Getting High on Nutmeg

Recently, Dr. Tom Arno reported on his Cool-101 radio show that children and youth had found nutmeg to be a readily available and safer alternative to cannabis for “getting high.” As ridiculous as this sounds, there is empirical evidence supporting his report.  According to the Human & Experimental Toxicology journal, a study performed in Texas found that of the calls to poison centers regarding nutmeg overdose, 65% were caused by intentional ingestion with all of them being males, mostly under age 19. Other research also showed that nutmeg has been abused over many years by people of all ages, mostly the younger generations, but the numbers of abusers are small.

Nutmeg abuse does have a long-standing history thanks to its main ingredient, myristicin. Myristicin is a natural organic compound classified as a phenylpropene (elements found in essential oils). Myristicin is also a naturally occurring compound found in insecticides and pesticides and does have psychotropic effects when consumed in large quantities over a short period of time. According to clinical research, the “nutmeg high” comes in the form of mild hallucinations and warmth in the limbs; it does not come with the euphoria feeling typically associated with the “high” of their illegal drug counterparts. But, don’t let that scare you into eliminating the spice from your kitchen cabinet. The truth about nutmeg may be more of a deterrent for use as a psychotropic drug than an attraction.

Clinical research shows that there are numerous unpleasant side effects that include loss of coordination, dry mouth lasting for days, sore throat, decreased body temperature, double-vision, blurred vision, extreme paranoia, and difficulty urinating.  According to food and financial blog writer Mary Rice, “those who have tried a nutmeg high report it comes with a hangover that is ‘legendary.’” With memorable symptoms like these, the long-lasting negative side-effects far outweigh the short-term desirable psychotropic effects of nutmeg.

Because of this fact, nutmeg is not a primary focus for public health professionals nationwide. It is also most likely for this reason that the National Poison Control Center and the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ websites do not include information on nutmeg dangers or overdoses. Of interest, the two Pennsylvania Poison Control Centers (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia) also have not added nutmeg as a dangerous poison on their websites.

Rice also noted that while there is a need for parents to be aware of the dangers of nutmeg, it is not a cause for panic. Most spices contain some sort of volatile compound, which is what creates the flavor sensations in our food. As she noted, “There is a fuzzy line between food and medicine,” so there is no reason to toss out the spice rack. Being aware of the potential dangers of all elements in your home is the best defense against abuse of them – whether accidental or intentional. Should an emergency or overdose occur with your child, the first step is a trip to the emergency room. Let your healthcare provider guide you through the rest.

References:

American Association of Poison Control Centers (http://www.aapcc.org)

Forrester, M.B. (2005). Nutmeg intoxication in Texas: 1998-2004. Human & Experimental Toxicology, 24, 563-566.

National Poison Control Center (http://www.poison.org)

Philadelphia Poison Control Center (http://www.chop.edu/service/poison-control-center/home.html)

Pittsburgh Poison Control Center (http://www.chp.edu/CHP/poisoncenter)

Rice, M. (2010). Nutmeg high: Hallucinogenic spice produces legendary hangover. Retrieved January 15, 2011 from http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2010/12/02/nutmeg-high/.