The hallucinogenic properties of nutmeg have been known for a long time. Historical records of the 16th and 17th centuries comment on its narcotic properties. What chemicals determine them?

Several compounds are involved in this. The main one is myristicin, which is about 1.3% in the raw product. The study suggested that the narcotic effect of nutmeg may be due to the destruction of myristicin in the liver, which, in turn, leads to the emergence of MMDA, a drug of the amphetamine class known to be psychedelic. However, this transformation was observed only in rat liver, and there is no evidence that it also occurs in humans.

Interestingly, when a significant amount of pure myristicin was given to a group of subjects (twice as much as 20 grams of nutmeg), six out of ten had some kind of effect, but it was much weaker than expected. Scientists have suggested that the full "nutmeg effect" is caused by a complex of substances. The compounds suspected of being complicit are elemicin and safrole.

Before you reach for the experimental nutmeg spoon, know the consequences are definitely not worth it. 1-2 mg of nutmeg per kg of body weight can affect the central nervous system (myristicin suppresses nerve impulses responsible for involuntary muscle movements in certain body systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract and lungs). It is believed, but not proven, that just 1 tablespoon is enough to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, heart palpitations, euphoria, hallucinations and dry mouth. Not very funny side effects, admit it.

And in addition to being very unpleasant, the side effects are long lasting and can last for several days, and some symptoms, such as problems with vision, balance and concentration, sometimes last more than a week. In general, the summary is this: let nutmeg get into your food, if the recipe requires it, only in a clearly prescribed dosage - on the tip of a knife.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree up to 20 m from the Nutmeg family, a typical plant of the equatorial belt. Blooms all year round from 5-6 years old. Fruiting lasts up to 40 years. From one tree, from 3 to 10 thousand nuts are harvested per year.

The nutmeg fruit looks like a peach; when ripe, it begins to crack into 2 parts. The pulp is massive, sour taste. The fruit contains a large seed, protected by a hard shell and covered with a fleshy seed grape (actually nutmeg color). Sun-dried brittle, fragrant, orange-yellow in color. After removing the seed grape, the seeds are subjected to fire drying, split and remove the kernel (this is the nutmeg). The aroma of nutmeg is weakly spicy, the taste is weak at first, and later strongly spicy.

Active substances: Methylenedioxide-substituted compounds:

Myristicin is an amine-free precursor of 3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxyamphetamine (M-MDA), elemicin and safrole is an amine-free precursor of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). These and other aromatic fractions combine synergistically to create a psychotropic effect. Terpenes improve absorption.

Cooking Uses: Grated nutmeg is used in small amounts (sometimes combined with other spices) to flavor puddings, dairy sweets and vegetable dishes... It goes very well with spinach and winter pumpkin varieties. It is better to grate the nut directly into the dish, since grated it quickly loses its flavor. Store whole or ground nuts in an airtight container. Like many spices, it stimulates digestion and heals chronic rhinitis.

Nutmeg as a drug. Trips., The use of nutmeg ...

PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES

The nut begins to act only 2-3 hours after its use and the effect can last up to a day or longer.

In terms of effects, the nut partly resembles marijuana, partly alcohol, partly other substances. Strange thoughts and troubles are characteristic, music is pleasantly perceived, differentiation of feelings improves, time may slow down, you often want to engage in creative activity, various mystical experiences are possible, sometimes uncontrollable laughter, talkativeness or "freezing" of the psychonaut. In high doses, tactile and auditory hallucinations, a feeling of flying with closed eyes, confusion of thoughts are possible. At the end of the trip, and especially the next day, drowsiness and lethargy are characteristic.

CHOICE OF NUTS, METHODS OF USE AND DOSAGE

On sale are ground nuts in packs (in almost any large grocery store, in the spice department) and whole nuts (sold in the markets by non-Slavic people who sell spices). It is preferable to take whole nuts, because with long-term storage of ground, psychoactive properties weaken and for a similar effect, it is necessary to consume more of it in comparison with whole ones. The more dark matter on the saw, the stronger the nut. The nut must be free of mold. And the main criterion is the fluidity of taste. The more baking nut - the greater its strength. There are round and oblong nuts (IMHO, the latter are stronger).

The usual dosage for a whole nut is 10-20 grams (from 2 to 4 whole nuts), for ground (in packs) from 20 to 40 grams.

