Spices generally are not dangerous in normal use. But some spices ingested in great quantities can be injurious or even fatal. Furthermore, for women, spices can pose some health risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What Are Spices
Spices are the aromatic seeds, bark, fruit, buds, roots or stems of a plant. Common spices include pepper, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Herbs are usually classified as the leaves of the plant.
Spice Dangers
Some spices are dangerous for both men and women to take in high doses. For example, you should not take great quantities of cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg. Cinnamon can cause increased heart rate, flushed skin, shortness of breath and stomach upset in the form of gastric reflux ("heartburn") and diarrhea. Allspice overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting and convulsions. Using too much nutmeg can be fatal. An overdose of nutmeg can cause hallucinations, a stupor that may last from two to three days, shock, seizures and death. Urgent and immediate medical attention is necessary with a nutmeg overdose. Keep this spice out of the reach of children and pets.
Spices During Pregnancy
Many spices can cause miscarriage during pregnancy. These spices are allspice, nutmeg, anise seed, fennel seed, caraway, celery seed or oil, chili, cinnamon, cumin and saffron.
Spices During Nursing
A woman can pass spices into her breast milk and to her baby. Avoid nutmeg due to its potential to cause seizures. You should avoid capsaicin or red pepper because it can cause infant dermatitis and rash. Chili, cinnamon and pepper can cause gas problems for babies.
Caution
Do not use herbs or spices to deliberately induce miscarriage. Using herbs or spices may create an incomplete miscarriage that leads to uterine infection. Furthermore, ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, can go undiagnosed and lead to injury and death.
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