Nutmeg (Mace)
Myrystica Fragrans
Nutmeg (Mace) Oil is a spicy, slightly sweet and woody essential oil which can be used in cooking to flavour food. It can also be applied topically to help with muscle and joint pain, and can help with menstrual pain and hormonal imbalances.
History of Nutmeg Oil
The first confirmed use of Nutmeg in Europe was around the twelfth century when Arab traders brought it to the Mediterranean - having previously spun stories to try to keep it for themselves! It quickly shot to fame across Europe when doctors announced it as the only antidote to the Black Death. It was so popular, in fact, that it sparked a war! The nutmeg war refers to a time where the Dutch controlled the nutmeg market so ruthlessly that their ownership did not waive until the Dutch East India Company went bankrupt. Since then, nutmeg has been popular in cooking, medicine and aromatherapy all across the world.
Nutmeg Oil is produced from the inner seed of the Myristica Fragrans plant, which is coated in a bright red husk. The husk can also be used to make an essential oil - which is known as Mace Oil. Mace Oil is more expensive, due to a lower yield; Nutmeg Oil is sweeter and more common.
The Ancient Egyptians used Nutmeg Essential Oil as part of the mummification process, as it was believed to have mystical healing powers, and also to be an aphrodisiac. It was thought to enhance sexual arousal and fertility across Asia and the Middle East, where it is still a staple in traditional medicine. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Nutmeg Oil is used to treat digestive issues and menstrual pains.
So, how has Nutmeg Oil stayed so popular this whole time?
Probably because of its versatility and the urban legends surrounding it! Even today, nutmeg is considered Haram - meaning forbidden in Islamic Law - because of its hallucinogenic effects. Do not worry, though, you would have to consume two entire nutmeg seeds to feel any adverse effects. A few drops of Nutmeg Oil is all you need to experience its health benefits, of which there are many.
Nowadays, Nutmeg Oil is a popular choice to ease muscular pains, especially during childbirth, and to improve sexual dysfunctions. It is also used in dentistry to relieve toothache and promote healthy teeth and in medicine to increase appetite, aid digestion and settle stomach problems. Nutmeg Oil is a staple in aromatherapy due to its stimulating properties that are said to improve focus. The aroma is sweet, spicy and nutty, which might be the reason that it is so popular during colder months.
Have you ever tried Nutmeg Oil? Is it a staple in your essential oil collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear your stories and thoughts on your oils, so feel free to reach out to one of us today!
Extracting Nutmeg Oil
Like many essential oils, Nutmeg Oil is produced using a process called steam distillation. This process involves passing steam over specific parts of the plant, passing the resulting water vapour into a cooling chamber and skimming the oil off the top once it separates from the water. Unlike other essential oils, there are two parts of the plant which can be used in steam distillation. The seed of the nutmeg produces the cheaper and more common variety, whilst the bright red webbing surrounding the seed is used to produce the rarer oil, which is called Mace Oil. It takes much less nutmeg to produce its oil than with other essential oils, with yields being as high as 15%. On the other hand, it takes 100 nutmegs to create just 75 grams of Mace Oil!
Can I make Nutmeg Oil at home?
You can! In comparison to some essential oils that are extracted using steam distillation, Nutmeg Oil needs less of the plant to produce. This means that you could purchase a smaller replica of the industrial steam distillation kit, and create your own at home. If you do not want to purchase the kit, you could replicate the steam distillation process using a large saucepan. Although it is possible to do, it is one of the more common essential oils, so we recommend buying nutmeg oil online instead.
If you are mostly interested in the aroma of Nutmeg Oil, you could try creating an infusion instead. To do this, crush the nutmeg seeds and place in a glass container with your favourite carrier oil - we love Jojoba Oil for this as it will not disrupt the scent of the nutmeg! Leave the jar in the sunlight (or another very low heat if you do not get any), and leave it for a couple of days. Give the container a shake/stir every so often and voila! Your very own nutmeg-infused oil.
Can I make Nutmeg Oil at home?
You can! In comparison to some essential oils that are extracted using steam distillation, Nutmeg Oil needs less of the plant to produce. This means that you could purchase a smaller replica of the industrial steam distillation kit, and create your own at home. If you do not want to purchase the kit, you could replicate the steam distillation process using a large saucepan. Although it is possible to do, it is one of the more common essential oils, so we recommend buying nutmeg oil online instead.
If you are mostly interested in the aroma of Nutmeg Oil, you could try creating an infusion instead. To do this, crush the nutmeg seeds and place in a glass container with your favourite carrier oil - we love Jojoba Oil for this as it will not disrupt the scent of the nutmeg! Leave the jar in the sunlight (or another very low heat if you do not get any), and leave it for a couple of days. Give the container a shake/stir every so often and voila! Your very own nutmeg-infused oil.
