NUTMEG IS HALLUCINOGEN

 During the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone wants to utilise their leasure time by trying new recipes that are rich in spice and sugar. You must be aware of toxicologists in your dishes, as one of them is Nutmeg (jaayaphal).

CAREFULLY MEASURE YOUR NUTMEG!

• baked goods such as puddings and pies  

                                                          

• savory dishes and sauces

                                                                

• classic drinks like eggnog

                  

Nutmeg, also known as Myristica fragrans, is a common cooking spice known for its woody pungent fragrance, sweet taste and rich aroma.

The nutmeg tree originates in Banda, the largest of the Molucca spice islands of Indonesia. Nutmegs are commonly used in:-

According to the case studies from the Illinois Poison Center, even 10 grams (approximately 2 teaspoons) of nutmeg is enough to cause symptoms of toxicity. At doses of 50 grams or more, those symptoms become more severe.

In the 19th century, nutmeg was thought to be an abortifacient, which led to numerous recorded cases of nutmeg poisoning. Although used as a folk treatment for other ailments, but nutmeg has no proven medicinal value.

Most recipes only call for roughly 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg per recipe.

WHAT CAUSES “HALLUCINOGEN” ?

Nutmeg contains myristicin, a natural compound that has hallucinogenic (mind-altering) effects, if ingested in large doses. The buzz can last one to 2 days. Myristicin is found largest amount in this spice. In the human body, the breakdown of myristicin result in the formation of a compound that affects the sympathetic nervous system.

 Myristicin and Mescaline (compound in Peyote plant) affect the central nervous system (CNS) by enhancing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

This effect on the CNS is what eventually leads to side effects such as hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, sometimes organ failure, even death when used in combination with other drugs. 

The risks almost always outweigh the benefits, associated with any toxic substance. Before you consider using nutmeg as a recreational substance to get high, understand that there are serious risks associated with myristicin toxicity.

For those looking to avoid unintentional nutmeg overdose, consider that cooking with nutmeg in small amounts is safe. So, feel free to enjoy that cup of eggnog or slice of spiced cake — in limited way, of course.

-Sakshi Verma