Amanita muscaria is a distinctive and visually striking fungus that has been part of human culture and folklore for centuries. Otherwise known as fly agaric, this mushroom is known for its bright red cap with white spots and has been the subject of much fascination and curiosity due to its psychoactive properties.

History and Folklore of Amanita Muscaria

A. muscaria has a long and fascinating history that is intertwined with many different cultures and societies around the world. The mushroom is native to many parts of Europe, Asia, and North America and has been used by various indigenous communities for thousands of years.

In traditional Siberian shamanic practices, the mushroom was used as a spiritual aid during ceremonies and was believed to help connect people with the spirit world.

It was also used as a medicine and as a tool for divination and healing. In many indigenous cultures, the mushroom was considered sacred and was only used by experienced and knowledgeable practitioners.

In Northern Europe, the fly agaric mushroom was a symbol of fertility and was often depicted in fairytales and folklore as a magical, otherworldly plant.

It was said that eating the mushroom would give one access to a mystical realm where anything was possible. In some cultures, the mushroom was associated with the god Odin and was believed to have mystical and prophetic properties.

Whats the connection between amanita muscaria and santa claus?

Amanita muscaria is believed to have played a role in the origins of the modern-day image of Santa Claus. The mushroom's distinctive red and white appearance has led some to speculate that it may have inspired the image of Santa's red and white suit, while its psychoactive properties may have contributed to the idea of Santa as a jolly and magical figure.

Additionally, some cultures have a history of using Amanita muscaria in winter solstice and Christmas celebrations, which may have further cemented the mushroom's association with the holiday season. However, it's worth noting that the exact origins of the Santa Claus myth are complex and multi-faceted, and the role of Amanita muscaria in this story is largely speculative.

Benefits and Usage

While Amanita muscaria has been used traditionally for spiritual and medicinal purposes, its psychoactive effects have also led to its use as a recreational drug. The main psychoactive components of the mushroom are ibotenic acid and muscimol, which have sedative and hallucinogenic properties.

The effects of Amanita muscaria are highly variable and can range from mild sedation and relaxation to intense hallucinations and delirium.

People who take the mushroom often report feeling euphoric, relaxed, and disconnected from reality. Some users have described the experience as similar to that of other psychedelic drugs such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms.

Is Amanita muscaria Poisonous?

Techincally, yes. While the Amanita muscaria mushroom is technically poisonous, fatalities from consuming it are now rare thanks to modern medicine. However, there have been cases of people falling into comas after eating it.

Despite this, the North American Mycological Society reports no reliably documented cases of death from the toxins in these mushrooms in the past century.

Nonetheless, caution should be exercised, as negative effects can still occur from consumption. Even though some argue that the mushroom has been unfairly stigmatized as highly toxic, it can still cause adverse effects. Symptoms of toxicity typically appear within 30 minutes to two hours of ingestion, including nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal disturbances, but most of the effects affect the central nervous system, including convulsions, confusion, and visual distortions.

Can Amanita muscaria make you trip?

Yes, Amanita muscaria can cause hallucinations and other psychoactive effects, often described as a "trip."

When people hear the term "magic mushrooms," they typically associate it with psilocybin, which is absent in Amanita muscaria. Instead, the psychoactive compounds responsible for its effects are muscimol and ibotenic acid.

The psychoactive effects of muscimol are different from those of psilocybin and are characterized as having sedative, depressant, deliriant properties and even hallucinogenic effects when consumed in sufficient amounts.

How Much Should I Take?

A good starting dose of A. muscaria is typically one small mushroom cap or less than 5 grams. If it’s your first time, it's also recommended to go low and slow. IE start small and work your way up as needed. You can always take more. You can't take less once you've taken it. 

Also, consider that the level of active ingredients in each Amanita muscaria cap varies depending on rainfall, geography and host tree species,  so you never truly know what you’re getting with these.

How is Amanita Muscaria Taken?

In traditional Siberian shamanic practices, the mushroom was often consumed in conjunction with other substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis. The shaman would carefully prepare the mushroom and administer it to the participant in a controlled and supervised environment.

Preparation is key to avoiding the downsides of Amanita muscaria - as noted above A. muscaria is poisonous, so the question arises - how can you safely consume it without experiencing any negative effects? Some people have reported severe stomach cramps, and there are even stories of individuals literally shitting their pants after ingesting too much.

However, there are steps you can take to detoxify the mushroom and reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.

To begin with, the toxic effects of Amanita muscaria are due to the presence of ibotenic acid. Boiling the mushroom eliminates this acid, rendering it mostly harmless. Dried mushrooms are also easier on the stomach than raw ones.

It's best to discard the stem since it can often contain numerous larvae, and instead, focus on the red caps. Once the cap is dry, it can be eaten raw or boiled down further to make a tea-like infusion.

