Nutmeg

Nutmeg

Photo by yumievriwan

Nutmeg is indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia and the tree can grow up to 66 feet tall.  The peach-shaped fruit is known as the nutmeg apple, which is discarded in favor of the aromatic seed inside. The fruit splits when ripe to expose a pecan sized nut wrapped in a bright red “netting” called an aril. The nut and aril are then separated and dried. The nut is nutmeg, the aril (which turns a yellow as it dries) yields the spice mace. Both spices have a long history of use in both Chinese and Indian medicine, nutmeg is more commonly used. Health benefits include; a calming effect, helps to lower blood pressure and soothes digestive upset. It can be mixed with a neutral oil (for use in a massage) to ease joint pain and inflammation.

Mace

Botanical Name: Myristica Fragrans

Folk Names: Jatiphala, Jatiphalam, Jatikosha, Jatipatri, Jatipatra, Jaiphal, Jayapatri, Javitri, Bicuiba Acu, Qoust, Sadhika, Wohpala

Photo by yumievriwan

Mace is the the bright, red aril which surrounds the nutmeg seed. Nutmeg is known for it’s abuse as a popular recreational psychoactive drug. Based on human study, mace extract, when used as part of a chewing gum, is said to decrease plaque and gingivitis. Not well studied in humans, mace extract may also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. It is also popular in India, for treating measles. Not only is it used for medicine, but also in the kitchen and magic.