NUTMEG ESSENTIAL OIL
A warm aromatic oil with rich, spicy, woody and subtly sweet notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans
Common Name: Nutmeg
Family: Myristicaceae
Origin of Plant: Maluku Islands, Indonesia; widely cultivated
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the seed kernels
Note: Middle to Base
Colour: Clear to pale yellow
Aroma: Warm, spicy, woody and subtly sweet
About This Essential Oil
Nutmeg Essential Oil is steam distilled from the seed kernels of Myristica fragrans. Its warm spice aroma is used in natural perfumery, soaps, diffuser blends and carefully formulated massage and body products. The essential oil is a concentrated aromatic material and should not be confused with the culinary use of small amounts of ground nutmeg in food.
Key Benefits
• Provides a warm, rich and spicy aroma
• Creates a cosy and invigorating aromatic atmosphere
• Adds depth to diffuser and seasonal fragrance blends
• Popular in natural perfumery and soaps
• Suitable for carefully formulated massage products
• Complements citrus, woody, floral and spice oils
History
Nutmeg is native to the Banda Islands in Indonesia and became one of the world's most valuable traded spices. It moved through Asian and Middle Eastern trade networks before becoming a focus of European competition and colonial expansion. Nutmeg has long been used in food, perfumery and customary preparations. Claims linking ancient Romans to protection from the medieval Black Death are chronologically impossible and should not be repeated.
Main Chemical Components
75% Monoterpenes, 6% Alcohols, 6% Phenols
Aromatic Characteristics
• Warm and spicy
• Woody and subtly sweet
• Rich and rounded
• Persistent middle-to-base note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds warmth to diffuser and seasonal blends
• Provides spice character in natural perfumes
• Complements soaps and household fragrance products
• Suitable for carefully formulated massage products
• Rounds out citrus, floral and woody compositions
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as warm and invigorating
• Opens with rich, dry spice notes
• Develops woody and subtly sweet nuances
• Strong and best used sparingly in blends
Blends Well With
Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Lime, Mandarin, Orange and Petitgrain.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Use sparingly.
• Follow the supplier's dermal limit and product-specific safety data.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or medical conditions.
• Diffuse sparingly and intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Stop use if headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual effects occur.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