Mace Oil Varieties
Nutmeg Oil Varieties
Not only are there different types of Nutmeg Oil, but the nutmeg plant is also used to make another essential oil! Around the outside of the nutmeg seed is a bright red webbing called the aril. This aril is used to create Mace Oil, which is a less common version of Nutmeg Oil. Mace Oil has a stronger, spicier aroma than nutmeg oil, but due to it being much smaller than the nutmeg seed, it is considerably more expensive. Nutmeg Oil, therefore, is the most popular essential oil made from the plant.
In addition to the part of the plant, the location in which it grew also contributes to the quality of Nutmeg Oil. Studies have found that Nutmeg Oil from the Caribbean area is weaker and less spicy than Nutmeg Oil from Indonesia and South-East Asia. Additionally, there are mild variations between Nutmeg Oil originating in India and Sri Lanka, with Indian oil being better for cleansing and uplifting, whilst Sri Lankan oil is better for soothing and aiding digestion.
Which variety of Nutmeg Oil should I use, then?
That completely depends on what you want to get from it! If you are using it for cooking, we recommend Mace Oil for savoury dishes and Nutmeg Oil for sweet! Although Mace Oil is spicier than Nutmeg Oil, it has also been found to lose its flavour faster, so try adding it right at the end of your cooking. It is very important to remember that too much Nutmeg (or Mace!) Oil can be toxic, so only use a few drops - as most recipes will require.
If you want to use your oil for aromatherapy or its health benefits, you can be more specific with the variety you buy. Look for 100% organic Nutmeg Oil from Sri Lanka if you want it to help you wind down or relieve digestive issues. Alternatively, if you are looking for an energiser, look for 100% Nutmeg Oil from East India.
In addition to the part of the plant, the location in which it grew also contributes to the quality of Nutmeg Oil. Studies have found that Nutmeg Oil from the Caribbean area is weaker and less spicy than Nutmeg Oil from Indonesia and South-East Asia. Additionally, there are mild variations between Nutmeg Oil originating in India and Sri Lanka, with Indian oil being better for cleansing and uplifting, whilst Sri Lankan oil is better for soothing and aiding digestion.
Which variety of Nutmeg Oil should I use, then?
That completely depends on what you want to get from it! If you are using it for cooking, we recommend Mace Oil for savoury dishes and Nutmeg Oil for sweet! Although Mace Oil is spicier than Nutmeg Oil, it has also been found to lose its flavour faster, so try adding it right at the end of your cooking. It is very important to remember that too much Nutmeg (or Mace!) Oil can be toxic, so only use a few drops.
If you want to use your oil for aromatherapy or its health benefits, you can be more specific with the variety you buy. Look for 100% organic Nutmeg Oil from Sri Lanka if you want it to help you wind down or relieve digestive issues. Alternatively, if you are looking for an energiser, look for 100% Nutmeg Oil from East India.
Benefits of Nutmeg Oil
Nutmeg Oil is a popular choice to ease muscular pains, especially during childbirth, and to improve sexual dysfunctions. It is also used in dentistry to relieve toothache and promote healthy teeth and in medicine to increase appetite, aid digestion and settle stomach problems. Nutmeg Oil is a staple in aromatherapy due to its stimulating properties that are said to improve focus.
So, what are some of the benefits of Nutmeg Oil?
Aphrodisiac
As the ancients believed, Nutmeg Oil is a natural aphrodisiac, and is often used to treat sexual disorders. It is also known to energise and calm, which is useful when it comes to romance. Mixing a few drops with your favourite massage oil will give it an added romantic touch.
Better circulation
A great health benefit of Nutmeg Oil is its ability to help blood pump around our bodies faster. This is due to its energising and anti-inflammatory properties!
Better oral health
One way that almost all of us use Nutmeg Oil without even noticing is in our toothpaste! Nutmeg Oil has been used for centuries in dentistry, and can be found in loads of our dental hygiene products. The reason for this is that its antibacterial properties are great at reducing bad odour and preventing cavities.
Flavour
True to its original use, Nutmeg Oil is a great addition to foods, sweet or savoury. Cheese sauce, pumpkin pie and any sort of cake are our favourites, but there are loads of amazing recipes that Nutmeg Oil can enhance.
Relaxation
A popular use of Nutmeg Oil in aromatherapy is to create a calm, soothing atmosphere. A few drops in an electric diffuser is enough to keep you relaxed all day!
