4 Benefits of Nutmeg Essential Oil & Recipes

Nutmeg is the perfect flavor-enhancing spice for any dish or dessert. It’s warm and slightly nutty flavor makes it perfect for fall drinks and holiday treats. You’re probably most familiar with its ground form made from the tropical evergreen tree’s seeds, Myristica fragrans. It’s warm and slightly nutty flavor makes it perfect for fall drinks and desserts. But did you know that nutmeg essential oil can be used for wellness in addition to taste? Today, we’re diving into the uses and benefits of nutmeg essential oil. 

What is Nutmeg? 

Nutmeg spice comes from the native Indonesia evergreen tree, which can grow up to 50 feet tall! The nutmeg fruit is a sphere-shaped fruit with a brown seed that can be ground to make nutmeg spice. 

Nutmeg spice has benefits to relieve pain and inflammation, promote better sleep, balance digestion, improve heart health, and boost brain health. So if the spice itself can do all this, what are the benefits of a much more potent form of nutmeg, say the essential oil? 

I’m glad you asked. Nutmeg essential oil contains potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, making it excellent for health and wellness. Here are five uses and benefits of nutmeg essential oil. 

Benefits of Nutmeg Essential Oil 

Relieve muscle pain and body aches 

Nutmeg’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a great natural remedy for pain. (1). It is believed that nutmeg’s anti-inflammatory properties come from its ability to inhibit inflammatory enzymes (2). For pain associated with joint swelling, muscle aches, or injuries, use nutmeg topically. For those struggling with inflammatory conditions, nutmeg’s monoterpene compounds like pinene, sabinene, and terpineol may help reduce inflammation in the body! 

How to: Try combining 1-2 drops of nutmeg essential oil with 1-2 teaspoons of carrier oil. Massage onto areas of pain. 

Menstrual Cycle Support  

We can kill 2 birds with 1 stone when using nutmeg essential oil for our menstrual cycle. Whether your time of the month is full of cramps, constipation, or fatigue–nutmeg oil for menstrual pain can help. 

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that nutmeg oil is essential for abdominal pain and inflammation. By combining 1-2 drops of nutmeg oil with a teaspoon or two of carrier oil, you can massage onto the area of cramps or digestive upset for relief. 

If you struggle with energy during this week (or the week leading up to it!), then add 4-5 drops to a diffuser and inhale before trying to get any necessary work done. It will help boost energy and focus. 

Improve Mood and Energy 

Nutmeg can improve mood, reduce tension, boost energy, and foster confidence! Yup, that’s right–confidence.  Nutmeg’s sweet, rich, and warming aroma will improve alertness and cognitive retention. So when the days get shorter and you’re still at work, use nutmeg to stay productive. Try diffusing it in your office or inhale straight from the bottle! 

Bring nutmeg essential oil into your arsenal this fall and winter for an energizing mood boost. Try out this seasonal fall recipe to make your home smell great, and you feel terrific. 

Pumpkin Pie  

• 1 drop nutmeg 
• 5 drops cinnamon bark
• 1 drop clove

Bonus: nutmeg’s feminine and masculine aroma make it a fantastic natural alternative to synthetic fragrances. Mix a drop with a small amount of carrier oil and apply to wrist and neck. 

Seasonal Air Purifier 

Citrus oils make for great summer purifying oils, but what about come fall? Cleaning in the fall feels different. It’s time to jazz it up a bit. The holiday season has arrived, and family and friends will all be arriving soon. Dreams of pumpkin pies, yummy candles, and sweater weather make me want to change up my cleaning routine a bit. 

Nutmeg’s potent antibacterial properties make it fabulous for a air-purifying diffuser recipe. Make cleaning fun this season with this air purifying recipe.

Autumn Air 

• 2 drops balsam fir
• 3 drops lemon 
• 1 drop nutmeg 
• 2 drops wild orange

And that’s it! You’ve learned about all the benefits and potential uses of nutmeg oil. What are you most excited to use nutmeg essential oil for? Let me know in the comments below!