extracted?
Nutmeg essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the dried seeds of the nutmeg fruits. This involves applying hydraulic pressure to the seed in the presence of steam in order to release the essential oil from within. The steam is then condensed and the essential oil collected.
For the most part, the oil extracted is either colorless or light yellow and smells of nutmeg.
Benefits of Nutmeg Essential Oil
1. Relieves pain and inflammation
Nutmeg essential oil’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it extremely useful in alleviating pains — including joint pain, muscle pain, swelling, sores, and inflammation. Besides that, nutmeg oil’s warmth can also help with the mobility of stiff joints.
To quickly relieve pain, mix nutmeg essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and rub onto the affected area. Make sure to really massage the mixture in.
2. Helps to treat insomnia and improves the quality of sleep
Is the tossing and turning every night driving you mad? Sometimes it can be hard to fall asleep, no matter how many sheep you count every night. Here is how nutmeg oil can help: its sedative and calming properties help you to relax and fall asleep faster. It even helps you to stay asleep longer, too. Besides that, studies showed that the oil has the potential to improve the effectiveness of other prescribed sedatives, too.
For a good night’s sleep, inhale nutmeg oil right from the bottle. Alternatively, diffuse a blend of nutmeg oil and another essential oil that promotes relaxation and sleep. Do this about half an hour before bedtime to wind down and make it easier for you to catch those z’s.
3. Can potentially help with respiratory problems
You may find nutmeg essential oil to be useful if you are suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and coughs. This is why nutmeg oil is a common fixture in the ingredient list of many cough syrups and cold rubs.
4. Boosts digestive health
Indigestion, stomachaches, diarrhea, flatulence, loss of appetite, sluggishness, and queasiness; nutmeg essential oil can tackle and help with all of these conditions.
To help ease digestive problems, add five to seven drops of nutmeg oil into your bathwater. Another option is to blend a couple of drops of nutmeg oil with a carrier oil and use the mixture as a massage oil. Rub the mixture onto your stomach and abdomen area.
5. Eliminates bad breath
Bad breath is not only annoying but can also be a symptom of more serious issues. It could be a sign of build-up toxins in your organs or gut.
With nutmeg oil’s antibacterial properties, the oil helps to eliminate the said toxins. On top of that, the eugenol in nutmeg oil helps with toothaches and aching gum, too. As a result, you will see nutmeg essential oil is commonly added to toothpaste and mouthwashes.
To manage and get rid of bad breath, use nutmeg oil as a gargle. Or, you can also add a few drops of the oil to your toothpaste or mouthwash. If you would like to go all-natural, on the other hand, make your own natural toothpaste by mixing nutmeg essential oil with coconut oil.
6. A powerhouse skincare ingredient
Nutmeg essential oil is found in countless commercial cosmetic products such as lotions, moisturizers, and toners. Here is why: nutmeg essential oil does wonders for your skin.
First, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help to prevent acne, minimize breakouts, and even fade acne scars. Then, you have the oil’s astringent qualities which help immensely when it comes to shrinking pores for smoother skin.
If you need to even and brighten your complexion, look no further than nutmeg oil. Simply whip up a homemade facemask by mixing a few drops of nutmeg oil with lemon juice and some natural yogurt. Apply a thick layer of this mask onto your face and rinse it off after ten minutes.
In addition to the above, you can also add a drop of nutmeg oil to your cleanser, facial scrub, and toner for blemish-free skin.
7. Provides shine, softness, and volume for your hair
Shiny, soft, and voluminous tresses can be well within your grasp. All you have to do is include nutmeg essential oil in your hair care routine regularly.
With frequent use, the oil helps to promote and accelerate hair growth, giving you the volume you have been dreaming of. On top of that, the oil improves blood flow to your scalp. This helps not only for hair growth purposes but also gets rid of flaky skin and dandruff.
Simply add two drops of nutmeg essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner for noticeably healthier hair and scalp.
Mixing Nutmeg Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
Nutmeg essential oil’s aroma is warm, rich, spicy, and a tad bit sweet.
For a cozy night in, consider a blend of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and sweet orange essential oils. These oils complement each other beautifully.
Additionally, nutmeg oil pairs well with spicy, citrus, floral, and woody essential oils, too. So, try a blend of nutmeg oil with any of the following oils: orange, lemon, lime, mandarin, black pepper, clary sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, cypress, myrrh, frankincense, ginger, ylang-ylang, and lavender.
Other Good-to-Know Information
Due to its potency, a little nutmeg essential oil goes a long way. Always start small and you can build it up later on. Plus, it is also worth it to remember that nutmeg oil can be extremely toxic at high doses. Overdosing can lead to horrible side effects including convulsions, hallucinations, vomiting, and delirium.
As with all essential oils, check if you are allergic to this oil. Apply a drop of nutmeg oil on a small area of your skin before using it on your entire body.
Is Nutmeg Essential Oil Right for You?
While nutmeg essential oil is not strictly a necessity for most people, it remains an extremely useful essential oil to have around the house.
