Nutmeg

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(Myristica fragrans)
Traditionally used to stimulate appetite and to support healthy digestion, gallbladder, muscles, joints, immune system response and nervous system function.

 Info

Nutmeg
Myristica fragrans

Plant Origin: Indonesia ("East Indian")
Method: Steam distilled from seed
Cultivation: Grown using organic methods
Chemical Family: Monoterpenes
Aroma: Fresh, spicy, sweet, woodsy
Note (Evaporation Rate): Middle

Key Constituents from GC/MS Analysis: Lot #111
sabinene 18.31%
alpha-pinene 18.73%
beta-pinene 14.60%
myristicin 10.80%
limonene 4.14%
gamma-terpinene 4.61%
safrole 1.58%
elemicin 0.42%
methyleugenol 0.53%

Safety Information
Children: Suitable if dilution is strictly followed. Please see the Application Suggestions in the tan-colored section below.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Suitable if dilution is strictly followed. With 0.25% methyleugenol, that would be 4% maximum dermal use.

Medication/Health Issue: No known contraindications.

Therapeutic Uses
Nutmeg essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Adrenals
Antiseptic
Appetite
Arthritis
Bacteria
Circulation
Cramps
Diarrhea
Digestion (appetite stimulation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, spasms, vomiting)
Fainting, inhale afterwards
Fatigue
Gallstones
Gout
Hair tonic
Immune system
Inflammation
Joints, aches and pain
Kidney
Liver
Mental Clarity
Muscle, injury
Nervousness
Nerve, pain
Neuralgia
Oral, bad breath
Parasitic infections
Raynaud's

Hopewell Essential Oil Blends containing Nutmeg
Dr. Hull's Pain
Dr. Hull's Mental Stimulation
G-Out
Mom's Remedy
Pain Repair
Purpose
Vitality
Zest

Aromatherapy Literature Notes

Assessing the Safety of Essential Oils – the Nutmeg Case from Tisserand Institute

"There are two types of Nutmeg oil, East Indian and West Indian, and they contain quite different amounts of two substances (safrole and methyleugenol) that can cause liver tumors to form in rats when used as single chemicals. Neither type of Nutmeg oil has been tested for cancer-causing activity using a standard animal testing procedure. However, Nutmeg oils show antimutagenic activity, suggesting that the whole essential oil could even be anti-carcinogenic. This could be partly because Nutmeg oils also contain d-limonene, an antitumoral constituent. However, since we don’t know for sure the effect of whole Nutmeg oil on humans, some precaution is appropriate. The safety guidelines in Essential Oil Safety 2e take into account a significant body of toxicological research, including differences in metabolism between rodents and humans, and assumes the maximum concentrations of the two rodent carcinogens. It’s also worth noting that Nutmeg oil has GRAS status in the USA, meaning it is considered safe to use in food flavorings." [emphasis added by HEO]

Nutmeg oil is useful as a digestive stimulant, helping people who cannot assimilate food. It may be useful for the treatment of flatulence, nausea, chronic vomiting and diarrhea. (Lawless, Valnet, Battaglia, Purchon/Cantele)

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. The maximum dermal use level is 0.8% based on 3.3% safrole and 1.2% methyleugenol content. Adjust based on the actual content of this batch (Tisserand/Young).

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler

Internal: Nutmeg is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application.

The maximum adult daily oral dose is about 1 drop.

Not recommended for children under six years old, and use with caution and in greater dilution for children over six. Battaglia notes (from Tisserand) that "It appears that the psychotropic properties are due not only to the myristicin and elimicin but to other constituents found in nutmeg. While ground nutmeg is moderately to strongly psychotropic when taken in high oral doses, the effect of the essential oil is very weak and it appears that non-oral doses will not have any affect at all."

Click here for more information about internal usage.

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted health care provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12)

1. I have Raynaud's, so normally in the cold sections of grocery stores I lose circulation in my fingers and they turn extremely white and numb (embarrassingly so). So, I tried out the Nutmeg essential oil in the grocery store yesterday, and my hands were fine. They maintained circulation! Thanks for your products and all that you and your family do. - Sheila

2. I have used equal parts of Cinnamon Bark, Nutmeg and Clove to help people with nicotine addiction (if they desire to be helped). I make this up in a personal nasal inhaler so they can inhale it as often as desired. - Patty

Safety
Psychotropic in high doses.

Tisserand notes: "While nutmeg contains both carcinogens and anticarcinogens, the anticarcinogens are present in higher concentrations, and the existing data suggest either that the oil is not carcinogenic or that it is anticarcinogenic."

Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.

References
Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2002, pages 239, 340-341.
Lawless J., The Encyclopedai of Essential Oils, 1992.
Purchon, Nerys; Cantele, Lora, Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, page 90.
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, pages 366-367.
Valnet J., The Practice of Aromatherapy, 1980.
Wildwood, Chrissie, Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy, Bloomsbury Publishing, 1996, page 276.
Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, 2016, page 609.

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11