The nutmeg tree produces fruits that once ripe and opened, reveal an aril known as mace. Inside the aril are the nuts that we know as nutmeg.
Steam distilled Nutmeg Essential Oil is a warming oil that when used judiciously, it is a wonderful essential oil for use in helping to ease digestive complaints as well as muscular aches and pains. A little goes a long way for all essential oils, but this especially holds true for Nutmeg Essential Oil. It primarily contains monoterpenes, but also contains approximately 10% ethers including myristicine and safrole as well as the phenol methyeugenol. Although it is helpful for digestive complaints, I find that it can make me feel nauseous if I do not use it ever so sparingly. See the Nutmeg Essential Oil Safety Information section below for additional safety information.
Aromatically, Nutmeg Essential Oil is a warm, spicy essential oil that is sweet and somewhat woody. It blends beautifully with other essential oils in the spice family. It also blends well with floral, citrus and wood essential oils. It can add a beautiful, distinctive spicy characteristic to otherwise bland blends.
Nutmeg CO2 Extract Select possesses a beautiful, fuller aroma that you likely will find even more aromatically pleasing than the steam distilled essential oil.
Emotionally, Nutmeg Essential Oil can be a very stimulating essential oil. I've found it to be especially helpful in supporting my motivation and focus during especially challenging times. But again, a little goes a very long way. Robbi Zeck writes "When there is heaviness, sluggishness, a feeling of being conquered and unable to face the tasks ahead, Nutmeg stokes the fire, intensifies the energy and provides hearty warmth with its glowing heat."