Stoned on spices: a mini-review of three commonly abused household spices

Although spices are widely used as food products and are generally regarded as safe, intentional abuse of household spices may occur and is likely underreported in the medical literature. Spices are inexpensive and widely available for purchase by individuals of all ages and may be perceived as being safer than traditional drugs of abuse.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla are commonly abused spices. The major component of nutmeg is myristicin; myristicin has activity at serotonergic receptors and may result in psychomimetic symptoms after exposure. Cinnamon oils contain local irritants which may cause dermatitis or ulcerations after topical application. Ground cinnamon contains cellulose fibers; these are biopersistent and bioresistant, and inhalational exposure to cinnamon powder can result in chronic pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35% ethanol according to the United States Food and Drug Administration standards, and abuse of vanilla extract may occur among individuals seeking ethanol intoxication.

Overall, misuse or abuse of these spices frequently results in mild to moderate symptoms that do not require medical intervention, although more serious intoxications may require hospitalization. Clinicians should be aware of the potential dangers of household spice abuse and understand management strategies for these exposures.