Nutmeg

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  • Nutmeg essential oil is obtained by steam-distilling the dried kernels of the ripe seeds of the nutmeg.
  • This fruit is native to Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands, but is also grown in Java (Indonesia), Penang (Malaysia), and Sri Lanka. The evergreen tree from which nutmeg is derived also produces another type of spice: mace.
  • There are several types of nutmeg oil, and their compositions vary greatly depending on where the plant was cultivated. However, studies have shown similarities between the East Indian oils (those produced in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia) and the West Indian samples (oils created in Grenada and the Caribbean).
  • The main constituents of nutmeg essential oil found in both varieties include sabiene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, limonene, terpenes, safrole, and myristicin. West Indian oils often have higher amounts of alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and sabiene (which comprise about 40 to 50 percent of the oil), but have low amounts of safrole and myristicin. On the other hand, East Indian oils have more myristicin content.

Contents

Uses

  • As an essential oil, it is used as a natural treatment for digestive problems, arthritis, and other health conditions. Using nutmeg oil has a number of benefits.
  • Bad breath: Nutmeg oil, when used as a gargle, helps address bad breath. It can also help eliminate toxins from your gut that may contribute to foul-smelling breath.
  • Massage oil: When used as one, nutmeg essential oil can help relieve muscle pain, swelling, inflammation, and even promote circulation. Oil of nutmeg can also be used as a natural painkiller and treat menstrual discomfort.
  • Sleeping aid: Nutmeg oil has a sedative and calming effect. It can relieve stress, helping improve the quality of sleep and make dreams more intense and colorful.
  • Stimulant:Nutmeg oil can help remove exhaustion and treat anxiety-related symptoms. It can also enhance your concentration.
  • Detoxification agent: This oil helps remove toxins from your liver and kidneys, as well as helps dissolve kidney stones and uric acid.
  • Flavoring agent: To replace ground nutmeg, which can leave food particles in food and beverages, nutmeg oil has been used as a natural flavoring extract.

Benefits

  • Numerous studies have already shown that nutmeg essential oil and its chemical compounds have beneficial properties that make it useful for the prevention of various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, bacterial and viral infections, and even cancer.
  • In one research, it was found that the nutmeg essential oil contained several phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, and glycosides. This finding demonstrated nutmeg oil’s efficacy against various infectious diseases. Furthermore, nutmeg oil showed potent antimicrobial activity against the following infectious pathogenic strains: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  • Experiments in animal studies determined that the essential oil of nutmeg possessed anti-carcinogenic properties, as the compounds in the oil interfere with the activities of enzymes involved with the activation and detoxification of xenobiotic substances, such as carcinogens and mutagens.
  • In both Western and Eastern medicine, nutmeg oil is known for its stimulant, carminative, astringent, deodorizing, narcotic, and aphrodisiac properties.

Cautions

  • Like with other essential oils, nutmeg plant oil is very concentrated and should never be used undiluted. Make sure that it is diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or Almond Oil. To check if you have sensitivities to this oil, apply a drop of oil to a small area of your skin and observe for any adverse reactions.
  • Some parties are concerned about the use of nutmeg because of its myristicin content, which has hallucinogenic properties. Know that this chemical compound is only dangerous when isolated, and the essential oil only contains about 4 percent. Use the oil in moderation.
  • Because the oil can act as a stimulant, it should not be used by people with epilepsy. Pregnant women should also exercise caution. Consult a doctor before use. Children below six should be kept away from this essential oil, as they may experience sensitivities.
  • 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. *Overdosing can lead to side effects, such as convulsions, vomiting, and delirium.
  • Always consult your physician or a trained aromatherapist before using nutmeg essential oil or any herbal oil for that matter.

References

Source: “Nutmeg Oil: An Essential Oil to Go Nuts For”, articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/nutmeg-oil.aspx

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