Origin
Botanical name of Nutmeg is Myristica Fragrans, Nux Moschata, M. Oromata or Myristica Officinalis. Nutmeg is an important spice amongst many other spices available. It is also known as Jatiphala and belongs to the Myristicaceae family. The evergreen Nutmeg tree grows up to a height of 65 feet with dull-yellow small flowers and dense foliage.
Origin of Nutmeg the tree is seen in Indonesia and is cultivated organically. It is grown in regions of Grenada and Malaysia, having tropical climate, nowadays. The Dutch East India Company used Nutmeg spice in trade. In Dutch modern day cooking, Nutmeg is used as an integral part especially for certain meats and seasoning vegetables.
The tree is also native to the Molucca islands but also found in Sri Lanka, Java and Penang. Fruit of the tree has resemblance to that of a peach fruit.
Aroma of nutmeg oil is rather spicy, sharp and musky. People in Italy used Nutmeg Oil during the Plague, Egyptians used it for embalming purposes while Indians used it to treat disorders in the intestine. Nutmeg was grated and mixed with lard and use as ointment for curing piles, during the Middle Ages. In the Modern Age it is used in making dental products, candles, soaps and lotion for hair.
Extraction
Steam distillation is used to obtain Nutmeg Oil from the dried nutmeg seeds. Two types of oils are extracted from Nutmeg. Interior part of the fruit contains a nut which is covered by a red waxy aril. Mace essential oil is distilled from the red waxy aril. Nutmeg Essential oil is distilled from the nut void of the red waxy aril. The nut in dried form is used for culinary purposes as nutmeg powder.
Blending Abilities
This stimulating, spicy and warm nutmeg essential oil blends with Ylang Ylang, sweeter oils, Petitgrain, Bay, Orange, black pepper, rosemary, Mandarin Red, Vanilla C)2, Tangerine, Lavender, Clove Bud, Cardamom, Bay Laurel, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium and other spices. The oil has a shelf life of 24 months.
Chemical Components
Chemical components of Nutmeg Essential Oil include myristicin, a-pinene, methyl eugenol, camphene, safrole, b-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, linanool, sabinene, y-terpinene, myrcene, 1,8-cineole, a-phellandrene, limonene and a-terpinene. Nutmeg Essential oil is well known for its therapeutic properties including digestive, analgesic, tonic, anti-rheumatic, stimulant, antiseptic, parturient, antispasmodic, laxative, carminative and emmenagogue.
Benefits
According to many sources it is used as part of blend to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout etc and is effective due to its anti inflammatory properties. Emotionally it is welcoming, warm, stimulating and invigorating. For people who have digestive problem, Nutmeg CO2 Extract works as an excellent digestive stimulant. Sore muscles and joints are easy to treat with a Nutmeg extract blend. Before using it on the skin, it needs to be significantly diluted. If used in excess it can cause tachycardia and nausea.
It averts constipation and encourages appetite and helps get rid of gall stones. Besides it relieves impotence, frigidity and regulates scanty periods. It helps strengthen contractions while aiding birth.
It also has an excellent toning effect if used on hair. Nutmeg Oil is used in making lotions and creams to provide relief against aches and painful muscles. Due to its stimulating effects it is a perfect choice to treat mental and physical fatigue. A nice aphrodisiac blend can be created by combining Nutmeg oil and Vanilla Co2 to treat impotence and frigidity.
Use In Aromatherapy
The spicy warming nutmeg essential oil is popularly used in aromatherapy to fight rheumatic pain, muscle pain and inflammations. At the same time it supports the reproductive and digestive system. It also invigorates and stimulates the mind. In Aromatherapy it is best used for its antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, anti bacteria, antiseptic, anti rheumatic, digestive and carminative properties to treat rheumatism, fatigue, neuralgia, flatulence, nausea, frigidity, muscular aches, gout, stimulate the mind, for indigestion and impotence.
Nutmeg essential oil is also generally used in bath and shower gels, oil diffusers, bath salt, spa treatment creams and oils, bath oil and potpourri. The CO2 distillation is a special method used to distill the full and nutty aroma of Nutmeg. Maintaining potent fragrance of Nutmeg oil is very necessary so that it delivers its healing properties to its fullest. By inhalation alone, Nutmeg essential oil can be used in major healing.
In Vapor Therapy the oil is used in vaporizers and burners. Diluting Nutmeg Oil in bath water is helpful with circulation, sexual problems, muscular pains and aches, rheumatism, gout and gall stones.
Things To Keep In Mind
If Nutmeg CO2 Extract is used in excess it could over stimulate the heart and brain in turn causing convulsions and hallucinations. This mental stimulant when added to a blend, has a sweet aphrodisiac spicy note. Besides this its stimulating effect could cause asthenia meaning debility or physical strength loss. The oil is non-sensitizing, non irritant and non toxic. Taking a large dose is toxic causing symptoms like stupor and nausea, mainly due to presence of myristicin in the oil.
Nutmeg oil is best to use in moderation. It could cause disorientation in individuals if taken in large amounts in undiluted form. It could irritate skin if used in concentrated form.This oil is best to use only with discretion. It must not be administered to small children and pregnant ladies without consulting a qualified health practitioner