Nutmeg is a famous oriental spice, native to the Moluccas, the spice island of Indonesia. People often dry the seeds, grind them into powder, and make them into seasonings to add to bread, meat, snacks or coffee. The essential oil extracted from nutmeg seeds by distillation has a strong spice flavor, a bit like musk, which makes people feel warm.
Like cloves, Europeans first obtained nutmeg from India. The myristicin contained in nutmeg has an exciting and hallucinogenic effect. Since the ancient Roman era, this exotic spice has been used as an aphrodisiac, so it is called "intoxicating fruit". The Romans also ground nutmeg into powder for incense, and burned it in large ceremonies to show solemnity.
Nutmeg is appetizing and digestive, which is the basis for its use as a seasoning. It is also one of the main spices in the traditional Chinese comprehensive spices "five-spice powder" and "thirteen spices". Nutmeg essential oil is also used in Ayurvedic therapy, mainly for treating fever, respiratory diseases, headaches and digestive discomfort. Traditional Chinese medicine uses nutmeg to treat gastrointestinal problems, especially diarrhea.
Nutmeg essential oil has many uses, in addition to being a natural remedy for common health conditions. Known health benefits of nutmeg essential oil include:
Relieve pain
Nutmeg essential oil is very effective for treating joint pain, body muscle pain caused by overwork, and is an excellent sedative. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. Massaging nutmeg compound oil on the affected area is an effective way to treat arthritis, rheumatism and low back pain. It can also reduce swelling in the joints and treat abdominal pain and inflammation. Apply a drop of nutmeg essential oil to a cotton swab and apply it around the painful gums to relieve swollen gums.
Help sleep and relieve stress
Nutmeg essential oil has a calming and sedative effect. It can relieve stress and help improve sleep quality. People also believe that this oil can improve the quality of your dreams, making them more intense, colorful, and positive.
Relieves menstrual cramps
Some women face menstrual irregularities and menstrual cramps. Nutmeg essential oil can also be very helpful for women as a natural pain reliever and treats menstrual discomfort. It can also reduce related symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and hormone imbalance.
Treats indigestion
Nutmeg essential oil aids in digestion and helps relieve stomach pain and expel gas from the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it can relieve indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nutmeg spice is added to food to stimulate digestion and increase appetite.
Improves blood circulation
Nutmeg essential oil is a great stimulant not only for the mind but also for other parts of the body. Its relaxing aroma can soothe the body and increase blood circulation, thereby helping those with poor blood circulation.
Treats respiratory problems
Nutmeg essential oil is an important ingredient in many cough syrups as it helps relieve congestion and cold symptoms. The oil is also believed to be useful in treating asthma.
Improve cognition
Nutmeg essential oil stimulates the brain, eliminates mental fatigue and stress, and has a good effect on anxiety and depression. Nutmeg essential oil can help eliminate fatigue, and aromatherapy improves concentration and improves overall efficiency in learning and work.
Eliminate bad breath
The woody aroma of nutmeg essential oil helps to remove bad breath. Add 2 drops to warm water and use it as a mouthwash. It is also antiseptic in nature and effective for toothaches and gum pain. Therefore, it is also added to many toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Improve kidney health
An important health benefit of nutmeg essential oil is its ability to treat liver disease. The oil is able to remove toxins from the liver and kidneys, as well as dissolve kidney stones and uric acid, making it a good liver tonic.