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The benefits of Nutmeg essential oil range from pain relief and promoting better sleep to improving memory and concentration.
The spicy aroma of nutmeg also combines well with several other essential oils, making it a wonderful addition to several blends that are perfect for diffusing in fall and winter.
Nutmeg essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the dried kernel of the nut found inside the nutmeg fruit. The Myristica fragrans tree is indigenous to the Molucca Islands. It grows to about 50 feet high and produces bell-shaped, cream-colored waxy flowers and large fruit. Within the fruit is the nut that is steam distilled for its essential oil.
Nutmeg and mace essential oils are often used interchangeably but they aren’t the same. The confusion arises because they are both extracted from the same tree. However, both oils are different and have different properties too. The kernel of the nut is used to extract nutmeg oil while the filament-like red material that is wrapped around the nut is also used to extract mace essential oil.
Benefits of Nutmeg Essential Oil
Relieves Pain
Nutmeg essential oil is rich in safrole and d-borneol. Both of these compounds have powerful pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to reduce pain and joint swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis and overexertion. The oil also helps relieve pain resulting from stiff muscles.
There are several ways to get the benefits of nutmeg essential oil for pain relief:
Add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond and gently massage directly over the affected areas. This also works very well to soothe sore muscles after a strenuous workout.
For headache relief, add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage into temples.
Add a few drops to a warm compress or poultice and apply directly to painful areas.
For relief from whole body pain, add a few drops to a tub of warm water and soak in it for a few minutes. How to use essential oils in the bath correctly.
Opens Up Respiratory Passages
Nutmeg essential oil works very well to open up bronchial airways so you can breathe better. It also reduces spasms in the respiratory system, making it effective for soothing painful coughs. Nutmeg is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold rubs and herbal cough medicines.
The best way to use nutmeg essential oil to open up respiratory passages is by steam inhalation. Add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming water, hold your head directly over the vapors and breathe deeply. Create a tent with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping.
Adding a few drops of nutmeg oil to a warm bath will also work to open up respiratory passages but it’s not as effective as a steam inhalation. This is because you have to use it highly diluted in the bath, which also dilutes its effectiveness for this particular purpose.
Note: Never replace prescription medicines with essential oils for respiratory distress. Instead, use it as part of your wellness routine.
Alleviates Stress
Nutmeg contains two components that make it a potential hallucinogenic – Myristicin and elemicin. When used in small doses such as in a diffuser, these two components increase the activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Increased serotonin and dopamine levels are known to keep feelings of stress and anxiety at bay.
To get the stress-busting benefits of nutmeg essential oil, add a few drops to your diffuser and leave it on while you attend to your other chores.
Soaking in a warm bath to which you’ve added a few drops of nutmeg essential oil will also help ease away the day’s stress and exhaustion.
Improves Sleep Quality
The aroma of nutmeg oil has a sedative and calming effect. Inhaling the aroma can relieve stress, promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep.
Adding a few drops to your diffuser is the best way to use nutmeg essential oil for better sleep. If you find the scent too strong, add other relaxing essential oils such as lavender or valerian.
Sitting in a tub of warm water to which you’ve added a few drops of nutmeg oil can soothe tired muscles and help you relax so you get a good night’s sleep.
Another way to use nutmeg oil for sleep is by adding a drop to your night lotion and gently rubbing it into your skin.
Helps You Stay More Focused
It may sound contradictory that the same oil that improves sleep can also help you stay focused.
Here’s why it works that way.
Nutmeg lifts away exhaustion and induces a more relaxed feeling. When you’re lying down in bed, this can lull you into a drowsy state. However, when you’re trying to focus on that big project with a tight deadline, diffusing nutmeg essential oil eases fatigue and stimulates brain activity so you stay focused on the task at hand.
The best way to use this oil to stay more focused is by adding a few drops to your diffuser. This will give you the benefits of nutmeg essential oil over an extended period of time.
Great Additive to Essential Oil DIY Products
Nutmeg oil is commonly used in the cosmetic industry as a natural additive when making soaps, skin care products, and perfumes. This is because nutmeg has a warm, spicy aroma that adds more complexity to the scent of the end product. The aroma of nutmeg oil is not as overpowering as other spicy scents such as clove or cinnamon, making it ideal for the purpose.
Nutmeg is also used in several fall essential oil blends.
Snuggle Into The Season With Nutmeg Diffuser Blends
Nutmeg essential oil has a warm, spicy aroma that is energizing, comforting, and uplifting, making it perfect for use during the cooler fall and winter months. As an added bonus, you also get the benefits of nutmeg essential oil when you add it to any fall and winter blend.
Cozy Cabin Diffuser Blend
2 drop Nutmeg
2 drops Cinnamon
2 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Clove
Energizing Diffuser Blend
2 drops Orange
1 drop Cinnamon
1 drop Nutmeg
Pumpkin Pie Diffuser Blend
1 drop Nutmeg
1 drop Clove
5 drops Cinnamon
Christmas Diffuser Blend
3 drops Sweet Orange
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Nutmeg
Gingerbread House Diffuser Blend for the Holidays
2 drops Cinnamon
2 drops Ginger
2 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Clove
1 drops Nutmeg
More varieties of Gingerbread House Essential Oil Blends
Nutmeg is also a common ingredient in many Traditional Christmas Diffuser Blends including Egg Nog, Wassail, and Gingerbread House blends.
Best Essential Oil Diffusers For Nutmeg Essential Oil & Blends
Using an aromatherapy diffuser is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy the benefits of nutmeg essential oil and blends.
Start with this budget-friendly list – Top-Rated Essential Oil Diffusers That Cost Less Than $25
If you’re diffusing the oil or blends in a large room, use one of these large-space essential oil diffusers to spread the scent around the whole room.
Plant Therapy’s new TerraFuse Diffusers are another fabulous option. They come in two sizes and in brown and cream colors.
For more options, read my reviews on these diffusers:
URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser
GreenAir Spa Vapor + Advanced Wellness Instant Healthful Mist Therapy diffuser
Aromis Wood and Glass Aromatherapy Diffuser
ZAQ Allay Litemist Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
COOSA Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser for Essential Oils
Cautions & Concerns When Using Nutmeg Essential Oil & Blends
Nutmeg essential oil is highly potent and can be toxic in high doses. A little goes a long way, whether you are adding it to create your own blends or any other skincare products.
Do not use nutmeg essential oil on children below 12 years of age.
Nutmeg oil contains limonene, which is also found in citrus essential oils. Avoid nutmeg essential oil if you are allergic to limonene.
Do a patch test on a small area of skin to test for allergic reactions before applying nutmeg oil on your skin.
As with all other essential oils, do not apply nutmeg oil directly on your skin in concentrated form. Always dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut or grapeseed oil before topical application.
Keep nutmeg essential oil away from the eyes, nose, and mucous membranes.
Avoid nutmeg essential oil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding trying to become pregnant, or suffer from seizures.
Best to avoid taking nutmeg essential oil internally as it can have hallucinogenic effects and cause acute nutmeg intoxication.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