Skincare
Nutmeg Oil is a great cleanser and it also brightens the skin. Mixing a few drops with your favourite moisturiser will give your skin a little antioxidant boost, and can also treat acne and the scars that it leaves.
Remember that these are just some of our favourite uses for Nutmeg Oil, and there are loads more benefits for you to try out! Also, what works for one person will not always work for another. Even if someone else recommends using an essential oil, do a patch test (preferably on your foot!) before using. Nutmeg Oil should not be put directly onto the skin, so always dilute it with a carrier oil or something similar!
Uses of Nutmeg Oil
Here at Essentially Yours, we love sharing our tips, tricks and information about essential oils so that you can use your collection to its fullest. Whether or not you have used an oil before, our website has all the answers. In this blog, we are going to talk about some of our favourite uses for Nutmeg Oil. These are only a few of the potential uses, though, and there are loads more to try out yourself!
Acne
The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of Nutmeg Oil make it great for skincare, and especially for treating acne. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil (we love Rosehip Oil for this as it is so soothing) and dab the mixture onto the affected area
Aromatherapy
Nutmeg’s sweet but spicy, earthy and nutty scent makes it an absolute favourite in aromatherapy. As well as its unique aroma, it has the ability to uplift and energise or relax and soothe as needed. A few drops in your diffuser mixed with either Grapefruit or Lavender Oil will leave you feeling either energised or relaxed.
Cooking
As with nutmeg seeds (and ground mace!), the essential oil version brings deep flavour to a dish, whether sweet or savoury. When it comes to nutmeg: less is more. So, only use 1 or 2 drops in any dish.
Enhance your massages
As with many essential oils, adding a few drops of Nutmeg Oil to your favourite massage or carrier oil can provide many benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a great option for relieving sore muscles; its aphrodisiac properties make it a lovely option for sensuality; its soothing properties are perfect for relieving menstrual cramps. There are loads of reasons to use Nutmeg Oil in your massages!
Mouthwash
A few drops of Nutmeg Oil, Peppermint Oil and Bicarbonate of Soda in some water will make a great natural alternative to artificial mouthwash. Do not swallow the mixture, just rinse and gargle and spit!
Perfume
For a DIY festive perfume, try adding a few drops of Nutmeg Oil along with Orange Oil and Clove Oil to a carrier such as Almond Oil and store in a glass roller or dropper bottle for a natural alternative to commercial perfumes
Despite its many benefits, too much Nutmeg Oil (as with nutmeg itself) can be toxic. We do not recommend using Nutmeg Oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. As with all essential oils, conduct a patch test 24 hours before using on your face, preferably on your feet. Nutmeg Oil should not be applied directly to your skin so make sure you dilute it with your favourite carrier oil. Almond Oil has a gorgeous nutty scent that mixes perfectly with Nutmeg, but it blends well with most carrier oils!
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours, we love sharing our knowledge about essential oils so that you can use your collection to its full potential. Whether you want to find out about new oils or learn some new uses for a well-loved one, our website has got you covered. In this blog, we are going to talk about Nutmeg Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Almond Oil
Our favourite carrier oil to mix with Nutmeg Oil, simply because of the scent. Being popular in skincare products, Almond Oil will blend perfectly with Nutmeg to soothe and nourish any skin type.
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Bergamot Oil
Another spicy festive scent, Bergamot Oil pairs with Nutmeg perfectly to create a mix that smells just like Christmas! A few drops of each in an electric diffuser will have your home smelling like December all year round.
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Cardamom Oil
For a spicy blend that kicks bad breath, Nutmeg and Cardamom are a dream come true! Both are popular for promoting oral hygiene and have peppery aromas that will invoke autumnal feelings even in summer.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Mixing Nutmeg Oil with Eucalyptus Oil will create an energising scent that is earthy and slightly minty. A few drops of both into a bowl of boiled water will make the perfect DIY steam bath to rid yourself of cold and flu symptoms.
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Ginger Oil
Fragrant ginger goes well with just about anything, but we especially love it paired with Nutmeg. As well as an incredibly fresh, spicy aroma, Ginger Oil also helps aid digestive issues, making it a match made in heaven with Nutmeg Oil!
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Jojoba Oil
As a firm favourite in massage therapy, Jojoba Oil is the perfect carrier oil to create your own massage oil, because it barely has any scent at all! It is also very runny, so spreads and drips perfectly.
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Sandalwood Oil
It is an Australian favourite but Sandalwood Oil is popular in aromatherapy blends across the world. The antiseptic properties make this blend a soothing pain reliever, especially for issues such as headaches and stomach pains.
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