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N is for Nutmeg....

Like to add a little extra spice to your pumpkin pie recipe? Maybe a dash or two more to the eggnog?
Depending on the amount already present in the pie and nog, perhaps you should think twice....

Nutmeg contains myristicin, a mind-altering chemical that in high enough amounts can have a hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD. The "nutmeg high" as it's called, can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days and can be fatal if a high enough quantity is consumed.

Though the fatal dose is rather a lot--- a tablespoon or more, depending on body weight and cardiac health--- the amount to get a buzz can be as little as half a teaspoon.

Because of some rather nasty side effects that you have to endure (vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, etc) before you get to the fun hallucinations, most people don't attempt a nutmeg high after their initial experimentation... seems the effort to endure the before-high-discomfort outweighs any benefit of making it to the high. And, if the person is fortunate enough not to suffer badly from the side effects, because the hallucinations don't set in until several hours after the spice has been ingested, there is a high risk of overdosing as the person may believe they haven't taken enough to feel anything....


Nutmeg Visions

Forget sugarplums, 
forget dancing fairies in flight,
the dreams you'll have,
my friend, won't be pleasant tonight.

                                                                                         --- e.a.s. demers


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Comments

  1. Karen Jones GowenApril 17, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    I love nutmeg and had no idea it could be deadly!

    I hope you're enjoying the Challenge!

    KarenG
    A to Z Challenge Host

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 29, 2012 at 6:37 PM

      Yeah, I have a weakness for Nutmeg myself... it's a shame that all the good stuff is bad for us, LOL...

      Delete
  2. Laura S.April 17, 2012 at 2:55 PM

    Hello, E.A.S.! Holy moly, is this true?? I use nutmeg in a variety of yummy baked good. I didn't know it could be so dangerous! Yeesh!

    Have a great week and happy A to Z!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alison MillerApril 18, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    Did not know this! Interesting.

    Hopping through with A-Z! Nice to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 29, 2012 at 6:38 PM

      Nice to meet you as well... thanks for stopping by :-)

      Delete

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