When you think of ‘Mace’, you may picture a small can of liquid commonly used for self defence. However, true Mace is not a chemical concoction but a naturally occurring plant product native to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and West Indies. It is derived from the plant Myristica fragrans.

How is Mace Derived?

When looking for Mace supplements, you may see that Nutmeg appears quite often. Because Mace and Nutmeg are derived from the same plant, Myristica fragrans, they are often used interchangeably. However Nutmeg is the dried, shelled seed of Myristica fragrans, whereas Mace is derived from the dried covering of the seed’s shell.

Mace is a spice derived from the outer coating of the nutmeg seed (Myristica fragrans), which is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands, in Indonesia. The outer layer of the nutmeg seed is removed and dried to produce mace, which is typically sold in the form of dried, reddish-brown, lacy arils or “blades.”

Because Nutmeg has a history of being abused as a psychoactive drug, it isn’t used as widely as Mace in medicinal preparations.

Mace Defensive Spray is NOT from Myristica fragrans

In the context of defense, mace refers to a chemical spray used for self-defense purposes. Mace spray, commonly known as pepper spray, is derived from chili peppers, not from Myristica fragrans, which is the source of mace spice. Mace spray, also known as pepper spray, contains an active ingredient called oleoresin capsicum (OC), which is derived from chilli peppers.

The active ingredient in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum (OC), extracted from chili peppers, specifically Capsicum annum or Capsicum frutescens species. When sprayed onto an attacker, mace causes intense burning, irritation and temporary blindness, incapacitating them and allowing the victim to escape from a dangerous situation. It is the oleoresin capsicum that causes the intense reaction when sprayed on an attacker.

Mace spray is commonly carried by individuals for personal protection against potential threats or attacks. It is often used by law enforcement officers, security personnel, and civilians as a non-lethal means of self-defense in situations where physical confrontation is imminent or unavoidable. Mace spray is typically deployed in short bursts from a handheld canister, and its effects are temporary, wearing off after a period of time without causing any lasting harm to the target.

Mace Oil and Mace Spice Powder

Mace, derived from the Myristica fragrans tree, is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It can be consumed as a spice powder or used in the form of mace oil, depending on the intended application.

Mace Powder (Spice):
Mace powder is obtained by grinding dried mace arils or outer coverings of nutmeg seeds.
Culinary Uses: Mace powder is a common spice used in various cuisines worldwide, particularly in baking, curries, soups, sauces, and meat dishes. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness to dishes.

Mace Oil:
Mace oil is extracted from the outer covering (aril) of nutmeg seeds through steam distillation.
Medicinal Uses: Mace oil is used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for its potential health benefits. It contains bioactive compounds that are believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties.
Aromatherapy: Mace oil is used in aromatherapy for its soothing and calming effects. It can be diffused in the air or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin for massage.

Culinary Uses of Mace

Mace has a similar flavor profile to nutmeg but is slightly more pungent and aromatic. It is often used as a flavoring agent in both sweet and savory dishes, particularly in baking, desserts, soups, stews, and meat dishes. Mace can be used whole, ground, or in powdered form, and it adds warmth, depth and complexity to a wide range of culinary creations.

Mace Active Ingredients

Mace’s main constituent is 7-9% of a volatile oil, along with resins, protein, gum, fixed oils and sugar. The volatile oil contains myristicin, geraniol and pinene. These compounds are responsible for Mace’s medicinal effects.

Health Benefits of Mace

In addition to its culinary uses, Mace has been used in traditional medicine and folk remedies for its potential health benefits, which may include; improving digestion, alleviating nausea and promoting respiratory health. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and mace is primarily enjoyed for its flavor and aroma in cooking.

A few of the most well known health benefits of Mace are listed below:

Mace for Digestive Health

Mace has long been used to treat digestive woes such as nausea, diarrhoea, stomach spasms and gas. A common mixture known to ease indigestion, gas and nausea is a tea made of Slippery Elm Bark, Mace and Nutmeg which are combined with cream and boiled, then drank when lukewarm.

