Understanding the Dangers: What Happens When You Drink Nutmeg Water?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Though often considered a harmless household spice, research indicates that ingesting more than 5 grams of nutmeg can cause severe toxicity and lead to a host of dangerous side effects. This is precisely why it is critical to understand what happens when you drink nutmeg water in large quantities, as the experience is often far from pleasant and can be a medical emergency.

Quick Summary

Drinking excessive nutmeg water can cause poisoning due to myristicin, leading to severe mental and physical symptoms like hallucinations, agitation, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Effects are delayed, often unpleasant, and potentially dangerous.

Key Points

Toxic Compound: The hallucinogenic effects of large nutmeg doses are caused by myristicin, which is metabolized into a compound similar to amphetamines.
Delayed Onset: Nutmeg poisoning symptoms are not immediate, often taking 2-8 hours to appear, which can lead to dangerous re-dosing.
Severe Symptoms: Intoxication manifests as frightening hallucinations, severe agitation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and dangerously irregular heart rate.
Organ Damage Risk: Animal studies indicate that high doses of nutmeg can cause significant liver damage through oxidative stress.
Supportive Treatment: There is no specific antidote for nutmeg poisoning; treatment involves managing symptoms and providing supportive care in a medical setting.
Not a 'Pleasant High': The toxic effects of nutmeg are often unpleasant, overwhelming, and potentially life-threatening, contradicting the idea of it as a recreational 'high'.

The Psychoactive Components in Nutmeg

At the heart of nutmeg's toxicity is the chemical compound myristicin, along with other volatile compounds like elemicin and safrole. When ingested in high doses, the body metabolizes myristicin into a compound (MMDA) that has hallucinogenic properties, similar to amphetamines. This is the chemical basis for the central nervous system effects reported in cases of nutmeg intoxication, and it is the key reason why drinking nutmeg water in excessive amounts is dangerous.

The Intoxication Timeline and Unpredictable Effects

Unlike many recreational drugs, the effects of nutmeg poisoning are often delayed and prolonged, contributing to a high risk of re-dosing and more severe toxicity. Symptoms typically do not appear for 2 to 8 hours after ingestion, and they can last for 24 to 36 hours or even longer. The experience is also notoriously unpredictable, with both the duration and intensity varying widely based on the dose, individual metabolism, and other unknown factors. This unpredictability makes it an exceptionally hazardous substance for recreational use.

Severe Symptoms of Nutmeg Intoxication

Ingesting too much nutmeg water can lead to a wide array of both physical and mental symptoms. These are often described as deeply unpleasant and, in severe cases, life-threatening.

Psychological and Neurological Effects

Hallucinations: Users may experience visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations that are often unsettling and disturbing.
Agitation and Confusion: Severe confusion, delirium, and psychomotor agitation are common, leading to dangerous and erratic behavior.
Drowsiness and Dizziness: A deep sense of lethargy, stupor, and disorientation can occur, often alternating with periods of agitation.
Feeling of Impending Doom: A profound sense of panic, paranoia, and anxiety can overwhelm the user.

Physical Manifestations

Gastrointestinal Distress: Intense nausea, severe vomiting, and abdominal pain are common acute symptoms.
Cardiovascular Issues: Dangerous fluctuations in heart rate (tachycardia) and blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension) can occur, posing a risk to individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Dry Mouth and Thirst: Anticholinergic-like effects are common, leading to a severely dry mouth and intense thirst.
Other Effects: Additional symptoms include blurred vision, pupil dilation, and tremor.

The Threat of Organ Damage

Beyond the acute psychological and physical distress, animal studies have demonstrated that high-dose nutmeg exposure can cause significant organ damage, particularly to the liver. The toxic compounds can induce oxidative stress and disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to hepatocyte damage. While the exact long-term effects on humans require more research, the evidence points toward a clear risk of organ injury with excessive consumption.

Comparison of Safe vs. Toxic Nutmeg Doses

To highlight the critical difference between culinary use and recreational abuse, consider the following comparison. The amount that can cause toxicity is difficult to measure precisely due to variations in potency, but general guidelines exist.


Feature	Safe Culinary Dose	Toxic Dose (Nutmeg Water)
Amount	A pinch (less than 1 gram)	5 to 30 grams (2 teaspoons to several tablespoons)
Preparation	Ground spice added to food or drink for flavor	Several teaspoons or tablespoons of ground nutmeg mixed in water or other liquids for intoxication
Effects	Safe, adds flavor, may offer mild antioxidant benefits	Severe intoxication, hallucinations, confusion, and cardiovascular issues
Onset	None	2 to 8 hours after ingestion
Duration	N/A	24 to 48 hours or longer
Medical Risk	Low to none	High risk of poisoning and medical emergency

Nutmeg Poisoning and Recreational Use Trends

Historically, nutmeg has been used as a cheap and accessible recreational hallucinogen, but trends like the 'Nutmeg Challenge' on social media platforms like TikTok have unfortunately renewed interest, especially among teens. It is essential to counter this misinformation by emphasizing that the experience is not a pleasant 'high' but a toxic, frightening, and potentially life-threatening event. Poison control centers have reported an increase in calls related to nutmeg abuse, particularly among adolescents.

For more information on the dangers of nutmeg abuse, consult resources from a reputable poison control center like the Missouri Poison Center, which provides up-to-date information on exposures.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Nutmeg Water

In conclusion, while a small sprinkle of nutmeg adds a warm, spicy flavor to holiday eggnog or baked goods, deliberately consuming large quantities in water is an entirely different and dangerous undertaking. The psychoactive compound myristicin is responsible for a delayed-onset intoxication that can lead to severe and unpredictable mental and physical symptoms, including terrifying hallucinations, intense agitation, and serious cardiovascular complications. The risk of toxicity is high, and the potential for organ damage and severe medical consequences makes this a practice to be strictly avoided. If you or someone you know has ingested a toxic amount of nutmeg, seek immediate medical attention. The potential risks far outweigh any perceived benefit from this highly unpleasant and hazardous experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

A toxic dose of nutmeg can be as little as 5 grams, which is roughly two teaspoons of ground nutmeg. However, doses can vary, and toxicity has been reported from ingesting anywhere from 5 to 30 grams.

The effects are prolonged, typically lasting 24 to 36 hours. In some cases, symptoms may persist for even longer, particularly the psychological effects.

Yes, ingesting large quantities of nutmeg can cause severe visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations. The experience is often described as frightening and unpleasant, not euphoric.

Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. Symptoms can be severe and require supportive care, including monitoring vital signs and managing agitation.

Yes, using small, culinary amounts of nutmeg (a pinch or two) to flavor food and drinks is generally considered safe. The toxic effects only occur with the ingestion of large quantities.

While most cases of nutmeg poisoning are not fatal, severe toxic doses can lead to liver damage and other serious complications. Long-term psychological effects have also been reported in rare cases.

Standard drug tests do not screen for myristicin, the psychoactive compound in nutmeg. Specialized lab testing of blood or urine can be performed to detect its metabolites if abuse is suspected.