What you're smelling as people walk by toting their coffee mugs is the hallowed Autumn scent known as Pumpkin Spice. I just figured out what some might find appealing about one of its key ingredients...nutmeg.
One can enjoy a "nutmeg high" if one wishes. Nutmeg contains something called myristicin, a natural compound that has mind-altering effects if you get enough of it in you. The trip can last one to two days and can be hallucinogenic, you know, like LSD.
Florida Man Alert: the Florida Poison Information Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital has seen increases in reports of people who snorted, smoked or ate nutmeg, which I and millions of others pile on applesauce and apple pie.
"It's the flavor of the month," said Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, medical director at the center. "But most people only try it once because they have such nasty side effects. The rewards are not worth the risks."
Dr. Bernstein was clearly discussing applesauce and apple pie there, not snorting nutmeg, for crying out loud.
Before you experiment with what savvy drug users call "The Big N," you should know that half an hour after you do a big dose, you can expect severe gastrointestinal reactions, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Hours later, heart and nerve problems will show up as well.
So, as the holidays approach, and someone sidles up to you and asks if you want to "get spiced," just say, "No, thank you very much."
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