Zesty, peppy condiments better known as spices that fill up our kitchen consoles have been closely linked to medicinal usage, besides their culinary purposes. Boasting their roots in India, the history of spices dates to roughly 6000 years. In medieval times, people from across the globe embarked on long journeys to the Indian subcontinent to carry these authentic aromatic spices to their homelands. Used in religious ceremonies, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, and of course for flavoring, spices are loaded with potent antimicrobial properties with the capability to eliminate many nutritional deficiencies besides strengthening the immune system. A plant can be a bearer of an aromatic herb as well as a sassy spice at the same time. While the herb is the green, leafy part, spice as per culinary lingo is the dried by-product of a plant-primarily used for seasoning and is derived from the root, stem, seed, fruit, or flower of the same plant.

One such yellowish-brown spice that is derived from the dried net-like coating of the nutmeg seed is mace. Available in ground form and shape of blades, besides balmy sweet fragrance, this pungent spice is rich in Omega-3, dietary fibers, folate, riboflavin, and thiamin which makes it a fabulous addition to every cuisine of the world. Primarily used as essence additives, nutmeg and mace both are cousins of the same plant product Myristica Fragrans. Nutmeg is the dried, shelled seed of the plant and mace is the dried covering of the seed shell. A less intense version of nutmeg, mace's flavor, and aroma is different from nutmeg and is tad bit citrus-like, sweet, and more fragrant.

Also Read: Nutmeg/Jaiphal: 5 Splendid Wellness Incentives Of This Aromatic Spice

Shop from our range of aromatic herbal infusions

Befitting Health Benefits Of Mace

Treats Diarrhea: Mace is taken by mouth for treating diarrhea, nausea, stomach spasms, and flatulence.

Protects Kidneys: Mace spice can protect kidneys and related anomalies. It may help prevent and treat kidney stones, infections, and other problems associated with kidneys.

Alleviates Cold And Cough: Mace is used as an active ingredient to prepare cough syrups and cold rubs. Besides being a good remedy for asthma, mace protects the body from all kinds of chronic cough and flu.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Mace contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is very effective in controlling blood sugar levels. By slowing down the rate of carbohydrate breakdown in the digestive tract, these spices help improve insulin sensitivity thus regulating blood sugar levels.

Fights Bacterial And Viral Infection: Effective in preventing various infections caused by yeasts, molds, and bacteria, mace improves the body’s immunity, preventing infections and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the human body.

Combats Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: Mace acts as an anesthetic and has a proven anti-depressant effect. Laden with these properties, it is used to alter mood swings that may be associated with mental illness.

Treats Joint Pain: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, mace treats severe joint pains and other inflammatory conditions, such as lumbago and osteoarthritis. Mace oil is topically applied to the skin to combat pain caused by rheumatism.

Doesn’t this frilly-looking condiment provide amazing health benefits? All you need to do is to store it away from moisture and grind it right before you use it to get the maximum flavour.

To know about the skin benefits that this lacy bundle of fragrance offers, foray into this infographic: