What is Nutmeg | Benefits | Side Effects | FAQs | The Final Mention
Are you looking for an all-natural way to make your skin look glowing and radiant?
Nutmeg may be the answer! By unlocking the beauty benefits of nutmeg, we will learn how it treats oily skin and removes dead skin to reveal a softer complexion.
It can also help cleanse and enrich the skin, reducing wrinkles and brightening up dull complexions.
In this article, we'll explore the many ways nutmeg can work to make your skin smooth and looking its best. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve a glowing complexion with this amazing all-natural remedy.
What Is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg, otherwise known as Jaiphal, is an exotic spice that adds its own warm and sweet aroma to make any meal extraordinary.
The nutmeg seed originates from the Myristica fragrans evergreen tree located in Indonesia, but now it can be found worldwide.
Not only is nutmeg often used in food, but its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also make it a valuable ingredient for skincare products.[1]
Nutmeg is packed with an abundance of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, such as B1, B6, folate, copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese.[2]
Therefore, nutmeg powder should be an important part of any beauty regime for healthy skin!
Benefits of Nutmeg for Skin
From glowing skin to fighting inflammation and acne, nutmeg is a powerful, natural ingredient that can do wonders for your skin. Rich in antioxidants and essential oils, it's no wonder why so many people are turning to this sweet spice as a valuable addition to their skincare routine.
Whether you're looking for extra hydration or some relief from pesky breakouts, the health benefits of nutmeg for the skin are numerous!
Read on to discover just how this pantry staple can help keep your complexion looking its best.
1) Reduces Pigmentation
Nutmeg is an amazing solution for those seeking to even out their skin discolorations and pigmentation.[3] Whether it's caused by ultraviolet rays, medication side effects, or a skin condition - nutmeg has you covered.
Try a nourishing nutmeg-lemon juice face mask to help lighten any hyperpigmentation type! All you'll need is natural yogurt, lemon juice, and some ground nutmeg powder.
Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl until well mixed - then apply a smooth layer onto your face. Allow the mixture to sit for 7-8 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
If you're looking for an all-natural way to reduce redness and dark spots to achieve a glowing complexion, then check out our top picks for the best body wash for hyperpigmentation.
2) Improves Uneven Skin Tone
Nutmeg has special compounds that can help make your skin look more even. These compounds help to lighten dark spots and make them match the lighter parts of your skin. This helps to create a more even complexion.
Easily incorporate nutmeg powder into your weekly skincare routine by combining it with other ingredients such as raw honey, aloe vera, olive oil, or coconut milk – all of which help enhance the active properties of nutmeg!
3) Reduces Acne Scarring
As a natural exfoliant, nutmeg helps to slough off dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. It also contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight acne causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars.[4]
Try making a nutmeg face scrub to help reduce acne scarring!
Add nutmeg powder, honey, and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients together until it forms a paste and then gently massage the scrub onto your skin in circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water after 10 minutes and pat dry.
4) Helps to Exfoliate Skin
Nutmeg is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that act as a natural exfoliator to eliminate layers of dead skin cells from the face.[5]
Its tiny scruffy particles can help purify clogged pores, and clear up blackheads and whiteheads while reducing acne scars, blemishes, and dark spots.
In addition, it's perfect for oily skin as this powerful ingredient removes unwanted dirt, oil, and grime, further improving your uneven skin tone.
To make the most out of nutmeg's amazing benefits, create an at-home mask by blending it with raw honey, baking soda, clove oil, or lemon juice - apply it all over your face for soft, supple skin.
5) Combats Premature Aging
Reduce the signs of premature aging now with nutmeg![6] This powerful antioxidant aids in boosting your skin's collagen production, and you can easily create homemade anti-aging face masks right in your kitchen.
Mix up some fresh nutmeg powder with yogurt or coconut milk and honey to form a paste - apply it all over your face for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week - then watch as the results start appearing after just a few short weeks.
Side Effects of Nutmeg
Both nutmeg powder and nutmeg oil are generally safe and beneficial to use on the skin, even for those with sensitive skin.
However, it's important to always perform a patch test before introducing any new skincare product into your routine - behind your ear along your jawline would be best.
Although rare, consuming large amounts of nutmeg can cause adverse reactions such as hallucinations and muscle coordination problems due to its compounds myristicin and safrole.[7]
A small dose of nutmeg serves as an effective remedy for a variety of skin ailments, however, it is important to use the spice sparingly. Overuse can result in redness and skin irritation.
Did We Mention...
FAQs About the Benefits of Nutmeg for Skin?
Are you still curious about how nutmeg can benefit your skin?
