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I recently made a Bourbon Pumpkin Pie (the recipe’s up on my website if you’re interested). I decided to grate some whole nutmeg right into it. Wow, what a difference!  

Freshly grated nutmeg brings a richer, deeper flavor than the powdered spice I usually use. It’s like comparing a string quartet to a kazoo.  

Nutmeg is well known as a holiday superstar. But did you know this humble spice has some pretty quirky effects on the brain? 

Nutmeg can cause a bit of a natural high. It has compounds that can make you feel, well, a little “off” if you use too much.  

Ever notice that one relative who gets mysteriously weird after dessert on Thanksgiving? You thought it was the carbohydrate load, but it could be the nutmeg in that pumpkin pie!  

Nutmeg contains myristicin — a psychoactive compound that, in larger amounts, has been known to trigger a trippy experience.  

That ingredient also shows up in other familiar spices, including parsley, cinnamon, anise, clove and fennel, but only in tiny trace amounts. Nutmeg is the true heavyweight of the bunch. 

Dosage matters  

A little goes a long way. Recipes usually call for about half a teaspoon, which is considered a small pinch in the grand scheme of your soup or pie.  

But some people, and especially teens who did that TikTok challenge, were downing teaspoonfuls, and at those amounts, nutmeg becomes dangerous. 

Ingesting too much nutmeg activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a fight-or-flight response. A “nutmeg trip” can come with a cocktail of nasty symptoms: dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations and even heart arrhythmias.  

For anyone with heart issues, too much nutmeg can be dangerous. And the sneaky part? The negative effects don’t kick in right away. People may feel fine at first, and then boom!  

Many health benefits, too  

Used correctly, nutmeg is a culinary and health powerhouse, adding a warm, earthy depth to dishes while also offering a range of health benefits.  

It’s a fantastic anti-inflammatory, a natural remedy for pain and digestive issues, and even has sleep-promoting properties.  

It’s also been linked to better memory, reduced blood pressure and even anti-cancer properties.  

A 2023 study published in Current Molecular Pharmacology found that myristicin could block a critical cancer pathway, showing that it might have real potential as a new, natural approach to stomach cancer treatment. 

The takeaway is that nutmeg is a delightful, healthful spice when used properly. I highly recommend it, especially if you grate the fresh seed. It can elevate your cooking in so many ways.  

Just keep an eye on those measurements, and while you’re at it, maybe keep an eye on your grandkids’ social media trends. Nutmeg deserves a spot in your spice cabinet, but like many natural things, it deserves respect.  

For the pie recipe, visit suzycohen.com. 

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.  

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.