Nutmeg - More than Just a Spice!
Nutmeg essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dried nutmeg kernels. Nutmeg is native to the Spice Islands but also grows in Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Famous as a spice, the essential of nutmeg has many other properties.
Nutmeg oil contains phytochemicals that can help fight off certain infectious diseases; people in medieval times may well have been onto something when they used it as a treatment for the Plague! Unfortunately spice merchants took advantage of nutmeg’s popularity and charged exorbitant prices for the spice oil, which only the wealthy could afford.
Nutmeg oil has long been used in Ayurvedic practice to treat fever, respiratory problems, headaches and stomach aches. It can also treat arthritis as it is a natural pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory. Nutmeg provides relief from the 'flu and congestion too. The oil is an ingredient in many cough syrups, and can even be used to treat asthma.
Because of its powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties, nutmeg essential oil is ideal to add to soaps, candles, creams and toothpaste or mouthwashes (it is excellent for bad breath). It lends a spicy, woody scent to any lotion or candle and the aroma eliminates other bad odours.
Used in a massage oil blend, nutmeg essential oil can help relieve muscle pain, swelling and inflammation, and promote circulation. Nutmeg oil can also be used as a natural painkiller and treat menstrual discomfort.
Nutmeg is stimulating for skin and has restorative and curative properties for everything from sun spots to acne. Try this serum for age and sun spots:
Age Spot Serum
4 drops nutmeg essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops cypress essential oil
6 drops sandalwood essential oil
20 drops carrier oil of your choice
Mix together and store in a little pipette bottle or a roll on bottle. Apply to age spots and dark marks on your skin every morning and evening to reduce their appearance.
Apple Spice Room Spray
5 drops nutmeg essential oil
15 drops ginger essential oil
15 drops cinnamon essential oil
15 drops clove essential oil
120ml distilled water
30ml witch hazel
Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm
2 drops nutmeg essential oil
2 drops clove essential oil
4 drops cinnamon essential oil
2 tsp coconut oil
3 tsp beeswax pellets
1 tsp cocoa butter
2 tsp pumpkin seed oil
Melt the coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and pumpkin seed oil together in a bowl over hot water. Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oils. Pour into little jars and leave to set.
Nutmeg oil is calming and relieves insomnia and anxiety. Add a few drops to your burner to inhale the spicy and calming aroma or use in your yoga routine. Nutmeg oil can lift feelings of depression and mood swings - ideal for ‘that time of the month’! Nutmeg blends well with essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, orange, black pepper, clary sage, eucalyptus, ginger, and ylang-ylang oils.
