Description
Nutmeg 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.
This 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 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 of Nutmeg
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, but is also found in Peneng, Java and Sri Lanka.
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
Nutmeg oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried seeds.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of nutmeg oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, safrole, methyl eugenol and myristicin.
Precautions
Nutmeg oil is considered non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing, yet in very large dosage may become toxic with symptoms such as nausea and stupor, which is most likely due to the myristicin contained in the oil (mace oil has a higher concentration of myristicin than normal nutmeg oil). This oil should not be used during pregnancy.
Therapeutic Properties
The therapeutic properties of Nutmeg oil are analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, laxative, parturient, stimulant and tonic.
Uses
Nutmeg 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.
Summary
Nutmeg oil is useful for the digestive system, to stimulate the heart, help with muscle pains and assist with sexual problems.
- 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.
- Creams or lotions
- Although it is not recommended that nutmeg 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.
More information about Nutmeg Oil
Skin & Hair Care ~ recommended to treat dull, oily & wrinkled skin ~ excellent deodorant properties ~ helpful to prevent body odour, reduces bacteria & skin infections ~ inhibits growth of fungal infections ~ treats boils & cold sores
Body Care ~ helps relieve frigidity, impotence & sexual problems
Digestive System ~ treatment for flatulence, nausea, vomiting & diarrhoea ~ stimulates digestion ~ excellent for abdominal aches, pain & inflammation
Immune System ~ pain relieving properties (analgesic)
Lymphatic System ~ detoxifying properties ~ removes toxins from the liver
Musculoskeletal System ~ recommended for the treatment of muscular & joint aches & pains, rheumatism, arthritis & lumbago ~ warming properties ~ anti-inflammatory properties ~ helps alleviate pain & swelling ~ gout & joint inflammation ~ promotes circulation
Nervous System ~ helpful for depression, anxiety, mood swings, mental exhaustion, fatigue & stress ~ seductive properties ~ brain tonic ~ enhances concentration ~ energizes & balances the body
Reproductive System ~ helpful for menstrual cramps, irregular menstruation, mood swings, depression & hormone imbalances ~ aids birthing as stimulates contractions
Respiratory System ~ helps relieve congestion, cold symptoms, coughs & asthma
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ releases depression, doubt & resistance ~ embraces flexibility, spontanaity & joy ~ move forward easier in life ~ brings deams & hope ~
Blends well with ~ Bay, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cajeput, Cananga, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Eualyptus Lemon Scented, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Geranium, Ginger, Gingergrass, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Mandarin, May Chang, Melissa, Oakmoss, Peru Balsam, Orange, Peppermint, Petitigrain, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Tangerine, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritating & non-sensitizing
