Mace. - The arillode of the seed of Myristica fragrans Houttuyn (nat. ord. Myristicacea).

Habitat

Molucca Islands; cultivated in the tropical countries.

Characters

In narrow bands, 25 mm. or more long, somewhat branched and lobed above, united into broader bands below; brownish-orange; fatty when scratched or pressed; odor fragrant, taste warm and aromatic.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) A Volatile Oil, 8 per cent., a greater portion of which is Macene, C10H16. (2) A red fixed Oil. (3) Resin.

Dose, 5 to 20 gr.; .30 to 1.20 gm.

Action And Therapeutics Of Nutmeg And Mace

The action of oil of nutmeg is the same as that of other aromatic oils. The expressed oil of nutmeg is used in plasters as a sweet-smelling stimulant. Nutmeg and mace are much employed in cookery for the sake of their volatile oil, which is an agreeable stomachic. A liniment, containing one part of the expressed oil to three of olive oil, is an elegant antiparasitic for mild cases of ringworm.