Mace

🌿 What is Mace?
Mace is the thin, lacy, red outer covering of the nutmeg seed. It has a warm, mildly sweet, and aromatic flavor similar to nutmeg but more delicate. Commonly used in baking, savory dishes, and beverages, mace is rich in natural essential oils.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Mace Occur?

Sensitivity to mace may be linked to:

• Myristicin: A naturally occurring compound that may irritate sensitive systems.

• Essential oils: Volatile oils such as safrole may trigger reactions in certain individuals.

• Histamine release: Mace can act as a histamine liberator, which may affect those sensitive to histamines.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid mace and mace-flavored products for 8 weeks.

• Reintroduce gradually after elimination to assess tolerance.

• Track symptoms throughout the process to identify improvements or triggers.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

Consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Support processing of natural spice oils and compounds.

• Probiotics: Promote digestive balance and resilience.

• DAO Enzyme (Diamine Oxidase): May support the breakdown of histamines.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Mace but Not Other Spices?

Key differences include:

• Myristicin content: Higher in mace compared to milder spices.

• Volatile oil concentration: Mace contains more concentrated aromatic oils than spices like coriander.

• Histamine effects: Mace may trigger histamine responses that are not as common with other spices.

🍽️ Popular Uses for Mace

• Baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pies

• Flavoring soups, stews, and sauces

• Spicing seasonal beverages like mulled wine or cider

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Nutmeg

• Cinnamon

• Cloves

• Allspice