Nutmeg
Nutmeg is the seed of the tree Myristica fragrans, commonly used worldwide as a culinary spice. At high doses, nutmeg exhibits psychoactive effects due primarily to the compounds myristicin, elemicin, and related phenylpropenes.
Although nutmeg intoxication has been documented for centuries, it is known for its unpredictable effects, long duration, intense physical discomfort, and potentially serious toxicity. Nutmeg is generally considered a risky and unreliable psychoactive substance.
Pharmacologically active compounds
The psychoactive effects of nutmeg primarily come from:
- Myristicin – metabolized into compounds with MAOI-like activity
- Elemicin – possible contribution to mild psychedelic effects
- Safrole – weakly psychoactive; potentially carcinogenic
- Eugenol – mild analgesic and sedative
These compounds are metabolized in the liver and interact with serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic systems unpredictably.
Effects
Desired effects
- Mild euphoria
- Changes in perception
- Dream-like thinking
- Closed-eye visual distortions
- Altered time perception
These effects are inconsistent and vary greatly between individuals.
Neutral or mixed effects
- Body heaviness
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty focusing
- Distorted motor coordination
- Confusion
Negative effects (common)
Nutmeg intoxication is widely described as uncomfortable. Reported adverse effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe dehydration
- Intense dry mouth and dry skin
- Anxiety
- Dysphoria
- Difficulty communicating
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Light sensitivity
Serious adverse effects
- Tachycardia
- Delirium or hallucinations
- Dangerous overheating
- Liver toxicity
- Organ failure (rare but documented)
- Hospitalization due to dehydration or mental confusion
Nutmeg intoxication often lasts extremely long, frequently **24–48 hours**, making adverse effects particularly unpleasant.
Dosage
Nutmeg potency varies drastically. Effects may differ depending on:
- freshness of the seed
- method of preparation
- individual metabolism
A general overview of reported psychoactive dose ranges (NOT a safety recommendation):
| Dose Level | Ground Nutmeg (seed powder) |
|---|---|
| Threshold | 3–5 g |
| Light | 5–10 g |
| Common | 10–15 g |
| Strong | 15–20 g |
| Very strong (dangerous) | 20+ g |
Note:
- 1 whole nutmeg seed ≈ 5–7 g
- Effects take **3–6 hours** to onset, often leading to accidental redosing.
Duration
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Onset | 3–6 hours |
| Peak | 8–16 hours |
| Total duration | 24–48 hours |
| After-effects | Up to 72 hours (fatigue, cognitive fog) |
Harm reduction
Nutmeg is widely regarded as one of the least pleasant psychoactive experiences.
Key harm reduction points:
- Avoid redosing — the **very long onset** causes accidental overdose.
- Stay hydrated — nutmeg causes extreme dryness and dehydration.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs.
- Do not combine with MAOIs or SSRIs.
- Avoid if you have heart or liver conditions.
- Never drive under the influence — motor coordination is impaired.
- Effects may cause confusion, panic, or delirium.
Hospital visits for nutmeg intoxication often involve:
- IV fluids
- sedatives for agitation
- liver monitoring
- cardiac observation
Mechanism of action
Nutmeg’s psychoactivity is not fully understood, but key theories include:
- Myristicin → MMDA-like metabolites:
Metabolism may produce compounds structurally related to MMDA.
- Weak MAOI-like effects:
Some metabolites inhibit monoamine oxidase, affecting serotonin and dopamine.
- Anticholinergic-like effects:
Some symptoms resemble mild delirium.
- Adrenergic activation:
Increased heart rate and stimulation.
Overall, nutmeg has a mixed pharmacological profile and unpredictable effects.
History
Nutmeg has a long cultural and economic history:
- Used as a spice for over 2,000 years
- Historically considered medicinal
- Documented recreational use dating back to the early 20th century
- Mentioned in prison literature due to accessibility
- Reported cases of intoxication appear in medical journals worldwide
Toxicity
Nutmeg intoxication is a common cause of accidental poisoning. Documented symptoms include:
- Severely impaired cognition
- Cardiovascular instability
- Liver damage markers
- Severe dehydration
- Confusion and panic
- Rare cases of organ failure or death
Children are particularly vulnerable.
Legal status
Nutmeg is legal in almost all jurisdictions, sold as a common spice. However:
- Concentrated derivatives (e.g., purified myristicin) may be regulated.
- Some countries have laws restricting possession of nutmeg oil.
Nutmeg is **not** classified as a controlled substance in the United States or most of Europe.