What Is Nutmeg Poisoning?

Nutmeg is normally used in small amounts. A 2014 Illinois Poison Center review in the Journal of Medical Toxicology says the spice is normally used in small amounts to flavor seasonal beverages and baked goods, but that when large amounts are taken, toxic effects including rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, agitation and hallucinations have been noted. The review attributes those effects to myristicin, the largest component of the volatile oil of nutmeg, which the body metabolizes to MMDA, a stimulant compound with hallucinogenic properties.

A 2024 case report in Cureus says nutmeg poisoning can occur with ingestion of 5 grams or more, causing anxiety, hallucinations and restlessness, and that it can also cause dry mouth, tremors, rapid heartbeat and decreased vision. It says symptoms typically begin about three hours after ingestion and subside within 48 hours, and describes a 33-year-old woman who accidentally ate a toxic amount of nutmeg while cooking and developed dry mouth, tremors, dizziness and anxiety. A 2023 case report in Cureus cites a study in which all 22 participants became intoxicated after 10 grams of nutmeg powder, about two teaspoons.

The National Toxicology Program says there are currently no FDA regulations on the levels of nutmeg powder, oil or oleoresin, or of pure myristicin, allowed in food or drug products, and that nutmeg, mace and the essential oils derived from them have been generally recognized as safe.