Mace Alleviates Anxiety and Depression

Mace also offers mild anti-anxiety and sedative properties. In a report published in the Spring 2006 issue of the “Journal of Medicinal Food”, Mace was shown to exert significant anti-depressant effects. Researchers made the conclusion that these affects arise from the activation of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

Mace as a Breath Freshener

Mace is highly effective at combating bad breath because of its antibacterial properties. By adding a very slight pinch to your toothbrush when brushing your teeth, it can destroy the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Mace Essential Oil for Diarrhoea

A popular treatment for diarrhea, according to Chinese and Indian medicine, is to place 3 drops of the essential oil of Mace on a sugar cube and swallow it after the oil has seeped in. If a capsule is preferred, one 200mg capsule can be taken twice per day until the diarrhea subsides.

Mace Essential Oil for Cancer Treatment and Prevention

A study published in the April 2012 issue of the “Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine” showed the essential oil of Mace can help treat, and possibly prevent, cancer by inhibiting the formation of blood vessels that feed cancerous tumors. A study published in the April 2012 issue of the “Journal of Food Science” showed the compound myristicin to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.

Pain Relief with Mace Essential Oil

Mace has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a topical pain relieving massage oil. A few drops of the essential oil mixed with an ounce of a carrier oil, such as olive oil or grapeseed oil, then massaged into the affected area, can provide relief from many ailments: muscle pain, arthritis, aching joints, bruises and sores.

Mace Dosage Limits

Mace oil and spice powder, extracted from the nutmeg plant, (Myristica fragrans), are primarily used in cooking, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. In culinary applications, they are typically used in small quantities as a flavoring agent in dishes such as desserts, sauces, and soups. There are no specific dosage limits for culinary use, but it’s advisable to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Because of the high concentrations of these volatile oil compounds, it is recommended to never take more than 1 teaspoon of Mace at any given time.

In aromatherapy, mace oil is often diluted with a carrier oil and used in diffusers or applied topically in small amounts for its potential therapeutic benefits. It’s essential to follow dilution guidelines provided by qualified aromatherapists to prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions.

As with all essential oils, caution should be taken if ingesting internally. Essential Oils are mostly used topically and for inhalation.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Mace Herb Notes / Side Effects

There aren’t specific dosage limits established for mace spice in culinary applications, as it’s generally used in small quantities to flavor dishes. However, consuming excessive amounts of mace spice or any spice, for that matter, can potentially lead to digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

When used in large amounts, Mace can cause the following: stomach pain, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, thirst, dizziness, seizures, hallucinations and even death.

Mace can interfere with the way the body metabolizes certain medications, especially those that are broken down and changed by the liver. This can result in prescription medications not responding properly and possible causing detrimental side effects.

For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, dosages of Mace higher than that which is found in food can be detrimental. It has been linked with miscarriages and birth defects. Although there is not enough research to determine the effects on nursing babies, it is advised to not use Mace until the child is completely weaned.

References:

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DEVI, P. B.; RAMASUBRAMANIARAJA, R. (2009). “DENTAL CARIES AND MEDICINAL PLANTS – AN OVERVIEW”. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY RESEARCH 2 (11): 1669–1675.

TIWARI, MAYA AYURVEDA: A LIFE OF BALANCE 1994

FETROW CW, AVILA JR. PROFESSIONAL’S HANDBOOK OF COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES. 1ST ED. SPRINGHOUSE, PA: SPRINGHOUSE CORP., 1999.

HALLSTROM H, THUVANDER A. TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF MYRISTICIN. NAT TOXINS 1997;5:186-92.

JEONG HG, YUN CH. INDUCTION OF RAT HEPATIC CYTOCHROME P450 ENZYMES BY MYRISTICIN. BIOCHEM BIOPHYS RES COMMUN 1995;217:966-71.

SANGALLI BC, CHIANG W. TOXICOLOGY OF NUTMEG/MACE ABUSE. CLIN TOXICOL 2000;38:671-8.