Whole nuts must be chopped as small as possible (preferably into powder) by any available method (since the nut is hard and it is extremely problematic to gnaw it). Chopped (or packaged) nuts are added to any edible liquid (yogurt or kefir is best suited), stir and drink / eat this gruel on an empty stomach.

The effect of nutmeg can be enhanced with a small amount of alcohol (a bottle of beer a couple of hours after taking the nut), coffee, grass.

SIDE EFFECTS AND FIGHT AGAINST THEM

1. Severe redness of the eyes and a feeling of “gritty eyes”. The phenomenon is extremely characteristic and occurs in almost 100% of cases of mitotic use of nuts (1-5 nuts). This side effect is reduced by naphthyzine (2 drops in each eye - use only a sterile freshly opened solution 0.05% - 0.1%), visin (similarly - 2 drops each), a small dose of weak alcohol for 12-15 hours of mitot. This phenomenon is less pronounced when nutmeg and hemp are used together. In addition, the eyes are often swollen and the next day vidocq as after a week of binge.

2. Increase in body temperature. Do not be alarmed - at large doses - this is normal and burns a bunch of toxins - at the same time clean up. Just dress warmly and take a hot shower or bath. (you can also “coffee with milk and cocoa with tea”). The rise in temperature is sharply increased by tropane alkaloids.

3. Constipation, weakening of the bladder muscle. The phenomena are very temporary and not worth special attention, with the exception of cases of internal diseases of the psychonaut, but then it is better for him not to use this method of psychomodulation.

4. In connection with the action of nutmeg, weakening the secretory function of the stomach and intestines, there may be disturbances in the digestion of food, especially protein, during the trip. Undigested food debris is toxic to the liver and immune system. To prevent such troubles, it is enough to use substitutes for your own digestive enzymes during meals (drugs like Festal, Digestal) and add ginger and dill to the nut mixture.

5. At a sufficiently high dose (more than 15 grams of a strong nut), orthostatic disturbances in the regulation of blood pressure are possible, manifested by dizziness and lightheadedness. This side effect occurs when standing up after sitting, lying or bending over for a long time. This is due to a slowdown in the normal reflex of blood redistribution in different positions of the body. To avoid the effect, get up and, in general, change the position of the body vertically, you must SLOWLY. If a feeling of lightheadedness appears, quickly lean forward and stand there for 10-15 seconds, then slowly straighten up. The tension of the abdominal muscles speeds up the process of normalizing well-being.

6. Dry mouth is typical for nutmeg.

7. In case of taking large doses, the coordination of movements may be impaired.

Many housewives know nutmeg as a seasoning for your dishes. Many are familiar with it as a medicine. And some see him as a drug. So what exactly is nutmeg?

History of the spice nutmeg

Nutmeg is a very famous spice. in the world thanks to its unique aroma. The generic name for nutmeg comes from the Greek word for "incense", and the specific name comes from the Latin "fragrant". Pliny wrote in his writings that thanks to Arab merchants, Europeans learned about nutmeg in the 6th century. And in the 11th century in Europe there was not a single country that did not feel the need for it. And used nutmeg not only as a spice but also as an air freshener.

From 1512 to 1602, the Portuguese controlled the supply of nutmeg to Europe, then throughout the 17th century, the Dutch held a monopoly on the trade in this spice. This state of affairs was changed by the French in the 18th century, who secretly stole several Muscat planted in Mauritius and Madagascar. The UK then organized landings in China, Singapore, Trinidad and Saint Vincent. Since then, the island of Grenada (the national flag depicts nutmeg) has been the world's second largest producer of West Indian nutmeg and macis, second only to Indonesia, which produces a higher quality and more expensive spice.

In the Middle Ages nutmeg has also been used as a medicine to strengthen the stomach, as well as to prepare an intoxicated drink (reminiscent of beer). The French have a long and deep love of nutmeg. Jean de Lacentini, quartermaster of vegetable gardens and orchards under Louis XIV, grew nutmegs, which provide his Majesty's favorite nuts. Thanks to the mildly narcotic properties of nutmeg, in the 1960s, beatniks and hippies would go to nutmeg parties and get high on two to three tablespoons of ground nutmeg.

