Nutmeg Spice: Inhaling The Whole Truth

First off, I want to say that by writing this Hub I do not condone or promote use of any drug, especially those that are experimental.

My intentions are to inform and warn.

I want all parents to be aware of what their children may be tampering with and I want them and the people using or thinking of using these things to learn it is not 'fun' but a flirt with death. Ultimatley, failure, destruction and possible death wins.

So, read what I know, research more, and be aware!

Most importantly, if you are thinking of using 'spices' or are using this or any other mind altering substance- STOP! Please read further and realize you are worth more and your life is not worth risking.

For whatever reason, people, especially those in high school and college are experimenting more and more with substances that aren't illegal, but very harmful, if not deadly.

The latest "high" of our youth is Nutmeg. Yes, nutmeg. The little ole spice you top your loved ones Eggnog with each Holiday Season. It appears to be quite a hot topic/video on YouTube and through word of mouth at the High Schools and Colleges across the World.

What makes Nutmeg so dangerous? Myristicn

For a poison emergency in the US call 1-800-222-1222

Nutmeg contains a compound called Myristicin.

According to Wikipedia:

"Intoxication with myristicin or nutmegessential oil have effects that vary from person to person, but are often reported to be a state somewhere between waking and dreaming; euphoria is reported and nausea is often experienced. Users also report bloodshot eyes and memory disturbances during nutmeg intoxication. In addition to a semi-conscious state, myristicin also has been known to induce psychoactive effects such as visual distortions. The dosage required to achieve such an effect varies from person to person and from source to source. Nutmeg intoxication has an extremely long time before peak is reached, sometimes taking up to 7 hours and effects can be felt for 24 hours with lingering effects lasting up to 72 hours"

The effect of Nutmeg long-term in humans has not been tested. However, animals have been experimented and the findings are; liver cancer, lesions of the brain and the liver, central nervous excitement, seizures and coma.

Many that have tried this have reported many side effects including, but not limited to:

1. Nausea and Vomiting
2. Abdominal cramping
3. Convulsions and seizure-like activity
4. Dizziness
5. Dry mouth
6. Body aches
7. Insomnia

Insomnia appears to be the worst side effect reported as the person seems to be awake for long periods and then sleeping for 1-3 days.

Consumption has been by drinking the powder, injesting threw the nose and smoking it.

"Excessive usage of nutmeg has caused clinical intoxication, characterized by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, headache, hallucinations and irrational behavior."

For the most part, I like YouTube. My daughter watches Anime AMVs on it, I watch music videos, but I have to say that I am very disappointed.It seems that kids smoking and drinking Nutmeg has become a very popular search and hit on YouTube. I searched it out of curiosity, as I'm sure many kids will too, and I found page after page of kids inhaling nutmeg! I was shocked. These kids were acting if it was the best thing since chocolate milk!

I feel ignorant to say that I did not know that things that this were on YouTube. Plus, the cussing and language associated with these videos was outrageous! I have learned to watch my 12 year old activity a little closer while she is on YouTube and not think as highly about this site as they obviously don't monitor the posts or videos submitted.

Listen, I'm not suggesting that anyone stop buying Nutmeg for their spice rack or to even stop watching YouTube videos. I am just asking that we as a community and as parents become more aware of our childrens actions and behaviors.

Luckily, Nutmegs side effects seem to stop the 'user' after just one try, but obviously the curiosity is there. If it is there for something as stupid as this, what will stop you or your child from becoming curious of say...Heroin?

Please be aware, educate yourself and your children and be safe.