Do you know that some spices can give people a high?

Spices have been used for centuries to add flavor and aroma to food. They are also known for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for their various health benefits. However, some spices have been found to have psychoactive properties and can cause a high when consumed in large amounts. Spices are mostly famous for their flavors and health effects, but have you heard about those with psychoactive effects? However, some contain compounds that would show psychoactive effects with higher dosages. Even though these spices are legal and found in most stores around us, it would be important to understand how they’d work and why they sometimes produce strange sensations.

Let’s look at a few common spices that have great effects and their actions in the body.
Nutmeg: A pantry psychotropic
One of the most potent spices prepared in the kitchen with psychoactive effects appears to be nutmeg, and it is innocuous-looking holiday spice. It contains a mild hallucinogen called myristicin, which, in large doses, produces euphoria and visual distortions and can even cause hallucinations. However, the effects of nutmeg are not enjoyably pleasant for most people-overconsumption may leave one nauseous, dizzy, all sweaty, and experiencing what is often called “nutmeg intoxication,” which can last anywhere up to 48 hours. Whiles this high is no doubt exciting, the potential for side effects in experimenting with nutmeg is very high.
Saffron: The mood elevating spice
The world’s most expensive spice, saffron, has been known for centuries for its many health benefits and mood elevating properties. Compounds such as crocin and safranal found in saffron increase serotonin levels within the brain, which can cause feelings of well-being and, rarely in some, a mild euphoria and stabilization of mood. Though no such effects as those caused by nutmeg are found with saffron, moderate doses of the substance taken daily were reported to help decrease depression-like symptoms, raise moods, and improve overall well-being. Many people actually report a mild “happy feeling” after drinking saffron tea or eating meals flavoured by saffron; thus, it would be safe for a natural mood lift.
Clove: For a little gleed
Cloves contain an admixture of chemicals called eugenol, which are at once numbing and mildly euphoric. Eugenol is the natural painkiller that can induce some sense of relaxation and wellbeing upon consumption in small amounts, such as in tea or food, but high dosages of it are dizzying and mildly intoxicating. Since large doses of clove oil are poisonous when taken internally, it’s probably best not to ingest clove intimately or as a spice in food, which is better than the attempt to recreate an effect.
Cinnamon: Stimulating yet safe
Cinnamon isn’t quite a high, but its main compound, cinnamaldehyde, is known to increase energy and alertness. The aroma from cinnamon, or eating it in small doses, can also give someone a warm feeling, increase circulation, and cause a minor mood and concentration boost. Cinnamon does not provide hallucinations, meaning there is no true high. However, it’s considered to be a safe alternative for a natural source of an energetic pick-me-up.
Fennel seeds: A gentle relaxant
Components like anethole give fennel seeds a sedating, mildly relaxing effect to the body. Anethole has a structure that closely resembles other components within anise and liquorice, which can be used to cause partial soothing effects. Though fennel does not induce a high, sipping fennel tea or chewing on fennel seeds post-mealtime can create a calming and relaxing effect to be enjoyed by many as part of their wellness routine.
Star anise: Serenity and calmness
Star anise is an Asian spice and medication with compounds similar to those in anethole that give it a mildly sedative effect. Some people experience the feeling of relaxation or calmness when star anise is taken as tea or as a small spice ingredient in one’s food. The effect is mild, although often used to use for stress relief or as a sleep aid, especially for relaxation, and is typically included with other herbal teas for these purposes.
Black pepper: Sense of euphoria
Black pepper is a spice that is commonly used in cooking. It is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used to treat a range of ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems. When consumed in large quantities, black pepper can cause a sense of euphoria and can even cause hallucinations. The psychoactive compound in black pepper is piperine, which can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system.
Why these spices have psychoactive effects
The psychoactive properties that exist in these spices are delivered through the action of natural chemical compounds into our nervous system. For instance, myristicin found in nutmeg has a chemical structure very close to the active ingredient in ecstasy MDMA. That’s the reason why it can produce altered perceptions, though on a much more minor scale. Eugenol present in cloves and anethole in fennel and anise exert sedative effects by influencing neurotransmitters that promote relaxation.
Threat from misuse of psychoactive spices
Although the effects these spices may produce are interesting, it is still not advised to abuse such stimulants. Said to be one of the overdoses of nutmeg use, poisoning arises. Clove oil overdose is toxic. Hostile effects may be caused too by excessive fennel and saffron. There may also be different side effects: nausea, dizziness, and grogginess are very awkward to endure.
Using spices safely
While these spices have a lot of potential for psychoactive effects, they are absolutely nontoxic at normal culinary amounts and can add flavour uniqueness to the meals but confer health benefits. Spices are generally considered safe for consumption; some spices can cause a high when consumed in large amounts. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper are just a few examples of spices that have psychoactive properties. It is important to remember that consuming large quantities of any substance can be dangerous and should be avoided. If you are experiencing any symptoms after consuming spices, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.