Nutmeg (Myristica fragans)
Location: Nutmeg grows in Grenada, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the dried kernel (nut).
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is clear with a hint of yellow. It has a sharp, warm and spicy aroma.
Description: An evergreen tropical tree growing to a height of 12 metres. Each male tree can pollinate up to 20 female trees, bearing peach-like fruits. The kernels are sold after drying, as nutmeg spice. Surrounding kernel is a layer of a reddish fleshy covering that is sold separately as the mace spice. Both can be used for extracting essential oils.
Background: First mentioned in Europe in the fifth century, nutmeg was traded by the Arabs and was important during the middle ages for various medicinal purposes. From 1605 until 1768 the Dutch took over the monopoly of nutmeg production, after which time production reverted back to Indonesia.
Properties: Warming, tonic, stimulant, digestive.
Precaution: This oil is best used in lower concentrations as it may be over stimulating.
Uses
Digestive System-Can help encourage appetite and stimulate digestion. Can be good for nausea and vomiting.
Respiratory System- Can be good to help strengthen the body against colds.
Muscular System-Useful for warming and toning the muscles and relieving rheumatic pain.
