In search of a psychedelic high, some teenager, somewhere, will turn to nutmeg. Yes, that aromatic spice used in pumpkin pie and eggnog can take you for a trip. And people have been trippin’ on nutmeg for centuries.
Nutmeg by Tlongacre (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Nutmeg dates back to Indonesia and the “Spice Islands” near the turn of the 16th century. Then, much of the area was controlled by the Portugese, and in particular, the Banda Islands. At the time, these islands were the sole locale of Myristica fragrans, otherwise known as the nutmeg tree. The nutmeg tree is a 10 meter, bushy, evergreen that grows best in wet, tropic locations. Its fruit will split open, revealing a brown seed covered with a bright red lattice. The brown seed is nutmeg, and the red coating when dried and ground is the spice we know as mace. Indigenous peoples have used nutmeg for centuries to treat illness of the stomach and kidneys, as well as just about everything else. (1)
Nutmeg also has a long, relatively speaking of course, history as a hallucinogen. Many (now) prominent peple have published on its psychedelic effects. This includes Dr. Andrew Weil, he of healthy living fame (2), Albert Hofmann of LSD fame (3), and Alexander Shulgin, the “Godfather” of synthetic hallucinogens and PiHKAL fame (4). That right there is a Mount Rushmore of something – minus Teddy Roosevelt, but everyone forgets about him anyways.
So these three titans, for diverse reasons, spent time and effort investigation the role of nutmeg as a hallucinogen, so there must be something to it. As early as 1576 there is reference to an English woman who became “inebriated” and delirious after consuming 10 nutmegs (1). And for you uber geeks, even Jan Evangelista Purkinje (we named some brain cells after him!) experimented with nutmeg and had hallucinations that lasted several days (2).
Myristicin
The chemical substance behind this? Myristicin. [If it looks a bit like Mxyzptlk to you, put down the comic book.] I always like to know the pharmacolgy behind these drugs and poisons. Activity at the receptor level explains so much, and without it I feel a bit lost. That’s how I feel about myristicin. Lost. There just isn’t any good data on how exactly myristicin works – what it binds to, what it activates. Shulgin’s hypothesis is probably best (4). He proposed that myristicin becomes aminated in the body, presumably the liver, to MMDA. MMDA is a known hallucinogenic, extremely similar to MDMA (Ecstasy) and behaves as a serotonin receptor agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor. This receptor is known for the “classical” psychedelic experience. Shulgin’s hypothesis was put to the test in liver models, and myristicin did indeed biotransform into MMDA (5). There has been no evidence to date, however, of this happening in animal models or in humans.
So what can one expect from myristicin and nutmeg consumption. It appears to be a mixed bag, but the consensus seems to be a pretty crappy trip from the sounds of it. In all of my drug talks I try to be fair, and with apologies to Clint Eastwood, give examples of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
The Good, via Erowid (6), and after feeling nauseous, sick, and passing out:
“I felt like I was walking on air all the next day and colors looked brighter. Things that weren’t moving had a swaying sensation, and things sounded warped. Everything was absolutely beautiful.”
The Bad, via Erowid (7), and after downing a bottle of nutmeg with a friend:
“It was at this point that I thought I was going to die, but I didn’t care. I was getting visual hallucinations out of my peripheral vision that left me feeling very vulnerable and helpless. I had my girlfriend take me outside where I proceeded to puke my guts out in front of all my friends. If I was in a distance puking contest I would have won.”
And The Ugly, via Erowid (8), and after a month of using:
“The side effects of dry mouth and slight nausea all disappeared in the normal time period (about 12 hours), but other effects stayed: the ‘out of it’ mood, screwed up vision and depth perception, and occasional returning feelings of ‘tripping’ and lack of balance, especially under the influence of caffeine, which seemed to amplify the effects. My depth perception has been screwed up for more than two weeks, my vision wavers and does hallucinatory things when viewing patterns, and I can’t shake my feelings of removal from my surroundings.”
Most of the experiences I read are from male teenagers that are unable to score any other hallucinogen, and after talking with other teens or searching online, decide to try nutmeg. It just doesn’t seem worth it, to me. I have a feeling it’s more of a joke being played on people: “Hey, nutmeg is awesome, you gotta try it . . . snicker, snicker.”
Poison control data from California (9) backs that up. The male teenager part. Over a 12 year period, intentional administration was 78% male and 80% ages 13-20. About half went to an emergency department and had minor to moderate outcomes. The most common symptoms were tachycardia, vomiting, agitation, and hallucinations. Good times, good times.
So despite being relatively non-toxic, it always depends upon the dose and the person. And if myristicin really is being metabolized to MMDA, then liver function and other foods and drugs on board will play a role. There are countless records of adverse events and calls to poison control centers, but only two deaths that I am aware of. The first occurred (date unknown) in an 8 year old boy who ate two nutmegs and became comatose (10). He died 24 hours later, and the symptoms were reported as similar to that of opium. The second is a 55 year old male that presented with nutmeg in the stomach contents at autopsy (11). There was no other clear cause of death, and postmortem serum myristicin concentration was 4 mg/L. That sounds impressive, but with precious little postmortem data we can’t make much of it.