Description of the spice nutmeg

Spice nutmeg or fragrant muscat (Myristica fragraus) of the Muscat family (Myristiaceae) originates from the Moluccas. It is grown on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, the West Indies, the island of Mauritius, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka. These pyramidal-shaped evergreen tropical trees can grow up to 20 m in height and live up to 100 years. Fruit flowering and ripening occurs all year round. The beginning of fruiting occurs in the sixth to eighth year of the tree's life and lasts about 60 years. Nutmeg is propagated by fresh seeds.

Collect nutmeg up to three times a year. Up to 2000 fruits can be obtained from one tree. When ripe, the fruit bursts in half and a seed is exposed, covered with a juicy shell and shell. Spice nutmeg- these are dried seeds without a peel, and nutmeg (matsis) is a dried bag in which there was a seed. Nutmeg is obtained by removing the nut from it. A hole remains in the center of it, which will remain after drying. It recognizes a whole (more expensive) or damaged nutmeg color. On the world market most valued is the Penangian nutmeg color, followed by bandansky.

Obtaining nutmeg requires a significant amount of time (2.5 to 4 months) and complex processing. Having separated the seeds from the nutmeg color, they are dried in light bamboo buildings, spread out on huge bamboo grates, under which a small smokeless fire is made. Every day, the nuts are gently turned over so that the drying process goes evenly. When the nuts begin to rattle, this means that the drying has come to an end and the light brown egg-shaped kernels can be freed from the shell. The next stage (about 3 weeks) begins when the kernels are removed from the milk of lime, where they are immersed for a few minutes after the first drying.

Cooking Nutmeg

Nutmeg goes on sale in the form of round dense nucleoli of dark or white color (due to the lime used to repel insects). Grated nutmeg kernels are widely used in cooking in many countries of the world. It must be remembered that in grated form, nutmeg very quickly loses its aroma, so it should be rubbed just before use. Nutmeg is used in jam making, compotes, puddings, pastry sweets: pretzels, cookies, pies.

In Western European cuisine nutmeg is used to flavor vegetables- added to salads and mashed potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, vegetable soups, in almost all mushroom dishes, in sauces for all types of poultry, in pasta, in tender meats and fish dishes(boiled and stewed fish, aspic, fish soups). It is best used in dishes that combine meat or fish with vegetables, mushrooms, dough and sauces, many of which nutmeg provides the main flavor.

Nutmeg is found in many spice mixtures such as curry, Siamese universal, Bolognese, Frankfurt, French quatre epices, Indian garam masala, Moroccan ras el hanut, Tunisian galat dagga, dry spirits. Also, nutmeg oil is used to add flavor. Nutmeg is used to flavor a variety of spirits and cocktails served before meals. The spice is best added to hot dishes after cooking. It should be remembered that add nutmeg to food in very not large quantities- no more than 0.1 grams per serving.

Nutmeg in industry

The canning industry is indispensable without nutmeg., especially fish. Herring is pickled with him, smoked the most different fish... Nutmeg oil or nutmeg is a part of spicy mixtures for sausages, sausages, liver pate, chicken products, mustard. Used to flavor candies and some types of tobacco. Spicy, pickled and White Sea herring, spicy small fish, hot smoked fish. Nutmeg is also added to tobacco and perfume.

Medicinal uses of nutmeg

Nutmeg is used medicinally since has a very strong stimulating and tonic effect. It strengthens memory, the nervous system, treats impotence and sexual disorders, heart disease, many benign tumors, such as mastopathy. It is part of the immune-strengthening fees. In small doses, it is a good sedative, relaxes and induces sleep. Nutmeg is also effective in the treatment of colds, with loss of appetite and with diseases of the liver and spleen. For heart pain: A piece of pin-headed nutmeg, if chewed and swallowed carefully and slowly, relieves attacks of heart pain, less often arrhythmia.

Nutmeg tincture (100 g of nuts per 500 ml of alcohol) is an excellent remedy for varicose veins, however, it takes a very long time to take the medicine, about a year. But at the same time nutmeg has mild narcotic properties- already a small dose can cause a rapid heartbeat, and too much can cause euphoria, hallucinations, nausea, a terrible hangover and even death. You need to be careful when using nutmeg - its essential oil can irritate sensitive skin. Not recommended for pregnant and easily excitable people.

