Nutmeg is a spice introduced to Europe by the Arabs during the middle ages. Its essential oil has been used topically to treat arthritis pain and orally with small amounts of honey or sugar, to alleviate gastrointestinal problems. However, nutmeg contains myristicin which is chemically similar to MDMA or “ecstasy,” and can cause hallucinations when ingested in large doses. During the 19 century, nutmeg was a commonly used abortifacient. Its misuse led to many recorded cases of nutmeg poisoning, which is commonly characterized by body aches, severe depression, heart palpitations, convulsions and dehydration.
