Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a spicy essential oil with a warm, sweet-spicy aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from seed, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Blood Orange, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 2%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Spicy |
| Chemical family | Monoterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | seed |
| Origin | Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8008-45-5 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 2% |
| Max facial dilution | 1% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 1 GC-MS analyses (Myristica fragrans).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Plan safe amounts with our essential oil dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
Frequently asked questions
What does Nutmeg essential oil smell like?
Nutmeg has a warm, sweet-spicy aroma, classed as a spicy oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Nutmeg?
For topical use, keep Nutmeg at or below 2%, and 1% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Nutmeg safe to use during pregnancy?
Nutmeg is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Nutmeg safe to use around children?
Nutmeg is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Nutmeg safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Nutmeg blend well with?
Nutmeg pairs well with Blood Orange, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Cardamom, Clary Sage.