Nutmeg
Myristica
Fragrans
 Native
to the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, nutmeg trees have
both nutmeg and mace. They come from the same
evergreen tree that grows to about seventy feet,
producing aromatic leaves and clusters of small yellow
flowers that eventually produce the fruits. Inside the
fruit, is the seed (nutmeg) covered with bright red
netting called aril that is the spice mace. Both
nutmeg and mace are similar in their medicinal
properties. The tree yields fruit after about eight
years and can continue for over sixty. The fruit is
picked when ripe, and the spices are separated and
dried.
Nutmeg was first brought to Europe from the Banda
Islands by Portuguese sailors in 1512 and soon was
regarded as a cure all and tonic. Later in the
Seventeenth Century the Dutch waged a bloody war,
including the massacre and enslavement of the
inhabitants of the island of Banda. They then took
complete control of nutmeg production in the East
Indies.
At one time, nutmeg was considered one of the most
valuable spices in the world. It has been said that in
England, several hundred years ago, a few nutmeg nuts
could be sold for enough money to enable financial
independence for life.
At the height of its value in Europe, nutmeg was carried
around by ladies and gentlemen as a demonstration of
wealth. Diners would flourish tiny graters and grate
their own in fancy restaurants. This Dutch monopole
was later neutralized as other countries, such a Great
Britain, planted nutmeg trees in their tropical colonies
lowering the price.
The health benefits of nutmeg oil include its ability to
treat stress, pain, menstrual cramps, and heart
disorders, indigestion, blood pressure, cough and bad
breath. The health benefits of nutmeg oil can be
attributed to its medicinal properties such as sedative,
stimulant, relaxing, anti inflammatory, antiseptic,
bactericide, etc. Traditionally, nutmeg was believed
to be effective against plague and hence it was popular
during the time of Elizabeth the First.
Brain Tonic:
Nutmeg oil stimulates the brain and therefore removes
mental exhaustion and stress. It is also believed that
nutmeg oil improves the quality of your dreams, making
them more intense and colorful. It is a good remedy for
anxiety as well as depression. Nutmeg oil is often used
in homeopathy. In the ancient Greek and Roman
civilizations, nutmeg was popular as an effective brain
tonic in spite of its high cost and rarity. Nutmeg oil
also enhances concentration and increases your overall
efficiency at study and work.
Menstrual
Cramps:
Some women often face menstrual irregularities and have
menstrual cramps. Nutmeg oil is very helpful for these
conditions.
Indigestion:
Nutmeg oil is good for digestion and helps in removing
stomachaches and removing gas from stomach and
intestine. Therefore, nutmeg oil is good for
indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. It
also encourages appetite. Care should be taken to
consume nutmeg oil internally in lower doses.
Diarrhea:
For fast relief, dissolve three pinches of ground nutmeg
in a glass of warm milk and sip slowly. For stomach
upset, add a small pinch of nutmeg to peppermint
tea
or sprinkle nutmeg over one tablespoon of honey.
Blood Pressure:
Nutmeg oil is a good stimulant not just for the mind but
also for the entire body. Its relaxing aroma comforts
the body, increases blood circulation and therefore
helps those who have poor blood circulation.
Respiratory
Problems:
Nutmeg oil forms an important ingredient in many cough
syrups and cold rubs as it helps in relieving cough and
cold. It is also believed that nutmeg oil can be used
for treating asthma.
Heart
Problems:
Nutmeg oil also stimulates the
cardiovascular system and therefore is a good tonic for
the heart.
Liver Tonic:
An important health benefit of nutmeg oil is its ability
to treat liver diseases. The oil is capable of removing
toxins from the liver, thereby making it a good liver
tonic.
Kidney:
Nutmeg oil is often recommended for
treating kidney infections and kidney diseases. It also
helps in dissolving kidney stones.
Child Birth:
A regular massage of the abdomen with nutmeg oil, three
weeks before delivery is believed to be very helpful for
childbirth. Nutmeg oil blends well with many other
essential oils including
lavender,
rosemary, orange,
black pepper, clary sage,
eucalyptus,
ginger, ylang ylang, etc.
Sources:
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Nathaniel's Nutmeg, by Giles Milton, Penguin Books, 2007
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