DavidWolfe.comCan you smell it? The scent may remind you of a warm autumn afternoon. But nutmeg oil has many incredible health benefits, so you’ll want to use it year round. Nutmeg comes from the nutmeg tree, also called Myristica fragrans. This tree and its fruit offer up many medicinal and culinary benefits.
To obtain nutmeg essential oil, the seed of the nutmeg tree fruit is gathered. The fruit, when dried, produces nutmeg (the seed) and mace (the covering). Traditionally, nutmeg was believed to be effective against the plague and was therefore popular during the Elizabethan Age. Today, nutmeg is still popular as a spice worldwide, especially in potato and meat dishes in Europe and curries in Asia. (1)
10 Health Benefits of Nutmeg Oil
1. It Reduces Pain As An Anti-Inflammatory
Nutmeg oil is very useful for treating muscular and joint pain because it is an excellent sedative. It is also anti-inflammatory, so massaging nutmeg essential oil on an affected area is an soothing treatment for arthritis, rheumatism, and lumbago. Nutmeg essential oil is an essential part of Chinese medicine when it comes to treating abdominal pain and inflammation. It also reduces swelling of the joints. Overexertion often leads to body or muscle ache, and in such cases, this oil can be very useful in removing the pain. (2)
2. Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Some women face menstrual irregularities and suffer from menstrual cramps. Nutmeg oil is very helpful for these women, and it can also reduce the associated symptoms of periods like mood swings, depression, and hormone imbalance.
3. Nutmeg Essential Oil Treats Indigestion
Nutmeg oil helps with digestion, but it also relieves stomach aches and removes gas from the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it is good for indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea. It also encourages an increase in appetite.
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Nutmeg essential oil is a good stimulant for both the mind and the rest of the body. Its relaxing aroma comforts the body, increases blood circulation and therefore helps those who have poor blood circulation.
5. Treats Respiratory Problems Like Colds
Nutmeg oil composes a key ingredient in many cough syrups and cold rubs. The reason? It helps in relieving congestion and cold symptoms. Many use nutmeg essential oil to treat asthma for this reason.
6. Improves The Brain’s Cognitive Functions
Nutmeg oil stimulates the brain and helps removes mental exhaustion and stress. For this reason, nutmeg essential oil may improve the quality of your dreams. More intense, colorful, and positive dreams have been reported.
Nutmeg oil is a good remedy for anxiety as well as depression. The oil is often used in homeopathy. In the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, nutmeg was popular as an effective brain tonic in spite of its high cost and rarity. It also enhances concentration and increases your overall efficiency at study and work. Research shows nutmeg essential oil has antioxidant properties, which may help explain this effect. (3)
7. Prevents Heart Problems
Nutmeg oil can also stimulate the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is considered a good tonic for the heart.
8. Eliminates Bad Breath
Next, nutmeg is excellent for oral health. For example, nutmeg oil is antiseptic in nature and is effective for toothaches and aching gums. Also, the aroma of nutmeg helps to remove bad breath. Therefore, companies add it to numerous toothpaste and mouthwashes formulas.
9. Treats Liver Disease
An important health benefit of nutmeg oil is its ability to treat liver disease. The oil is capable of removing toxins from the liver, thereby making it a good liver tonic.
10. Improves Kidney Health
Nutmeg oil is often recommended for treating kidney infections and kidney damage. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones and accumulated uric acid in other parts of the body, like those which lead to gout and joint inflammation. Research has shown nutmeg essential oil has anti-bacteria effects. (4)
A final note of caution. Excessive use of nutmeg oil by inhalation or ingestion can lead to hallucinations, visual impairment, delirium, and prolonged sleep. It can act as a stimulant or a depressant of your central nervous system. Additionally, overdosing can lead to side effects, such as convulsions, vomiting and delirium. So use care when consuming nutmeg essential oil. It should only be applied externally in low doses after consulting a health care professional.