The take home message is that even something as simplistic and innocuous as nutmeg can present dangers. And if you can choke down enough, you may find yourself in trouble. Serious trouble? Probably not, but a trip you probably wished you never took.
References:
1. Gils, Carl Van, and Paul Alan Cox. “Ethnobotany of Nutmeg in the Spice Islands.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 42.2 (1994): 117-24.
2. Weil, Andrew T. “Nutmeg as a Narcotic.” Economic Botany 19.3 (1965): 194-217.
3. Schultes, Richard Evans., and Albert Hofmann. The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens. Springfield, IL: Thomas, 1980.
4. Shulgin, Alexander T. “Possible Implication of Myristicin as a Psychotropic Substance.”Nature 210.5034 (1966): 380-84.
5. Braun, U., and Da. Kalbhen. “Evidence for the Biogenic Formation of Amphetamine Derivatives from Components of Nutmeg.” Pharmacology 9.5 (1973): 312-16.
6. “Erowid Experience Vaults: Nutmeg – 30 Hours of Bliss.” https://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=8896.
7. “Erowid Experience Vaults: Nutmeg – Nutmeg Mistake.” https://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=3279.
8. “Erowid Experience Vaults: Nutmeg – The Two Week Hangover.” https://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=49394.
9. Carstairs, Shaun D., and F. Lee Cantrell. “The Spice of Life: An Analysis of Nutmeg Exposures in California.” Clinical Toxicology 49.3 (2011): 177-80.
10. Cushny, A.R. ” Nutmeg Poisoning.” Proc R Soc Med. 1908;1 (Ther Pharmacol Sect): 39-44.
11. Stein, U., H. Greyer, and H. Hentschel. “Nutmeg (myristicin) Poisoning — Report on a Fatal Case and a Series of Cases Recorded by a Poison Information Centre.” Forensic Science International 118.1 (2001): 87-90.
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When I just eat nutmeg in good recipes, I am guaranteed incredible dreams. Why?
Thanks for the question!
If this is Robert G., I enjoy your work, particularly on buprenorphine and loperamide, the latter of which I’m seeing more of in my postmortem work.
On to the nutmeg. The proposed metabolic product of myristicin is MMDA, which is a serotonin releasing agent, and can be classified as an empathogen. These drugs have the psychological effects of producing feeling of empathy, love, etc., which is why they are popular at raves and social situations (like MDMA, ecstasy).
But nutmeg in a recipe is far, far too little, I think, to be metabolized to MMDA and have these effects. I’d focus more on what situation you are in while you consume these nutmeg laden foods, and attribute that to the good feelings you probably have when you go to sleep and experience your great dreams.
For me, I associate nutmeg with the winter holidays, and I can definitely see how the cheeriness of a holiday party or social scene could influence my mood much more than a bit MMDA.
Thanks again. Justin.
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nutmeg has never done me wrong, well, except that “one” time during methadone maintenance….otherwise for myself…a fairly fresh nut can be chewed up sort of like a thick brazil nut gone stale. I haven’t eaten more than 2-3 in a 24-40 hour period.
goes very well with other psychedelic type compounds……and seems to benefit kratom alkaloids effects .
of course this is possibly treading dangerous territory, like kratom, nutmeg is problematic with some drugs, but unlike kratom which is “illegal”as a dietary supplement/food ingredient like nicotine/arecoline/scopolamine etc (though not technically a controlled substance) , nutmeg is perfectly legal to add to recipes and beverages, ayurvedic medicines etc, unlike grapefruit however, there are no warning labels for nutmeg consumption on prescription bottles that I know of.
I don’t know how many times nutmeg has helped to help people killed themselves and other people all over the world….but it has to be ALOT, and is probably one of the greyest ghosts in the annals of forensics for being ignored in conjunction with diet related cytochrome p450 issues and medication/illicit substance interactions/overdoses/deaths.
I wonder if kratom could chance to hold a hat to nutmeg when it comes to cytochrome p450 induced poly substance overdoses after unfortunate folks hitting coffee shops and being too liberal with the nutmeg shaking scenarios are tallied? probably not.
come to think, I haven’t seen one forensics report regarding kratom connected deaths that wasn’t a hit on poly substance causation. Has ANYONE reported a comprehensive mitragynine and related alkaloids induced death that was stand alone mono substance analysis? I really wonder…..having IV”D nearly a kilo of kratom equivalent dose of isolated mitragynine and 7OH mitragynine in the early 2000’s over a 2-3 hour period to dangerously perhaps assess the abuse potential of kratom alkaloids I was quite surprised to garner very mild effect, perhaps maybe comparable to 1/8-1/16th that amount.
considering that nutmeg is consumed so widely, and considering that it can have PROFOUND effects on the somatic and psychopharmacological effects that some/many other drugs can have, and considering that it can only take a fraction of a nut seemingly to induce issues in combination with some other drugs, much like sassafras, I won’t be surprised if nutmeg someday becomes an issue for authoritative measures outside of the already privy prison and jail system.
apparently initially during its import into european society, this nut was more a drug than a spice, as is often the case.
makes me think of coffee’s trajectory compared to that of coca.
