Information on our Nutmeg Essential Oil
Nutmeg Essential Oil is extracted from Myristica fragrans (also known as Myristica officinalis, M. oromata and Nux moschata) of the Myristicaceae family and is also known as jatiphala.
Nutmeg Essential Oil, a warming spicy essential oil, is used in aromatherapy to fight inflammations and muscle as well as rheumatic pain, while assisting the digestive system and supporting the reproductive system, and at the same time stimulating and invigorating the mind.
Oil Properties
Nutmeg Essential Oil is sharp, spicy and rather musky in aroma. When the oil is made from the husks it produces mace. The oil we sell the is the oil extracted from the seeds, pure nutmeg oil.
Origin
It is an evergreen tree that grows up to 20 meters (65 feet) with dense foliage and small dull-yellow flowers. It is a native of the Molucca islands (indonesia), but is also found in Peneng, Java and Sri Lanka.
Our Nutmeg oil originates in Granada and is known as West Indian Nutmeg.
The fruit resembles a small peach and the oil is obtained from the kernel of the seeds.
It was used by the Indians for intestinal disorders, the Egyptians in embalming and by the Italians during the Plague.
During the Middle Ages it was grated and mixed with lard as an ointment for piles, but in modern times it is used in soap, candle making, dental products and hair lotions.
Extraction
It is extracted by steam distillation from the dried seeds.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Nutmeg Essential Oil are analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, laxative, parturient, stimulant and tonic.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical components of nutmeg oil are Sabinene, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, Terpinen-4-ol, γ-Terpinene, (+)-Limonene, α-Terpinene, β-Myrcene, Safrole, Methyleugenol
Summary
Nutmeg Essential Oil is useful for the digestive system, to stimulate the heart, help with muscle pains and assist with sexual problems.
Precautions
Nutmeg Essential Oil is considered potentially carcinogenic due to the content of Safrole and Methyleugenol. Caution should be taken when using this essential oil topically. It should be used in relatively low dilution rates and should not be used on broken and unhealthy skin.
As with most essential oils, this essential oil should be kept in a dark and cool place and should be stored in an airtight glass bottle (Preferably in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius / 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad).
Uses
Nutmeg Essential Oil stimulates the heart and circulation, activates the mind and revives people from fainting spells, while stimulating the digestive system and fighting wind, nausea, chronic vomiting and diarrhea.
It encourages appetite and averts constipation, fights gallstones and is a tonic for the reproductive system, while regulating scanty periods, relieving frigidity and impotence.
It can aid births by strengthening contractions. The oil has shown good anti-inflammatory action, and is also successful in relieving pain, especially muscular aches and pain, as well as rheumatism.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, nutmeg oil can be helpful with the nervous system, digestive system, muscular aches and pains, as well as invigorating and stimulating the mind.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
Used as a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, nutmeg oil helps with muscular aches and pains, gout, rheumatism, gallstones, arthritis, circulation, digestive disorders and sexual problems.
Blended in a Cream
Although it is not recommended that Nutmeg Essential Oil be used for skin care in general, any cream containing it can help with relieving muscular pains and aches. It has a good toning action on hair.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Do not use this essential oil topically. Avoid
2 to 6 years:
Face: Avoid
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: 0.0.25% to 0.5%
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.25% to 1%
Body: 0.25% to 1%
Bath: 0.25% to 1%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.25% to 1%
Body: 0.25% to 1%
Bath: 0.25% to 1%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Blends
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, nutmeg oil blends particularly well with Black Pepper, Cypress, Geranium, Clary Sage, Rosemary and Orange.
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