Muscat: pros and cons of nutmeg trips
Pros of a nutmeg trip:
- the low cost and legality of nutmeg remain unrivaled;
- long trip time (up to two days at high dosages);
- in small doses, nutmeg acts as a light cannabis cigarette for the whole day;
- light and pleasant relaxation (if you do not break the rules of the nutmeg trip);
- with the appropriate dosage of nutmeg, the required trip depth can be achieved.

Cons of nutmeg trips:
- long action, many begin to strain;
- due to the long time of the nutmeg trip, it is necessary to carefully plan the next day;
- with large doses of nuts, bad trips and betrayals are possible;
- nutmeg is disgusting to use;
- possible abdominal pain, red eyes;
- if you neglect the advice on the trip - then there is a chance to get a hard breakdown and a strong blow to the liver.

Nutmeg trip rules
1. Conditions for taking nutmeg. It is better to take nutmeg on an empty stomach. When nutmeg is consumed on a full stomach, a bad breakdown is guaranteed, the effect will be weaker, pain in the stomach is possible in 3 ... 4 hours. After taking it, do not eat for two to three hours, it is allowed to drink (not alcohol). After a few hours, you can eat, preferably liquids, like soups and cocoa, but a little and if necessary. It is possible to use some kind of digestive pills, this will minimize the negative effect of the nutmeg alkaloids, nothing will hurt. It is best not to eat hard and dry foods during the trip at all. In a word, carefully monitor your food intake, do not overdo it.

2. The shape of the nutmeg for consumption. Take nutmeg nuts only in chopped form, mixed with fermented milk products containing bifidobacteria. Regular kefir is also suitable, milk is absolutely useless and even harmful, the best option- "Bifidok" and "Snowball". It is possible to use nutmeg with honey: honey is mixed with nutmeg to a very thick consistency. It is said that eating Nutmeg with honey is even better. It is better not to gnaw the nuts, it is harmful to the teeth and is very poorly absorbed: it is better to crush them with a hammer and throw them into a coffee grinder, or grind them through a grater. It is undesirable to buy ground nutmeg.

3. Dosage of nutmeg. The amount of nutmeg for a trip is calculated as follows: for 1 kg of human weight, you need 0.33 grams of nut, that is, 15 ... 20 grams per 60 kg of human weight. If you consume more than 20 grams of nutmeg, you must carefully prepare for the trip. With frequent use, the body develops a tolerance to nutmeg; to overcome it, it is enough to take a break in trips or mix nutmeg with morning glory seeds, or gradually increase the dosage of nutmeg. When buying nuts, it is enough to take 4 ... 5 nuts, depending on their freshness - this is enough with a margin.

4. Start time of the nutmeg trip. It is better to take nuts in the morning or at lunchtime. The action of nutmeg begins in different ways, on average after 3.5 ... 4 hours, the peak of action begins approximately 8 hours after consumption. It makes no sense to start a nutmeg trip in the evening, especially if you expect to go to bed.

First example: ate nutmeg at 6 pm. The effect starts from 22.00 to 23.00, the peak of the trip will be at 02.00. You need it ?! Weak action guaranteed for the next day after the trip; it is even possible that you sleep all day.

Example number two: took nutmeg at 13.00. Effects start at 17.00, maximum nutmeg effect will come at 20.00 ... 21.00. In the morning, a flutter may have a very weak residual effect or a slight breakdown.

5. Mixes of nutmeg with other substances. Many psychonauts believe morning glory is ideal. Someone has tried mixing nutmeg with dextromethorphan (DXM), but it is very life-threatening. Possibly smoking marijuana during a nutmeg trip. Alcohol is categorically contraindicated. Nutmeg does not mix well with other substances and poisoning is possible. Be careful when experimenting with potent substances. Caffeine will speed up the action of the nutmeg alkaloids, but heart problems are possible: a very heavy load.

6. Action of nutmeg. With a nutmeg trip, tactile hallucinations from nutmeg are possible, that is, hallucinations with the behavior of the extremities of the viscera (something cracks, crunches, opens). There is a feeling of euphoria, more physical. Possibly impaired coordination of movements when eating a large amount of nuts. Memory and concentration deteriorate, time stretching, increased color saturation, and the effect of presence occur. It is recommended to spend the time of the trip under the nutmeg in a warm place. It is possible on the street, provided that it is summer. It is desirable to watch films without violence: comedies, science fiction, cartoons. It is possible and even necessary to listen to music during a trip, but not heavy. Some advise to have sex under nutmeg - in fact, just for this you can already try. It is very good when both trip partners.