I have consumed half a nut of nutmeg quite a few times with very pleasurable results. I have found a ton of negative reviews on the effects of nutmeg, but it sounds like those individuals experimented with the wrong dose and didn’t know how to take it. I only consume 1/2 nut and I grind it with a cheese grater, then pulverize it in a small handheld blender. I mix it with traditional co-nutmeg flavors, molasses, cinnamon and ginger and create a gummy consistency. That covers the taste of the nutmeg and makes it easy to consume washing it down with water or whatever. The side effects of dry mouth and the “munchies” are similar to a marijuana high but the amazing state it gives you is far more noticeable. After consuming, three hours passes before the effects kick in. Imagination and contemplative thought are increased, creativity and ideas are mused, and it feels like a great antidepressant and takes away anxiety. As an artist and thinker I am in love with it, but as a nutrition and science lover I am very curious to how it breaks down in the body and what may be the health benefits as well as the risks. The history on it interests me. I have read its possible effect as an abortificant so trying to find research on it as an angiogenesis inhibitor or as a possible anti-cancer properties helping with apoptosis. Maybe it helps to cause cancer or impair brain or liver function? I would like to learn more.
I’ve read about nutmeg having anticholinergic effects, similar to atropine or other tropane alkaloids. While myristicin and elemicin appear to work through different pathways than atropine, the end effects are remarkably similar, including the lingering dysphoric hallucinations. Perhaps a strong extract of nutmeg could treat nerve gas poisoning….? Myristicin is fairly soluble in ethanol, and the mace contains much more than the nutmeg. I’ll be experimenting with a mace tincture soon….
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I using nutmeg almost one time in a month and results are very good. If you know how to use it properly, nothing can go wrong. If you expecting something like LSD trip or mescaline trip , you will be pretty disappointed. The onset of the nut is very subtle and the first symptoms may be manifested by a slight volatility of thoughts, tiredness and a sharper perception of light. + 4–6 hours the effects are more noticeable. The condition is very joyful. The desire to laugh at everyone around you and everything is very interesting. You stopping over the details and think about them seriously. Dry mouth and eyes are common. You are very friendly but do not mind being alone. These kind of effects lasts around 2 hours. +9-12 hours There is a slight fatigue but nothing terrible. Your eyes are red. Lots of red eyes. The states of intoxication are still growing, which can be amazing because the effects of other substances in this state are rather slowly lost. The conditions are now very similar to those of cannabis. Not so intense, rather sedative but you can definitely say ‘’ I’m fucking high!’’ Appetite is present but you can’t eat much. If you want to enjoy the trip to the fullest, it is better to eat only fruits. 14-18 hours Here you are already at the top of your trip. Walking can be difficult, sound hallucinations are easily present, and if you don’t playing computer games (which is best for me personally) or watching movies, you will easily fall into a dream state. Lucid dreaming is the rule of nuts. 20–24 hours in. the nutmeg trip slowly disappears and you are very very tired. It’s like riding a bike all day in the mountains. The muscles in the body are tired and I recommend practicing yoga for a little relaxation. You will definitely sleep a lot. Me personally always sleeping 15 – 18 hours after the trip. The effects of nuts persist until the beginning of the third day after ingestion. Red eyes disappear after 24 hours. Safe guide to get Amazing nutmeg trip: 1. Best dose for nutmeg trip is 10–12 grams. 2. Make sure you have whole nutmegs and not powdered. 3. grind the nutmegs to the powder 4. put the powder in 1l of pure milk 5. boil the milk very very slowly for 10 minutes 6. leave the milk warm for about 1 hour (oven is best) 7. take the milk out of the oven and add 1 dl of sugar 1/2 dl carob or 1 full dark chocolate, 5 dl powdered milk and mix it with blender. 8. everything is done Now you have perfect chocolate shake. This recipe should completely cover the horrible taste of the nutmegs. If you prefer more sugar you can double the sugar dose. -Before you will take it- 1. Make sure you are not eating heavy food stuff 12 hours before 2. eating lot of fruits before and during the trip is extremely important. The fruits gives your body lot of water and vitamines which are both essential. Nutmeg takes from the body a lot of water and vitamins along with minerals which is the cause of hangover. So the apples, orangers, greps, strawberies, melones, peaches are very good for you. 3. Drink drink drink and always drink. Water drinking makes you sure there will be no headache during and after the trip. If you want to aviod the ugly muscle pain or even cramps make sure you will drink about 4 liters of pure water next 24 hours. Sleep well. Sleeping before the journey is also important. If you will take it with tired body you will be just sleep most of the time of the trip. Enjoy