What is a Nutmeg High?
The common nutmeg spice that you have in your spice cabinet contains a compound called myristicin that causes hallucinations in large quantities. There are also other chemicals in nutmeg that may contribute to nutmeg intoxication.
Not all nutmeg highs are pleasant. Nutmeg intoxication can cause an acute psychotic reaction, severe anxiety and fear, a rapid heart rate and vomiting. Although uncommon, people have died from taking too much nutmeg. Of course, most teens dont consider this possibility when they experiment with nutmeg.
Nutmeg Intoxication: How Much Does It Take?
You wont get ill effects from sprinkling nutmeg on your egg nog in small quantities, but it doesnt take large amounts of this potent spice to bring on confusion and hallucinations. As little as one generous tablespoon will do it in an adult - and even less in a child.
Teens who experiment with nutmeg usually dont get high right away. It takes as long as five hours to get a nutmeg high - or a nutmeg low in the case of teens who experience anxiety and vomiting rather than blissful joy and a pleasant escape from reality. Nutmeg intoxication makes some teens feel pretty bad, and the effects can last a day or two until the nutmeg chemicals are cleared from the body.
Time to Lock up the Spice Cabinet?
Nutmeg highs are concerning, because nutmeg is so readily available. Most people already have it in their spice cabinet, and its sold in every grocery store in the country without so much as a warning on the label.
If you have kids or teens in the house, keep the nutmeg in hidden since many kids have heard about nutmeg highs and may be curious enough to experiment if its within easy reach. Let teens know about the dangers of nutmeg intoxication and the fact that many people have bad experiences. Dont make it easy for them to take part in this risky trend.
References:
Fox 7 website. "Nutmeg Intoxication: Youths Dangerous New Trend".
Drugs.com. "Nutmeg".
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