A warning before the nutmeg trip
Don't underestimate nutmeg. You have no idea how many people were stunned by its action, and this is due to the fact that the nutmeg begins to act after a very long time (up to four hours), and not noticeably, not in waves, but constantly increasing without indulgence. In no case, do not try to "catch up" during this time (that is, take an additional dose of nutmeg to enhance the trip)!

Nutmeg is not a drug and is not addictive. It is not prohibited by law, it is sold legally as a spice. Muscat is a medium-strength psychedelic containing a lot of nutrients and vitamins, but even more harmful substances. Upon admission to a large number leads to a state of euphoria. Nutmeg poisoning is not caused by the nutmeg itself, but by a violation of the digestive function of the stomach. That is why it is recommended to follow a diet after a nutmeg trip, eat only soups and drink juices, teas, cocoa.

Nutmeg is one of the healthiest spices in the world, which used to be worth its weight in gold, but is now available to everyone.

The aroma is mildly spicy, the taste is mildly spicy at first, and later intensifies. Both whole walnuts and ground nuts are sold. It is better to grind immediately before use, in order to avoid loss of aroma ( essential oils), taste and medicinal properties.

Useful properties of nutmeg

Suitable for everyone and useful to everyone - in small quantities. Gives tenderness, peace, but also activity, strength and stamina. Nutmeg activates digestion, increases blood circulation and greatly enhances immunity. Promotes warming of the limbs.
The best time to consume nutmeg is from 11 am to 4 pm. Others beneficial features are described below.

Healing properties of nutmeg

Nutmeg gently and effectively heals the vessels of the whole body, the brain, heart, thyroid gland, stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs, bladder, joints of the whole body and the spine. It treats benign tumors (for example, mastopathy), the immune system, brain diseases, prevents the growth of tumors, and is useful for stress. Muscat cures chronic rhinitis. Gently and gently dissolves atherosclerosis in small vessels, as well as blood clots (nutmeg is the best treatment for blood clots, it dissolves very gently and safely). Treats staphylococcus and other types of infections. Used to prevent tuberculosis. Dressings can be used for treatment. Relieves pain, spasms, tension. Dissolves gallstones (dressing with nutmeg on the left arm and leg, see internet for details). The main reason for the formation of stones is grain products after 4 pm. It is good to add nutmeg to milk in the evening (with honey it is even better) before going to bed - it relaxes, soothes the psyche. You do not need to use large quantities before bedtime - it will be difficult to fall asleep.

The use of nutmeg in cooking

Used in cooking chocolate puddings and creams, cakes and various sweets, cookies, pear compote, preserves. Added to baked apples, plums and apricots. Nutmeg can be added to all dishes that contain nutmeg.

Nutmeg is used in soups, sauces, various vegetable salads, asparagus, peas and tomato sauce, as well as dishes from vegetables, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, leeks, spinach. Also used for cooking meat broths, rice dishes, mashed potatoes, fish, veal, minced meat and birds. Nutmeg is widely used for flavoring alcoholic beverages, it is used to improve the taste tomato juice, dairy drinks, wine (including hot), punch and cocoa. A small amount is added to apple roll, fruit cake, ice cream and whipped cream.

Narcotic properties of nutmeg

When taken internally in large quantities nutmeg causes euphoria and clarity of thoughts, a state of calm and bliss... For this, he was unofficially awarded the status of a drug or psychedelic. But nutmeg is not a drug, although an overdose is extremely unpleasant and even dangerous (as well as an overdose of other spices).

Nutmeg is a natural remedy for depression

To relieve stress, remove nervousness or depression, freshly ground nutmeg is used, you can add it to tea, kefir, milk or other drink. Two medium-sized nuts will be enough for a person of average build (according to the materials of the Ayurvedic lecture) to get out of depression. However, remember that in such large doses, nutmeg should not be consumed often - it can be a one-time relief from severe depression. But in small quantities, ground nuts can be consumed every day - this will only benefit.

Nutmeg in large doses toxic, harmful to the liver and stomach. You can find more information on the use of nutmeg in large doses on the Internet.