Amanita Muscaria: Understanding the Iconic & Misunderstood Mushroom

As psilocybin moves through legislation and regulatory hurdles, another natural psychedelic is already gaining mainstream traction: amanita muscaria.

Commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, this basidiomycete fungus is one of the most widely recognized fungi in the world due to its distinctive appearance, which often features a bright red cap covered with white, wart-like spots.

Due to amanita muscaria’s cultural use throughout the centuries, it’s blooming in popularity in today’s wellness space. And the fact that it’s legal in every U.S. state except for Louisiana, along with a variety of countries worldwide, makes it easier for consumers to try the mushroom.

“Amanita muscaria is pretty psychoactive, but it’s technically not psychedelic,” says Christian Rasmussen, founder and CEO of MN Nice Ethnobotanicals. “It works on the GABA receptors in the body, which is what alcohol or benzodiazepines work on, and it can help relieve anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.”

Amanita Muscaria’s Psychoactive Properties

What gives amanita muscaria its psychoactive properties are primarily muscimol and ibotenic acid.

According to First Nature, the psychoactive effects are distinct from those of “magic mushrooms” because the fungus doesn’t contain psilocybin. Instead, its compounds act on the central nervous system, producing sedative or dream-like states, sometimes with a feeling of disassociation.

Muscimol is the primary compound that gives amanita mushrooms their psychoactive and therapeutic effects, according to an article from ACS Laboratory. Chemically, muscimol is a potent agonist (activator) of GABA, a brain neurotransmitter known for calming effects. This activation plays a significant role in controlling body functions like mood, anxiety and sleep. 

Here’s how it works:

GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which dampens nervous system activity. Imbalances in GABA levels are often linked to conditions like anxiety disorders, insomnia and epilepsy.

When muscimol interacts with GABA receptors, it reduces central nervous system activity, contributing to the compound’s characteristic sedative and relaxing qualities.

At high enough doses, muscimol’s GABA action can cause sensory deprivation, leaving users with a deep sense of tranquility, a dream-like state of mind, and an altered perceptive state.

The National Library of Medicine describes ibotenic acid as a precursor to muscimol. When the mushroom is dried or heated, ibotenic acid undergoes a process called decarboxylation, which converts it into muscimol.

The acid itself is a neurotoxin that acts as an agonist for glutamate receptors, particularly NMDA receptors, according to the National Library of Medicine. Glutamate is the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter, so ingesting large amounts of ibotenic acid can cause overstimulation of the nervous system. This can lead to undesirable effects such as confusion, agitation, muscle twitching and nausea.

Is Amanita Muscaria Poisonous?

Many sources describe amanita muscaria as poisonous, especially when consumed raw. It can cause poisoning with symptoms that include confusion, dizziness, visual and auditory changes, and muscle spasms.

However, as more research is being done on the fungus, many find it not to be as poisonous as previously thought.

“Five-to-six years ago, you couldn’t find anything positive about amanita muscaria,” explains Rasmussen. “But that narrative is changing thanks to the thousands of people that have been finding healing through the mushroom.”

Historically, amanita muscaria has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional folk medicine, according to the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, particularly in cultures across Siberia, Eastern Europe and Russia. Modern research is beginning to explore some of these historical uses and the potential therapeutic properties of its compounds, particularly muscimol.

While it’s important to note that the mushroom can be toxic if not dosed correctly, the following are some healing properties that other cultures have documented from ingesting the mushroom:

Pain relief

Anti-inflammatory

Anxiety and stress reduction

Sleep aid

Stimulant

Topical applications

More recent studies are investigating muscimol as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain, with some research suggesting it may help alleviate symptoms.

Consuming Amanita Muscaria

According to Rasmussen, there are a handful of different ways to consume amanita muscaria.

“Most people eat it, whether through capsules or gummies or chocolate bars,” he says. “People also consume it through raw mushroom powder, while others smoke it.”

No matter how you consume amanita muscaria, it’s smart to micro dose it, or take a very small dose if you’re just starting out. Especially with more research needed on the mushroom’s toxicity, always be sure to purchase it from a reputable brand and take small doses.

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