Nutmeg essential oil is extracted from the seeds of the evergreen nutmeg tree, belonging to the genus Myristica. The genus is a native of the Banda islands in Indonesia. Nutmeg essential oil is extracted from the kernel and the outer covering of the fruit of the nutmeg tree by the process of steam distillation. Nutmeg essential oil is characterized by its warm and pungent odor.
Nutmeg essential oil is a vital component of aromatherapy, an alternative therapy that uses concentrated plant extracts like essential oils to relieve various health problems. Some of the health benefits of nutmeg essential oil are as follows:
- Nutmeg essential oil is a potent analgesic which helps in relieving pain in body.
- Nutmeg essential oil is anti-inflammatory in action. It can be used to cure inflammatory disease like arthritis and rheumatism.
- It is a rich source of anti-oxidants. It helps in negating the effect of free radicals, which are produced as a result of various physiological reactions in the body. As such, nutmeg essential oil helps in fighting cancer cells or oncogenes. Also, on account of its anti-oxidant properties, it acts as an anti-ageing element, thereby helping you retaining your youth for longer.
- Nutmeg essential oil is a potent stimulant, especially for your digestive system. It stimulates your stomach and digestive tract to secrete various enzymes to help hasten digestion. This property of the nutmeg essential oil also helps in speeding up bowel movements, thereby preventing constipation.
- Nutmeg essential oil also acts as a tonic for your body. In fact, it serves to reduce fatigue and weakness.
- Nutmeg essential oil helps in stimulating your nervous system, thereby preventing nervous fatigue. It also helps prevent and combat depression and anxiety.
- Nutmeg essential oil also enhances the circulation of blood and other body fluids like lymph in the body, thereby sustaining all the other physiological processes of the body like respiration, digestion, and excretion.
- Nutmeg essential oil is also a potent aphrodisiac, which helps in enhancing sexual desire, which in turn is essential in maintaining the general health of the body.
- Nutmeg essential oil is also known to relieve menstrual cramps, thereby relieving pre-menstrual symptoms.
- Nutmeg essential oil is known for its strong smell which, if used as a mouthwash, can help relieve bad breath.
You should dilute nutmeg essential oil with a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or jojoba oil, before use. Also, you must consult an aromatherapy specialist before using nutmeg essential oil to relieve any ailments.