If you’ve ever read a children’s book or played a video game, chances are you’ve seen the iconic red and white spotted Amanita Muscaria mushroom. The mushroom’s name may not be as prolific as its image but its proper name is Amanita Muscaria. More than a symbol of a popular video game, Amanita Muscaria has a wide range of benefits that include reduction of anxiety and stress and may even have anticonvulsant properties.

Amanita Muscaria does produce psychoactive effects thanks to its three main alkaloids: muscimol, ibotenic acid and muscarine. Muscimol has activity in your gaba receptors and can produce a relaxing and sedative effect. Ibotenic Acid is more glutaminergic and leads to an energized and focused mood. Muscarine interacts directly with our muscarinic acetylcholine receptors making it a potent nootropic, or a cognitive enhancer that can improve memory, concentration and alertness.

With all of these alkaloids found in one mushroom, it’s easy to notice an entourage effect taking place. At lower doses amanita can help people with anxiety and sleep. At medium to high doses Amanita can be dissociative, introspective, and even confusing or scary. Typically, people who take higher doses end up in a heavy slumber. Once asleep, many go into an extremely vivid dream state. While not the case for everyone, it is a common side effect of Amanita Muscaria.

 Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric mushroom, is traditionally used for its sedating,sleep enhancing, adaptogenic, and spiritual properties. It has a historical use in shamanic and spiritual practices for its psychoactive effects.

Amanita Muscaria contains compounds that can be psychoactive, which means it should be used cautiously. Proper preparation and dosage are crucial as it contains ibotenic acid. Small doses of Ibotenic seem generally tolerable by most but large doses can make a lot of people sick. Most people who want to take a medium to large dose of Amanita decarb their Amanita prior to use or buy a decarbed product. Always consult with a healthcare provider before use.

 Decarbing Amanita is the process of converting some of if not most of that Ibotenic Acid into Muscimol. This is a pretty simple process of creating a lemon tea with the caps. Full instructions Here.