So, before I started using essential oils, all I ever used nutmeg for was to make my pumpkin pies taste the way they’re supposed to. Like sugar and Autumn. And a Starbuck’s drink. Fast forward to my life with essential oils and nutmeg is now a staple in many of the blends and supplements my whole family has been using. I bet you didn’t know the original formula for Coca-Cola contained coriander, cinnamon, orange, lemon, neroli and nutmeg essential oils. Most of those EOs are high in esters making the original drink a soothing and relaxing tonic. If it was still made the original way, maybe I’d still be drinking it! Think about that Coca-Cola!

First, Nutmeg is considered a personifier. When blending it should be the first oil you place in the blend. Personifiers are pungent, strong smelling aromas with strong therapeutic action. Other personifiers are cinnamon bark, ginger, orange, peppermint, and ylang ylang. People that suffer from epilepsy should avoid using nutmeg and pregnant women, please use it with caution.

Nutmeg is excellent for your immune system. It’s considered a strong antibacterial. It’s supports and stimulates blood cell production to fight against bacterial infections. For instance it can be used with a carrier oil on staph and MRSA infections as a salve. But use in moderation internally, since it has strong effects on your nervous and neurological systems. Side note, hospitals use to use a mix of Onycha EO in ethyl alcohol and spray everything down to sanitize. It was called Benzoin and it’s what made hospitals have that peculiar smell.

Nutmeg and your brain, certain compounds found in Nutmeg EO have been proven to reduce the degradation of neural pathways and cognitive function that affect people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. The ancient Greeks and Romans used Nutmeg as a brain tonic to alleviate mental fatigue and stress. So diffuse it to your heart’s content. Add it with some lavender and/or orange for a spicy Fall scent and help relaxing before bed.

And let’s talk about your adrenal glands! Your adrenal glands are two pea sized glands that sit atop your kidneys and are responsible for secreting more than 50 different hormones into your body. For instance hormones that regulate your energy production, such as carbohydrate, protein, and fat conversion to blood glucose. Feeling tired and lethargic lately? It may be to an imbalance in your adrenals causing them to be fatigued. The outer portion of the adrenals produces Cortisol, the stress hormone, among other hormones and the inner portion produces adrenaline, among other hormones, as well. Chronic stress can cause your adrenals to constantly pour these two hormones into your system continually making them a major contributor to this fatigue, which can also cause impaired immune function and inflammation. Rub a couple drops with some carrier oil over your kidney area on your back to help support increased and regular function of those adrenals.

And lastly, Nutmeg is great for your digestive system. It works to stimulate your digestive juices and process to help digest difficult foods, all while reducing the amount of gases produced to help reduce bloating, eliminate heartburn before it starts, reduce acid reflux and reduce other things.

So now that Fall has officially begun, I hope you find a ton of ways to incorporate Nutmeg EO into your recipes and health regimen! Here’s to more than just Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Happy Oiling!