6 Oval Mugs - Nutmeg

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It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination.

Williams EY, West F. The use of nutmeg as a psychotropic drug. Report of two cases. J Natl Med Assoc. 1968;60(4):289-90.Nutmeg toxicity can cause serious symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, and agitation. It may even lead to death when combined with other drugs ( 25, 26). Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are molecules that have an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable and reactive ( 2). Test-tube studies have also shown that nutmeg extract exhibits powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals ( 5, 6, 7, 8).

Additionally, studies in mice and rats have shown that taking high doses of nutmeg supplements long term leads to organ damage. However, it’s unclear if humans would also experience these effects ( 27, 28, 29). Myristicin, the main component of the essential oil found in nutmeg that has powerful psychoactive properties, is thought to be responsible for these toxic effects ( 23). What’s more, the wide array of antioxidants found in the spice, such as cyanidins and phenolic compounds, also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties ( 1, 10). Demetriades AK, Wallman PD, Mcguiness A, Gavalas MC. Low cost, high risk: accidental nutmeg intoxication. Emerg Med J. 2005;22(3):223-5. DOI: 10.1136/emj.2002.004168United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release When free radical levels become too high in your body, oxidative stress occurs. It’s associated with the onset and progression of many chronic conditions, such as certain cancers and heart and neurodegenerative diseases ( 3). Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects. Human studies are needed to determine whether high-dose supplements of the spice are safe and effective in humans. Morsy NF. A comparative study of nutmeg (Houtt.) oleoresins obtained by conventional and green extraction techniques. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(10):3770-3777. doi:10.1007/s13197-016-2363-0