The Amanita Muscaria Mushroom - All You Need to Know

Perhaps you think Amanita muscaria is one of science’s latest discoveries? 

Think again. 

Amanita boasts a long, rich history that dates back 4000 years. From Asia, its birthplace, the mushroom has spread across world destinations, attracting several eye-opening findings about its potential therapeutic gains. 

To keep you well-informed about consuming Amanita muscaria, this article discusses some important details about this exciting psychedelic mushroom. 

What is Amanita muscaria? 

Dubbed Fly Agaric, Amanita muscaria is a mushroom specie common in northern and continental Europe and the United Kingdom. Significant amounts are also found across Central Asia, South Africa, Brazil, and North America.

Fly agaric was an active ingredient in Soma, a hallucinogenic ritual drink across Iran and India. The mushroom was also prized for its beautiful endowment, which made it a common gift during end-of-year festivals of the Siberian shamans.

The mushroom contains high levels of ibotenic acid and muscimol, two potentially toxic ingredients.

Its ibotenic acid attracts and kills flies and other insects, which earned it its name, fly agaric.

This mushroom is easily identified with a white-spotted bright scarlet-red crown and up to 20-centimeters-large leaves, distinguishing it from other crops in its habitat. The alluring beauty and savory smell make it one of the most remarkable and appealing in the mushroom family.

Effects of Amanita muscaria

As mentioned, Amanita delivers specific psychoactive effects that trickle in and peak in about 2 to 3 hours. However, depending on the product concentration, amount ingested, and individual tolerance levels, the alcoholic-like buzz may stay up for up to 8 hours. 

From research and anecdotal testimonials, here are the most reported effects of Amanita Muscaria’s doses:

• General increased energy
•  Visual distortions 
• Drowsiness 
• Hallucination 
• Muscle spasm 
• Lack of focus 
• Vomiting and nausea
• Loss of balance 

Potential Health Benefits 

While most historical records link the mushroom to spiritual rituals, more recent investigations have unveiled some therapeutic potential for health seekers. A handful mimics cannabis’ potential health benefits. 

While research is underway, existing evidence shows agaric fly may help manage a range of concerns, including inflammation and pain, anxiety and stress, insomnia, and neurodegenerative conditions. 

Inflammation and pain 

According to studies, muscimol, one of the mushroom’s most active ingredients, may deliver therapeutic effects for hard-to-treat neuropathic pain. Research data show excellent improvement in pain when used in moderate doses. 

Related studies found Amanita extract may be effective in inhibiting inflammatory pain.

Anxiety and stress 

Amanita introduces mental calm and tranquility that could help dowse anxiety and stress. Interestingly, Amanita delivers less hitting high than obtainable with psilocybin. This makes it preferred over psilocybin for mental concerns like anxiety and stress. 

Insomnia 

Research shows Muscimol may bind with GABA receptors to improve REM sleep span. Besides, anecdotal findings show amanita muscaria may promote sleep and extend sleep hours. 

Neurodegenerative conditions

Amanita Muscaria’s potential role in managing certain neurodegenerative diseases has been the subject of recent research. A research review concludes that the mushroom’s neuroprotective role may come in handy for treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Does Amanita muscaria Get you high? 

Sure.

However, Amanita delivers a different sort of high from psilocybins. Many users say they feel strong visions when asleep, hallucinations, and incredible happenings in their dreams. 

These episodes can last anywhere between 4 and 10 hours. 

However, the experience varies across users—while some report a sicky euphoric feeling that comes with a phobia; others say they feel almost nothing. And since research is still in its infancy, we can conclusively refer to the effects as moderate but unpredictable. 

Any legal concerns about using Amanita? 

Amanita muscaria is currently legal in the US federal books and almost all states except Louisiana, where it's only permitted for decorative purposes. Although psilocybin and other psychedelic substances are grouped under controlled substances, Amanita mushroom’s active ingredients are not. 

Is Amanita Edible? 

Yes, it is.

How about the poisonous content? 

Some amanita muscaria users report coma, stomach concerns, and other threatening issues after dosing with the mushroom. Hence, detoxification is required to avert these potential adverse effects.

The toxicity in Amanita mushrooms is primarily traced to ibotenic acid. Thankfully, boiling neutralizes this acid and makes the fungi palatable and safe for consumption. 

Also, dried mushrooms are preferred as they pose less damage to the stomach. 

Do not eat the stems; they usually hold excess larvae. Instead, look away from the stems and concentrate on the delicious umbrellas.

Feel free to dry the dried cap or boil it. The water can be used for a tea-like infusion. Boiling (with plenty of water) reduces potential risks, including stomach upset. 

What is the proper Amanita dosage to use? 

There is no one-fits-all universal Amanita dosage. The rule of thumb says to start with low doses and work up to a more personalized amount. For the best effect, begin with a small-sized mushroom cap —or below five grams. With a few trials and errors, you’ll find a more suitable dosage based on your personal need. In addition, Amanita’s potency varies based on geography, specie, and rainfall. This level of unpredictability makes dosage even trickier.  

What Next?

Despite its widely touted toxic nature, amanita muscaria is attracting increasing research. Besides its psychoactive tendencies, early studies suggest the mushroom may deliver a range of therapeutic effects.  

The cap is usually dried and boiled for different applications, like infused tea. Being a potentially poisonous hallucinogen, we advise new users to seek an experienced guide for preparation. The Amanita Muscaria is a family of mushrooms with similar appearance but different effects.

Discover more about this compound and explore more alternative medications from our informative guides. Better still, feel free to discuss with one of our experts for a free professional guide.