Nutmeg

The nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) is an evergreen tree species with growth heights of 5 to 18 meters. The nutmeg tree is a plant species from the nutmeg family (Myristicaceae), small white flowers in clusters, flowers all year round, also fruit ripening all year round. The fruit is light yellow, bursts after 9 months and contains the seeds, about 3 cm in size. After drying for 5-8 weeks, the inner seed kernel, the nutmeg, is released. This is widely used as a spice. Due to the hallogenic ingredient it contains, myristicin, a quantity limit is recommended. Due to its hallucinogenic effect, it is also used as a substitute drug; more than 10 g of nutmeg leads to a state of intoxication.

Both nutmeg and mace contain essential oils, e.g. nutmeg oil: sabinene, &-pinene, ß-pinene and myristicin, other phenylpropane derivatives: elemicin, eugenol, isoeugenol, methyl eugenol and safrole.

Originally native to the tropical Banda Islands and the northern Moluccas, nutmeg trees are now also cultivated in South America and Africa.

Nutmeg allergy can occur as a food allergy, often in conjunction with celery-carrot-mugwort spice syndrome. Type IV sensitizations are also known. Dose-dependent hallucinogenic effect.

Furthermore, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue to lethargy, euphoria, dizziness, tremor, ataxia, cramps, palpitations, possibly urinary retention, dry mouth, constipation, visual disturbances, flushing, high blood pressure, hyperthermia.

The name nutmeg developed from the Latin name "nux moschata" or musk-scented nut.

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