In fact, many people prefer the latter method as it reduces the risk of experiencing stomach pains. The key takeaway here is to use plenty of water and boil the mushrooms thoroughly.

Amanita Muscaria experiences 

You can read about peoples personal experiences online. Here are a couple of extracts from Erowid:  

"I chased each bite with some juice and in a matter of 10 min finished the whole bag. I remained in my bedroom for the duration of the experience because my two roommates were unaware that I consumed the mushrooms and I wanted to keep it that way for reasons that are not worth divulging here. During the first hour the nauseous feeling persisted and only grew in intensity. Along with it the drowsiness increased as well. During this onset period I made frequent trips to the bathroom to vomit and diarrhea – I say “frequent” because I can’t remember exactly how many as my recollection becomes hazy at this point. Over the first hour the desire to crawl into bed and sleep got stronger by the minute and eventually I succumbed. At no point before I fell asleep did I experience hallucinations, visual or audio distortions, or any other hallmark of recreational psychedelics, i.e. LSD or psilocybin. The overwhelming feeling was that of gastrointestinal distress and sleepiness."

"At 6:30pm we had approximately 3.5g of mushroom each (three people), and settled back, waiting for effects, aware they were likely to be minor. An hour later we hadn't felt a thing, and were skeptical of anything happening. 2 hours later and more of the same. We decided that we'd smoke a J since we were getting bored, and we did notice that we felt a little 'more than stoned'. At around 10:45pm I felt a very fleeting, yet distinct, 'size distortion' while standing in the kitchen, and one of my friends commented that she did aswell. We had another smoke, still feeling 'more than stoned', or perhaps just an augmented stone, and planned our next foray into the park."

"I'm back on the couch in my room. This is when I start to really feel some presences that are external to my own. For the first time in my life, I don't identify my voice with the voice in my head, but I identify it as the voice of The Spirit ... or, because I come from a Christian background, The Holy Spirit. The Spirit was with me, talking... calming me. I become reassured by the Spirit that I have in fact died, but that I can walk through heaven with it. I feel absolute bliss and euphoria for awhile and even repeat to myself in my own voice 'This is Heaven, This is Heaven' ... The Spirit is now with a community of others that I can't see but I can sense them nearby and hear their voices. We're outside, standing in a very bright light by the Chicken Coop that I built last week. I don't exactly know why we're here, but the community of voices tell me: 'God exists and you can talk to the face if you would like' ... I panic, thinking that if I were to see the face of God I would implode into the nothingness that I comparatively am to the creator. So I tell them 'No. Not only am I afraid, but I also am unworthy.'

Do people microdose Amanita Muscaria?

While there is some anecdotal evidence of people microdosing Amanita muscaria, there is currently very little scientific research on the subject. Most studies on the mushroom have focused on its toxicity and traditional medicinal uses, rather than its potential as a sub perceptual psychoactive substance.

Risks and Precautions

Despite its long history of use, Amanita muscaria can be dangerous. The mushroom contains several toxic compounds, including muscarine and ibotenic acid, which can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.

There have also been reports of people experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis after taking Amanita muscaria. It's crucial to be cautious when taking this mushroom, especially if it's being used recreationally.

It's important to note that Amanita muscaria should never be consumed raw, as the toxins can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. If you're considering using the mushroom, it's essential to prepare it properly or purchase products from a reputable supplier.

What to look for when buying Amanita products?

When buying Amanita muscaria products, it's crucial to ensure that they are sourced from a reputable supplier and are of high quality. Products that are not properly prepared or contain other toxic compounds could be dangerous.

Legal Status of Amanita Muscaria 

The legal status of Amanita muscaria varies depending on the country and jurisdiction. In some places, it's legal to buy and sell the mushroom, while in others, it's considered a controlled substance or even illegal.

In the United States, Amanita muscaria is not a controlled substance under federal law, but it is classified as a poisonous plant by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that it cannot be sold as a dietary supplement or food product, and the FDA advises against using it for any purpose.

In Canada, Amanita muscaria is not specifically listed as a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

In some European countries, Amanita muscaria is legal to buy and sell, but it's important to check the specific laws in your jurisdiction before purchasing or using the mushroom.

Final Thoughts

Amanita muscaria is a fascinating and visually striking mushroom that has been part of human culture and folklore for centuries. While it has been used traditionally for spiritual and medicinal purposes, its psychoactive effects have also led to its use as a recreational drug.

However, it's crucial to be cautious when using Amanita muscaria, as the mushroom can be dangerous, especially if consumed in large amounts. It's important to prepare the mushroom properly or purchase products from a reputable supplier and to be aware of the potential risks and precautions.

If you're considering using Amanita muscaria, it's crucial to do your research and to approach it with respect and caution. While the mushroom can be a powerful tool for spiritual exploration and personal growth, it should be used responsibly and with awareness of the potential risks and benefits.