Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is an Old World mushroom known for its iconic red cap and white spots. It’s been used for medicinal and spiritual practices for millennia by countless communities. Plus, thanks to Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, it’s one of the most common mushrooms seen in the media.

By preparing them properly, dosing responsibly, and (ideally) getting help from an expert or guide, Amanita mushrooms are perfectly safe to consume! However, safety is key. Do your research on proper preparation methods before you buy Amanita muscaria, or get pre-measured capsules designed for easy dosing.

After you buy Amanita mushrooms, you’ll need to prepare them properly.

First, break the mushrooms into small pieces. Simmer them in a pan with equal parts lemon juice and water for 20 minutes to decarboxylate the ibotenic acid to muscimol. This reduces the potential negative side effects of Amanita mushrooms.

After you’re done simmering, cool the mixture, strain out the pieces of mushroom and any other solids, and then store the liquid in a sealed container in the fridge. This liquid will be good for up to a week.

While research is ongoing, people who buy Amanita muscaria describe a mixture of mental and physical effects. Feeling an incredible calm wash over you is typical, as is enhanced introspection and an altered, “dreamlike” state of consciousness.

If you sleep while the effects are active, you might experience vivid dreams. When trying Amanita mushrooms for the first time, start with a low dose in a safe, familiar environment, ideally with someone who has done them before.

Reputable suppliers like Amentara that prioritize quality, safety, and sustainable sourcing practices are your best option. These vendors will provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions, guides for good dosing practices, and third-party lab testing to ensure it’s free from additives or contaminants.

Sunlight and moisture are your mushrooms’ enemies, so store Amanita mushrooms in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. This ensures the active compounds in your mushrooms don’t break down and lose their potency and freshness.

Everybody’s correct dosage is as unique as they are, and the only way to find it is through trial and error. Start with a small amount—such as around 500mg of Amanita muscaria, the typical microdose—wait around an hour, and see how your body feels. If you barely feel it, you can take more; if it’s overwhelming, you’ll know to take less next time.

Absolutely! Amanita mushrooms are often used as a relaxation aid and to manage stress. Mindfulness practitioners also use it to ground and center themselves more easily during exercises.

On a federal level, Amanita muscaria is an unscheduled substance with no regulation or restriction. However, specific cities and states may have local restrictions. Louisiana, for example, has banned Amanita products. Check your local regulations before you buy Amanita muscaria mushrooms to make sure you’re staying compliant!

The effects of Amanita muscaria typically last around six to eight hours, but that depends on the user’s tolerance, metabolism, and consumed dose. Higher tolerances, faster metabolisms, and larger doses may lead to longer-lasting effects. Lingering effects, such as increased introspection and mild drowsiness, can last a full 24 hours.

Definitely. Amanita mushrooms have been used for spiritual practices for millennia by communities from Siberia to Northern Europe. Users report a dreamlike trance state that aids in meditation and finding a feeling of transcendence.