Can nutmeg essential oil reduce pain and swelling?

Nutmeg has long been recognised for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

It was used in ancient Chinese medicine to soothe sore and swollen joints and is still employed for this purpose over a thousand years later.

A study in 2016 displayed nutmeg’s impressive anti-inflammatory powers when it tested its effectiveness against inflammatory joint pain and the accompanying swelling.

It was found that nutmeg was able to reduce inflammation around the area and relieve pain.

These pain-relieving benefits have also made nutmeg oil a famous remedy for treating menstrual cramps.

Its analgesic and emmenagogue properties have gained significant traction for helping to ease discomfort on top of regulating the menstrual cycle, controlling hormonal imbalances, and managing mood swings.

A 2018 study tested the effects of nutmeg, fennel, and marjoram against primary dysmenorrhea when massaged into the abdomen. Each displayed positive signs of relief for cramps before and during the menstrual cycle.

Does nutmeg oil help with sleep?

A relaxing oil, nutmeg is used by many to induce sleep and facilitate an environment of comfort and safety.

As nutmeg is a sedative, it can assist in directly relaxing the nervous system, which in turn allows for the release of serotonin in the brain.

An animal study that tested the effects of nutmeg oil on chickens found that it was able to increase both the quality and duration of sleep in the birds.

More recently, a study in 2016 found that taking capsules containing nutmeg was an effective way to decrease symptoms of insomnia in participants.

Diffusing nutmeg oil in the bedroom may be a great way to promote healthy sleeping patterns, as well as reduce anxiety or restlessness before bed.

How does nutmeg help digestion?

The soothing properties of nutmeg oil can also help to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Nutmeg is found to settle the digestive system and reduce gastric distress as a result of its anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its powerful levels of phytonutrients that can help keep gastrointestinal organs working as they should.

A study in 2002 found that nutmeg’s gut-calming effects can even help to reduce symptoms of diarrhoea, and many people have also found nutmeg to have a healing effect on stomach ulcers, constipation, and nausea, as well as appetite regulation.

To utilise these powerful properties in your day-to-day, try diluting nutmeg oil with a carrier oil and rubbing it on the lower abdomen. We do not recommend taking nutmeg essential oil internally unless it is explicitly stated to be food grade.

Can nutmeg essential oil be used to boost heart health?

Inflammation poses a big risk to heart health. Thankfully, nutmeg oil’s strong anti-inflammatory effects can help to protect the heart and reduce the risk of serious diseases.

A study in 2016 demonstrated these protective properties when it discovered that nutmeg was effective at lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, and many have claimed that nutmeg’s distinct aroma can promote healthy blood circulation by helping to transport oxygen to the cells around the body.

There is also some evidence that nutmeg oil can reduce the risk of blood clots. A study in 1996 found that nutmeg helped back the aggregation of blood clots in rabbits, however no concrete human trials have since appeared.

Can nutmeg oil help to increase libido?

While research is still unsure exactly how nutmeg oil enhances sexual activity and performance, its invigorating aroma has certainly been revered for its strong benefits in both men and women alike.

A study in 2005 tested these effects in relation to male sexual disorders, finding that nutmeg oil had a strong aphrodisiac quality without any adverse effects. It is said that this may be due to the oil’s ability to stimulate the nervous system.

Can nutmeg essential oil be used for respiratory issues?

Medicinally, nutmeg can be found in a number of cough syrups and cold rubs due to its supposed effects on the respiratory tract.

In spite of its spicy scent profile - which often does not facilitate these types of benefits – nutmeg oil is said to be an effective decongestant, largely due to its expectorant properties that can help loosen respiratory secretions.

An older 1970 study found that inhaling nutmeg successfully helped to decrease respiratory tract fluid in rabbits as a result.

What's the history of Nutmeg Essential Oil?

Nutmeg’s mystical myths and spiritual connections meant that the plant was not actually known to Greek or Roman civilisations, and instead gained most of its use in Ancient Egyptian societies as an important part of the mummification process.

When nutmeg eventually did make its way to Europe, it was highly treasured as a supposed cure for the Black Death, which doctors claimed was the only antidote at the time.

This led to the spice’s value increasing even further and, in the 1600s, an intense battle occurred between the English and the Dutch for control of the spice as a result – known as the “Nutmeg Wars”.

Warm, comforting nutmeg has gone from being a rare and prized commodity to a kitchen staple.

However, the benefits that once made nutmeg so valuable are still incredibly useful for us today, and we should be sure to take advantage of them.