Why was nutmeg called the spice of madness?

Answer 1

Nutmeg was dubbed the "spice of madness" because it contains myristicin, a compound that can produce hallucinogenic effects in large quantities. In the 16th and 17th centuries, excessive consumption of nutmeg was linked to delirium and irrational behavior, leading to its association with madness. Additionally, its high value and rarity during that time contributed to myths and misconceptions surrounding its effects.