I’m sure that, like me, you were all sitting around this morning wondering if a person can get high from nutmeg. The short answer is yes, but please read on.

Nutmeg is a holiday spice made from the seed of Myristica fragrant, a tree related to pines. It’s widely used in China to treat stomach problems. It’s been found that nutmeg has anti-microbial properties and can kill bacteria associated with stomach cancer, colin cancer, and inflammatory bowl problems. A recent study done by researchers in the U.S, and China shows that nutmeg can reduce levels of a chemical associated with colin cancer and creates a more healthy intestinal environment. Nutmeg also contains antioxidants.

An earlier study in Japan showed that nutmeg can help contribute to a healthy liver. So yay! Let’s eat a bunch of nutmeg. Well, no. Not a good idea. The potent nutmeg chemical myristicin can also give you diarrhea, dizziness, and make your heart race. It can cause hallucinations but not the sweet dream or enlightening kind.It’s been compared to having the flu or Montezuma’s revenge. Like most things having to do with plant chemicals, tread lightly. Remember, chemicals are a plant’s way of talking. Their words are potent.

Here’s a funny observation: I went to buy some nutmeg today and the store was out! What does that mean? Are people in Pella tripping out on nutmeg?