Vomiting nutmeg

Nutmeg is used more commonly in Oriental medicine than in Western medicine. Medicinally, it is known for its stimulative and carminative properties. The seeds are carminative, stomachic, astringent, deodorant, narcotic and aphrodisiac, and useful in flatulence, nausea and vomiting. The antioxidant property of nutmeg was reviewed by Krishnamoorthy and Rema (2000). Both nutmeg and mace are used in the pharmaceutical industries. Powdered nutmeg is rarely administered alone, but it enters into the composition of numerous medicines as aromatic adjuncts. 

Large doses of nutmeg seed can cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, dry mouth, tachycardia, nervous system stimulation possibly with epileptiform convulsions, miosis, mydriasis, euphoria, and hallucinations (5). 

Clinical features of nutmeg poisoning are similar to those of belladonna (anticholinergic), with facial flushing, tachycardia, hypertension, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal... 

A review of nutmeg poisoning cases reported to a poison control center indicated that doses of 14 to 80 g elicited symptoms ranging from weakness or restlessness to nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. None of the cases was fatal (Stein et al. 2001). 

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