Cultivation and Harvesting:
The nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) is native to Moluccas (Indonesia). This Tree yields two spices, Nutmeg and Mace. Nutmeg is the kernel of the seed and mace is the leathery, reddish seed covering (aril) covering the shell of the seed. The main producing countries are Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Trinidad, China, and Grenada. The main mace producing state in India are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

The tree requires deep, well-drained loamy sandy soil. The optimal growing temperature is between 25-30°C and the annual rainfall should be between 1200 to 2500mm. Half the trees are male and do not produce fruit.

The method of propagation is by seed and seedlings are planted at the beginning of the rainy season. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7 to 8 years after planting. The yield of fruits will increase every year and the trees reach full production after 25 years. The yield of fruit from 8000 to 12000 nuts per tree.

The fruits are opened by hand and the mace surrounding the nut is removed. Mace essential oil is extracted from the mace oleoresins and the yield of oil is 5 to 15%.

The essential oil is also used in the manufacturing of drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fragrances.

Major Constituents:
Pinene, Methyleugenol,, 1,8-cineole, Sabinene, Terpine-4ol, γ-Terpinene, β-Phellandrene, Limonene, α-Terpinene, Safrole, α-Terpineol, Isoeugenol. Myristicin, Elemicin.

Application:
~ Mace essential oil has the properties antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-rheumatic, digestive, carminative, laxative, relieve constipation, and stimulant.
~ It is commonly used for fever, congestion, cough, throat infection, and cold.
~ It is also used in skincare and hair care products

Aromatherapy:
Mace essential oil is used in aromatherapy through Diffusion, Inhalation, Bath, and Massage.