Nutmeg Essential Oil Health Benefits
Natural and pure nutmeg essential oil with its nutty, spicy and soft aroma is obtained through steam distillation from the dried seed of the myristica fragrans nutmeg tree species. Nutmeg oil is used in aromatherapy, ointments, fragrances, perfumes, soaps, candles, dental products and hair care products.
When a fresh whole nutmeg fruit ripens, it breaks open and reveals the pericarp or nutmeg pod and a lacy, web like red color tissue called mace or aril that surrounds a brown shell which encases a seed. The seed which is the nutmeg contains essential oil. Two of the major chemical compositions of the nutmeg oil are eugenol and isoeugenol.
The nutmeg pericarp also contains volatile oil but is lower in content compared to the mace and the nutmeg. The fresh pericarp is not eaten raw because it's bitter but is made into pickles, syrup and jam.
In Malaysia, besides eaten as pickles the pericarp of the nutmeg or buah pala is sliced, dried and added with sugar and eaten as snack. The dried grounded aril is used to add flavor to sauce and ketchup while the nutmeg powder is used to spice and add aroma to sweet dishes. The nutmeg oil has been used traditionally used as a rub or ointment.
The mace or aril contains volatile oil with spicy aroma and is used in men's spicy fragrance. The grounded mace is used to add flavor to sweet and savory dishes. It has similar flavor to nutmeg and is often used to substitute the use of nutmeg.
Medicinal Uses of Nutmeg Essential Oil
- As medicinal oil, massaging the temples with nutmeg oil may help relieve headaches.
- Adding 1 drop of nutmeg oil in tea or hot water may help relive fever and nasal congestion caused by the common cold or flu. You can also use it as steam therapy and inhale the steam.
- Drinking nutmeg tea may also provide relief from kidney and stomach cramps and diarrhea. It also aids digestion and is used as a home remedy for flatulence. Gargling nutmeg tea may help treat bad breath. Another way to take it internally is to add a drop of nutmeg oil to a glass of milk or soya juice.
- Diffusing nutmeg oil and inhaling the fragrance can help you rejuvenate, feel uplifted, stimulated and energized. It is helpful as home remedy for anxiety, depression and stress. It may also improve blood circulation and blood flow and stimulate the cardiovascular system.
- When used topically, nutmeg oil may provide relief from joint inflammation and muscle pains such as arthritis and rheumatism because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Applying a dab of nutmeg oil on a sore tooth or gum may numb the pain while you wait to see your dentist.
- Nutmeg essential oil was and is still used as an aphrodisiac. It is used as a remedy to treat impotence and frigidity and may also support the reproductive system. In certain cultures, nutmeg is used to support contractions during childbirth.
Always use nutmeg essential oil in moderation as a high dosage is known to provide a toxic and hallucinogenic effect. This is due to the presence of myristicin in the oil. According to a study conducted by the Division of Toxicology, National Food Administration, Uppsala, Sweden, several intoxications were reported after an ingestion of 5g of nutmeg corresponding to 1-2 mg myristicin/kg body weight. Vivo and vitro studies show that myristicin, when taken internally in small dosages, has the potential to prevent tumor formation.
When using pure nutmeg oil topically, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil such as almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil or olive oil. Nutmeg oil blends well with other essential oils such as cinnamon bark oil, clary sage, clove oil, geranium oil, orange oil, rosemary oil and vanilla oil.
If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid using nutmeg oil or any other essential oils before seeking advice or opinion from a doctor or professional aromatherapist.
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