6 Oval Mugs - Nutmeg

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Interestingly, nutmeg is sometimes taken recreationally to induce hallucinations and cause a “high” feeling. It’s often mixed with other hallucinogenic drugs, which increases the risk of dangerous side effects ( 22). Nutmeg toxicity can cause serious symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, and agitation. It may even lead to death when combined with other drugs ( 25, 26).

Ehrenpreis JE, Deslauriers C, Lank P, Armstrong PK, Leikin JB. Nutmeg poisonings: a retrospective review of 10 years experience from the Illinois Poison Center, 2001-2011. J Med Toxicol. 2014;10(2):148-51. DOI: 10.1007/s13181-013-0379-7 Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, including sabinene, terpineol, and pinene. These may help reduce inflammation in your body and benefit those with inflammatory conditions ( 1). United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release

It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination. One animal study showed that consuming nutmeg extract prevented cellular damage in rats treated with isoproterenol, a medication known to induce severe oxidative stress. Smalheiser NR. A neglected link between the psychoactive effects of dietary ingredients and consciousness-altering drugs. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:591. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00591 Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects. Nutmeg contains an abundance of antioxidants, including plant pigments like cyanidins, essential oils, such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic compounds, including protocatechuic, ferulic, and caffeic acids ( 1).

To avoid these potentially harmful side effects, avoid consuming large amounts of nutmeg and do not use it as a recreational drug. Test-tube studies have also shown that nutmeg extract exhibits powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals ( 5, 6, 7, 8). Human studies are needed to determine whether high-dose supplements of the spice are safe and effective in humans. It’s important to note that the toxic effects of this spice are linked to the ingestion of large amounts of nutmeg — not the small amounts typically used in the kitchen ( 24).One study injected rats with an inflammation-producing solution and then gave some of them nutmeg oil. Rats that consumed the oil experienced significant reductions in inflammation, inflammation-related pain, and joint swelling ( 11). Zhang WK, Tao SS, Li TT, et al. Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo. Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:30849. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.30849 Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are molecules that have an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable and reactive ( 2).

In one study, male rats that were given high doses of nutmeg extract (227 mg per pound or 500 mg per kg of body weight) experienced significant increases in sexual activity and sexual performance time compared to a control group ( 13). When free radical levels become too high in your body, oxidative stress occurs. It’s associated with the onset and progression of many chronic conditions, such as certain cancers and heart and neurodegenerative diseases ( 3).Zhang WK, Tao SS, Li TT, et al. Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo. Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:30849. DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v60.30849 Myristicin, the main component of the essential oil found in nutmeg that has powerful psychoactive properties, is thought to be responsible for these toxic effects ( 23). Chronic inflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis ( 9).