Since ancient times, nutmeg has been used as a medicine to calm the nervous system, treat the gastrointestinal tract and sexual disorders. Later it began to be used as a fragrant spice to add flavor to dishes and spirits. In addition to the positive effects of this seasoning on the body, there is a negative. High doses have been found to cause hallucinations, palpitations and cramps. In this article, we will consider when an overdose of nutmeg occurs and what measures are taken in this case.
Nutmeg History
The Moluccas located in Indonesia are considered his homeland. Since ancient times, walnuts have been used as a medicine to strengthen the stomach, as well as a spice that improves the taste of culinary dishes and drinks. At the end of the 15th century, when the Portuguese discovered the plant, the merciless struggle for the right to own it continued for a long period of time. Then he gets to the Dutch, who are engaged in his trade, until France and Britain have grown these trees outside his homeland.
In the XVIII century, the British planted nutmeg on the island of Grenada, which today is one of the first places in the world for its production. In addition, it is grown in the Caribbean, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, New Guinea, China. These fruits have gained popularity due to their excellent taste and unique composition containing a large amount of protein, amino acids, trace elements and vitamins. It is used in medicine, perfumery and cooking. However, with the unlimited use of nutmeg - an overdose is inevitable.
Useful properties of walnut
It has long been known that the use of nutmeg in small quantities, up to 10 g, has a beneficial effect on the human body, which is manifested in the following:
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect on joints and tissues;
- stimulates brain activity, eliminates fatigue, alleviates stressful situations and depression;
- improves blood circulation;
- activates digestion;
- cleanses the liver and kidneys;
- contributes to the treatment of skin diseases;
- possesses sleeping pills;
- used as an expectorant;
- treats sexual disorders, menstrual irregularities.
It would seem that by eating a magical potion, you can get rid of all ailments. Nevertheless, experts recommend using it only in small quantities, otherwise it affects the psyche. How much nutmeg do you need for an overdose? A critical amount for the human body is considered 30 grams.
Narcotic effect
The use of large amounts of nutmeg affects the body of an individual like a drug. This effect is given by three substances contained in the spice, which are:
- Myristicin - disrupts cerebral circulation, intestinal function, affects the liver, reduces immunity.
- Elemicin - a volatile aromatic substance has a psychoactive effect.
- Safrol is an oily liquid.
Under the influence of digestive enzymes in the liver, these substances turn into the components of which ecstasy and LSD are composed. With blood, they enter the brain, affecting the receptors responsible for visual and auditory perception, and in case of an overdose of nutmeg can cause hallucinations. The effect of the compounds that make up the famous spice is similar to the way marijuana acts, only it is less pronounced.
It appears about four hours after consumption. In humans, coordination of movements is disturbed, mood improves, perception of space is distorted, vision does not focus, he becomes talkative and liberated. Mild sadness can provoke depression. The peak of intoxication occurs eight hours after taking the nuts. Then comes detachment and drowsiness.
Overdose symptoms
The effect of an overdose of nutmeg is very similar to alcoholic or narcotic. In addition to mental illness, the following symptoms appear:
- tachycardia;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- skin rashes, possible Quincke's edema;
- nausea and vomiting;
- liver toxicosis;
- headache;
- cramps.
For the occurrence of this symptomatology, it is enough to use 2-3 nuts, it all depends on their size and individual characteristics of a person. For children up to the age of seven, pregnant and lactating women, this product is contraindicated, due to the negative effect on the brain of the child.
First aid for poisoning
If a person with poisoning is found, an ambulance should be called immediately. Before her arrival with an overdose of nutmeg, what should I do? Assistance measures are taken immediately, further human health depends on this. To do this:
- Rinse your stomach immediately. Drink the victim with plenty of water, into which it is recommended to add a potassium permanganate crystal so that it acquires a pinkish color. To induce vomiting by pressing a teaspoon with the handle on the root of the tongue.
- Give sorbent Enterosgel, Polysorb or Activated Carbon to drink.
- Do not leave the injured one. He may experience hallucinations, so dangerous objects must be removed from sight.
Health care
After first aid is provided in case of an overdose of nutmeg, the victim is sent to a medical institution, where the following measures are taken:
- The stomach is washed using a special probe.
- They put a cleansing enema.
- Prescribe sorbents.
- Infusion therapy is a treatment based on the introduction into the vein of solutions that normalize the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance.
- Diuretics - provide enhanced secretion of fluid and salts from the body, cleansing it and normalizing acidity.
Timely assistance to the poisoned patient will reduce the negative consequences.
Nutmeg: benefits and harms for women
Due to the rich composition of macro and micronutrients, vitamins and a pleasant taste, nutmeg is often used by women to prepare many culinary delights. To give the dishes, drinks and pastries a refined taste, seasonings are needed quite a bit, on the tip of a knife. The content of a small amount of spice in food has a positive effect on digestion, improves memory, helps to cope with stress, and has an antiviral and restorative effect. Adding walnut powder to balms and hair masks stimulates their growth, and massage mixtures improve blood circulation, rejuvenate the skin and are used to mask small acne scars. But the fruits of the muscatine are strictly contraindicated in women:
- At any stage of pregnancy - a miscarriage is possible. Miracystin, penetrating the placenta, negatively affects the mental development of the fetus.
- During lactation - the child may have mental disorders.
In addition, spices are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance and mental disorders.
Consequences of an overdose
Nutmeg overdose, how much? As a rule, the use of spices in large quantities exceeding 30 g has a hallucinogenic and psychotropic effect on the body. The consequences of an overdose adversely affect the functioning of:
- Liver - fibrosis most often develops when the liver is destroyed and replaced with connective tissue. Prolonged exposure to a psychotropic substance can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
- Brain - insomnia appears, memory impairment occurs, concentration of attention decreases, and sometimes there are significant changes in mental abilities.
- Hearts - blood vessels narrow, blood pressure rises, heart rhythm is disturbed. The result is heart failure.
- Lungs - Inhibition of the part of the brain that controls respiratory function occurs. Frequent negative effects of the substance lead to disruption of their work.
- Nervous system - repeated overdose of nutmeg becomes a cause of mental disorder, there is persistent depression, panic attacks and schizophrenia.
Serious violations in the digestive tract sometimes occur. The situation is exacerbated in the presence of chronic diseases. With the constant intake of significant doses of nuts, a person gradually degrades.
Conclusion
Officially, nutmeg is not considered a drug and can be obtained legally. However, it has long been known that psychotropic properties are inherent in it. Some are mistaken that the nut used for the production of spices can not in any way harm health even if its consumption is exceeded. In fact, repeated abuse of the muscatis can lead not only to severe poisoning, but also to death.