If using more than a half teaspoon of nutmeg then the consumer will notice a tingling of the mouth, visual enhancement, anxiety, and mild lethargy. Nutmeg is a spice that has been in supply for over four hundred years and its properties have been used around the world as a sedative,e to induce sleep (MoodFoods). If Nutmeg is taken in doses over three grams nausea and stomach ailments could develop. As well, if a dose of eighteen grams or more is taken there is the possibility of death or health problems are possible but like most chemicals, if a smaller dose is taken, then Nutmeg can be consumed safely.
Firstly, if consumption of Nutmeg is undertaken do not do so before taking on complex tasks or with any activity that requires focused attention, as the side effects make concentration difficult. Nutmeg has been used in ancient cultures of the past as an aphrodisiac and it was believed that this chemical could be used to treat asthma or heart conditions. No significant studies have been researched at this point to determine if Nutmeg is indeed an aphrodisiac or helpful in treating body troubles; Nutmeg does contain Myristicin and Elemicin and the hallucinogenic properties of nutmeg have been well documented (Wikipedia).
A single Nutmeg is approximately three grams and the LD50 or the death of fifty percent of consuming users is not known.
People who have taken three grams of nutmeg or more have experienced, “…severe cottonmouth, flushing of skin, severely bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils…’intense sedation,’ impaired speech…” and “…hallucinations…in 5-10 gram doses.(McGees)”
The dry mouth or tingling sensation in the mouth can be felt, one hour after ingesting Nutmeg; other effects like mild hallucinations and anxiety take over three to six hours, to take effect. Taking large doses of Nutmeg (3-10 grams) can affect the user’s kidney and liver while remaining in the body from between twenty-four to forty-eight hours. One error that some first time Nutmeg users make is to take a second dose before the first dose has taken effect. A Nutmeg dose is not fully felt until after six hours, it is easy to see why this make is made. A final note, do not mix Nutmeg with any cocoa flavoured products; cocoa acts as an antagonist to the effects of Nutmeg as it is a MAO inhibitor (Truthtree).
As an overview, Nutmeg in small quantities (1 teaspoon or less) mixed with a drink will produce mild effects over a six hour period. There has been only one reported death in the last eight years of one boy, an eight year old, who overdosed on Nutmeg (Mcgees). The major disadvantage of taking larger doses is the increased anxiety and troubled sleep that will follow. As well, in the morning, users who have taken large doses have complained of clumsiness and drowsiness the next day.
So, if you desire to take a small dose or greater of Nutmeg research the effects and possible side effects of the drug and prepare for a mild psychoactive experience.
Sources:
Rudgley, Richard. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances. 10 Sep. 2008 .
Killing Yourself with Nutmeg. 10 Sep. 2008 .
Savori, Ron. The Nutmeg Trip. 10 Sep. 2008 .