From reducing redness and acne scars to delaying the signs of aging, there are countless ways that this powerful antioxidant can help improve your complexion.
But before you start incorporating it into your skincare routine, let's explore some of the frequently asked questions about its benefits and potential side effects.
What are the benefits of using nutmeg for oily skin?
Nutmeg is known for its natural astringent properties which makes it an ideal natural toner for oily skin. It helps to reduce oiliness and balance the skin’s pH level, while also offering a deep cleansing effect.[8]
It is also an amazing skin care product for dull skin, as it has natural brightening properties that can help to bring dull skin back to life.
What skin conditions can nutmeg be used to treat?
Nutmeg is a great natural skin and hair remedy, used for centuries to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help soothe skin inflammation, rashes, and inflamed hair follicles after shaving. With regular use, it can help to reduce skin infections and improve skin tone and texture.
Can I use nutmeg on my face daily?
Yes, nutmeg is safe for daily use. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and anti-bacterial properties that can help keep skin healthy and clear. It is also a gentle exfoliant that can remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth with regular use.
How to use nutmeg for skin?
Simply mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, and a pinch of nutmeg together before applying a thick layer on your skin. Leave this pampering solution on for 10 minutes before rinsing off; you'll be delighted by the results!
If DIY skincare isn't really up your alley - no worries! You can still reap the benefits of nutmeg through store-bought facial creams and body lotions, just be sure to read ingredient labels carefully!
Who can benefit from using nutmeg on their skin?
Nutmeg has soothing properties suitable for those with sensitive skin and also has anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for most people that suffer from acne or other skin conditions.
The Final Mention
From exfoliating and purifying to nourishing and moisturizing, nutmeg holds many of the answers to achieving a clearer, healthier complexion. You don’t need to turn to expensive and potentially harsh chemical products – nutmeg skincare is the all-natural solution for the beautiful, glowing skin that we’re all striving for.
With a little knowledge and practice, you can unlock the beauty benefits of nutmeg for your skin in no time!
So let us know: have you tried incorporating this everyday kitchen staple into your skincare routine?
Comment below with your experience – or questions about getting started! We’d love to hear from you.
✅ 8 Sources
HealthMention only uses sources from authoritative and reliable resources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to strengthen the accuracy of our content.
- Abourashed EA, El-Alfy AT. Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.). Phytochem Rev. 2016 Dec;15(6):1035-1056. doi: 10.1007/s11101-016-9469-x. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 28082856; PMCID: PMC5222521.
- WebMD (2022, November 22). Nutmeg: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Uses. Nourish by WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/nutmeg-health-benefits-nutrition-uses
- Choi EJ, Kang YG, Kim J, Hwang JK. Macelignan inhibits melanosome transfer mediated by protease-activated receptor-2 in keratinocytes. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(5):748-54. doi: 10.1248/bpb.34.748. PMID: 21532167.
- Lee CJ, Huang CW, Chen LG, Wang CC. (+)-Erythro-Δ8'-7S,8R-Dihydroxy-3,3',5'-Trimethoxy-8-O-4'-Neolignan, an Anti-Acne Component in Degreasing Myristica fragrans Houtt. Molecules. 2020 Oct 6;25(19):4563. doi: 10.3390/molecules25194563. PMID: 33036279; PMCID: PMC7582466.
- Binu, S. (2022, May 6). Nutmeg: 5 Awesome DIY Recipes For A Youthful And Glowing Skin -Infographic. Netmeds.com. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/nutmeg-5-awesome-diy-recipes-for-a-youthful-and-glowing-skin-infographic#:~:text=Nutmeg%20powder%20helps%20in%20balancing,more%20even%20complexion%20and%20tone.
- Rahmi D, Yunilawati R, Jati BN, Setiawati I, Riyanto A, Batubara I, Astuti RI. Antiaging and Skin Irritation Potential of Four Main Indonesian Essential Oils. Cosmetics. 2021; 8(4):94. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/4/94
- Ehrenpreis JE, DesLauriers C, Lank P, Armstrong PK, Leikin JB. Nutmeg poisonings: a retrospective review of 10 years experience from the Illinois Poison Center, 2001-2011. J Med Toxicol. 2014 Jun;10(2):148-51. doi: 10.1007/s13181-013-0379-7. PMID: 24452991; PMCID: PMC4057546.
- Muchtaridi, Subarnas A, Apriyantono A, Mustarichie R. Identification of Compounds in the Essential Oil of Nutmeg Seeds (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) That Inhibit Locomotor Activity in Mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2010;11(11):4771-4781. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms11114771
