If you think about the classic scents of fall, the smell of crisp cool air and baked goods are probably some of the first ones that come to mind. There’s just something unique about the blend of scents that combine to make the mouthwatering smells that go along with those tasty treats. Those cozy scents usually include pumpkins, fresh fall fruits, and tons of spices. The one that we want to focus on is Nutmeg.
All About the Spice
What we know as Nutmeg comes from the seed of the Myristica fragrans plant. It’s a tall evergreen tree with dark leaves. The seeds from this plant offer up two distinct spices that you may be familiar with. The first is mace. Mace is derived from the covering of the seed. Don’t get this confused with the pepper spray brand Mace – they aren’t the same thing. This mace is used as a spice and has a similar flavor to nutmeg, though it tends to be more delicate. Mace starts out crimson colored. After it’s been removed from the seed and dried for 10-14 days it lightens in color, turning tan, yellow, or pale orange. Like Nutmeg, mace is used to flavor baked goods, meats, and vegetables. It’s also used in the pickling and preserving process.
The second is Nutmeg, derived from the seed itself, which is dried and then separated from its covering before being ground into a fine powder. Nutmeg, like mace, is used to flavor things like baked goods, potatoes, meats, confections, vegetables, sauces, and beverages. Our Nutmeg essential oil starts out as the fruit of the Myristica fragrans trees in Indonesia, just like the kind in your kitchen spice cabinet! From the powdered spice, steam distillation gives us the potent essential oil we know and love.
A Little Bit of Spice
Nutmeg essential oil, like it’s kitchen spice counterpart, has a beautifully spicy, fragrant scent. It’s rich, woody, spicy, sweet, and very similar to the spice it’s derived from. Because it is a potent derivative of the spice, the essential oil tends to be richer and more fragrant. This essential oil and its classic fall scent blends well with oils derived from spices like Clove Bud (another classic fall spice) and Black Pepper, as well as Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium, and Orange. Try it with these essential oils or anything you’d find in your spice cabinet for a new fall scent. You may find you’ve created a new blend that quickly becomes your new seasonal favorite. (Nutmeg is one of the spices we recommend using in our Pumpkin Pie diffuser recipe.)
Inspire and Revitalize
So, what does pure Nutmeg essential oil do? It does more than just fill the room with warmth and spice. This spicy essential oil can physically warm you as well. Nutmeg has potent warming properties when applied topically. Try adding it to some fractionated coconut oil in a 2-5% dilution for a revitalizing and warming massage. Use it to soothe aching muscles or infuse some warmth into cold limbs after spending time in the crisp fall air. You might find that it gets your blood pumping too! You can also try combining it with other great massage oils like Lavender, Clary Sage, and Marjoram for a relaxing, warming, stress relieving massage experience.
The warmth and spice of Nutmeg’s aroma can be a real inspiration during this time of year. You can diffuse it by itself or as a part of a blend to infuse your home with some deliciously warm, cozy scents. Try creating your own pumpkin spice blend to diffuse and enjoy in your own living room. Remember, if it finds its way into baked goods, drinks, sweets, or syrups, you don’t need to get frustrated… It is derived from the same place as your kitchen cabinet spices! It can be an especially great addition to liquids and creams in place of ground nutmeg since it doesn’t leave any particles behind.
Fall is a delightfully spicy season. Pumpkin spice lattes, cranberry spice, and spiced cider are just a few of the delights that we get to indulge in without any consternation during this time of year. Just don’t let your tongue have all the fun. Satisfy your sense of smell and your sense of touch with our pure Nutmeg essential oil this fall season to enjoy all the wonderful warmth and spice this amazing oil has to offer. You’ll be glad you did!
