John Myers
The classic among spices and found in almost every kitchen: Nutmeg. Nutmeg is actually said to have healing powers and an aromatic taste. But is it true that an overdose can be deadly? How toxic is nutmeg?
The healing nut?
The nutmeg tree is native to Indonesia, more precisely to the Banda Islands. In the meantime, the trees are also being cultivated in Sri Lanka, and South America and the seeds are sold worldwide. Nutmeg hides some healing effects that have been known to people since the Middle Ages.
Nowadays you probably only know nutmeg as a popular spice that you used to use for your Christmas cookies or for cooking. But it can help your body with various ailments. The essential oils it contains can, for example, lift your spirits and have a beneficial effect on your stomach and intestines. Nutmeg is sworn to in Ayurvedic medicine and used as a natural remedy for gas and diarrhea. Since the extracts it contains relax the intestines, the nutmeg relieves stomach and intestinal cramps in particular.
Tip: A hot cup of milk and a pinch of nutmeg even help with sleep problems. After that, you will sleep like a baby.
How’s the taste?
Aromatic, warm, and with a sweet and spicy taste, that’s how many would describe nutmeg. You should use it sparingly, however, as too much of it will make your dish overly spicy. The taste is reminiscent of wood and cloves. For the full aroma, you should always grate the nutmeg freshly.
The dark side of nutmeg
Dü dum – let’s get to the dark side of the little nutmeg because it can trigger major ailments that you shouldn’t underestimate. No question, its healing powers are wonderful and helpful, but you have to be careful with the dosage, as the good effects can quickly degenerate into the opposite. The toxic substance contained in nutmeg is called myristicin. This substance is said to have a hallucinogenic effect and can sometimes cause smoking if too large amounts are eaten. For comparison, 1 nutmeg weighs about 5.3 to 5.7 grams. Even about 4 grams can cause an intoxicating effect in the body. Unpleasant side effects can include:
- tachycardia
- headache
- nausea
- Vomit
- stomach cramps
- hallucinations
Procedure for symptoms
However, if you have eaten too much nutmeg or have persistent symptoms, you should act quickly and urgently consult a doctor or the emergency services (emergency number 112) to avoid nutmeg poisoning or a fatal overdose. Here are a few self-help measures you can do while you await rescue:
- Keep Calm.
- Drink water to keep hydration.
- Do not vomit so as not to aggravate the situation.
The 5 W questions
So that the doctor, the emergency call center, or the poison control center can help you as quickly as possible and assess how to proceed, you should have an answer to the following 5 W-questions ready:
- Who is poisoned?
- What caused the poisoning?
- When did the poisoning take place?
- How did the poisoning come about?
- How much was eaten?
Rule of thumb: Already 1 to 2 whole nutmegs can cause toxic side effects. In adults, 3 whole nuts are life-threatening. For children, however, even 2 nutmegs are life-threatening! So always make sure to keep the nutmegs out of the reach of children.
However, don’t be put off if you want to use nutmeg in a recipe. Due to the strong, aromatic note, a little spice, about 1/4 of a nut, is enough to enhance the taste of your dish.
Already knew?
The shelf life can change if you grate the shell and the nut is therefore open. For example, the duration is reduced from 9 years to 3 years.
Tasty ideas
The preparation options are diverse! Whether it’s sweet or savory dishes, you’ll always find a use for nutmeg. Especially when you cook potato dishes, soups, or stews, you can give your food that certain extra with nutmeg.
Do you love mashed potatoes, but are you getting bored of the normal preparation? Then you should definitely prepare our classic mashed potatoes with some nutmeg. It gives your mashed potatoes a special touch and always works. Also highly recommended and suitable for the asparagus season, you can use nutmeg to flavor asparagus dishes. Our recipe: Quiche with green asparagus is delicious with nutmeg. Try it out and refine your dishes with nutmeg!
Note: Always keep an eye on the amount of nutmeg and still enjoy using it!
