Application of mushrooms with white-spotted red caps — to feel more calm and energised and healthy — has moved more mainstream. The ancients knew long ago what science and public rediscovers now: Amanita Muscaria is a powerful medicine that can be used to treat a plethora of physical and mental conditions.
I wanna start the overview of Amanita Muscaria treatment responding to demand for safety, given the growing popularity of mushroom supplements. Consuming Amanita Muscaria is safe and useful in the right dosage. The application of small, regular amounts of this medicinal mushroom positively influences people's health, wellbeing and quality of life over time.
A common stereotype about poisonous effect of Amanita Muscaria is first of all busted by our personal experiences: the whole Mushroom Mother team and our clients are pretty alive and happy, at least for the time being. North American Mycological Association confirmed the absence of documented lethal effects from this mushroom's toxins in a century.
Nowadays we have a view of science to explore the nature of such stereotype. The primary compounds of this fungi are muscimol and ibotenic acid. Adverse reactions in the human body are typically linked to ibotenic acid, which can cause big discomfort if the mushroom is consumed fresh or improperly prepared in extreme single doses, like kilograms and dozens of caps. Definitely not something to be ingested accidentally. And when the raw material is properly prepared (dried or heated), ibotenic acid is completely transformed into another principal component of Amanita M. called muscimol — the safe harbor of science and magic working together.
Muscimol has a reputation. It does not lead to dependency or withdrawal and is fully expelled from the body within a few hours after ingestion. An average content of muscimol in dry mushrooms is at the level of 1-2%. It is a nootropic and acts as a non-addictive analog to GABA which is one of the most important neurotransmitters that regulate the brain. Studies suggest muscimol may have neuroprotective effects and has been used in anticonvulsant medications. It has a potential as an adjunct to psychotherapy, being an alternative to antidepressants and neuroleptics. We also know the reports of people’s triumph over a nasty addiction to prescription meds with the help of Amanita Muscaria treatment.
Red Amanita is known to bring joy and sense of peace back to life. People have shared that it can evoke meditative states, improve senses and self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and lead to a restful and vivid night's dreamland. Sleep improvement and forgetting insomnia, in turn, leads to full rest and regeneration of cells in the body. It is rich in vitamin D and is considered beneficial for a variety of conditions, including nervous system disorders and immune-related diseases.
At the University of Toronto, scientists observed that muscimol has the ability to enhance REM sleep, the sleep phase associated with dreaming, in rat subjects (link). Meanwhile, researchers at The Ohio State University found evidence suggesting muscimol may alleviate anxiety in rodent models (link). These studies contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential neurological impacts of muscimol.
There's also a study on the anti-inflammatory properties of Amanita Muscaria extract (AME-1). The study, conducted in collaboration with Psyched Wellness and the National Research Council of Canada, focused on AME-1's effects on mast cells, important in inflammation found in skin, gut, brain, and lungs. The study found that pre-treatment with AME-1 reduced the release of pro-inflammatory mediators like inflammatory cytokines. Previous research had already indicated that AME-1 inhibits histamine release by mast cells. These findings suggest unique potential benefits of AME-1 in reducing chronic inflammation and the potential to treat common skin conditions. The article also mentions the addition of Amanita Muscaria to Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database, emphasizing the mushroom's growing recognition in health and wellness contexts.
In some regions, Amanita Muscaria is listed among official pharmaceutical products, like in Italy, Russia, Japan, Scandinavia, Switzerland, and it is used in some French sedatives and sleep medications. Its broad therapeutic potential is harnessed in various forms, including oral consumption and topical application for pain relief.
CONSUMPTION NOTES FOR YOU
We recommend using Amanita Muscaria consciously and carefully, as it is not suitable for everyone in any given moment. It is advised against its use in pregnancy & breastfeeding, for people with certain gastrointestinal or cardiovascular conditions, acute liver or kidney problems, and those who notice allergies to its components.
The recommended daily dosage for this form of treatment typically ranges from 0.5 to 1 gram, not exceeding 1,5 grams daily. Individual responses can vary, so it's suggested to begin with the smallest dose and adjust as needed based on personal experience and desired outcomes. Start low, go slow, and listen to the wisdom of your body.
Usually it’s taken in the morning before meals (keeps you energised) and evening after meals (helps to sleep). However, if it is more difficult for a person to fall asleep after taking the supplement before bed, then it is better to take it before dinner. And when sleepiness occurs in the morning and afternoon after taking the supplement, then it is better to take the morning dose after meals.
Here’s an extra magic tip for those who approach life in energetic and ritualistic way like me: every time you take it, form an intention like “Dear Amanita, I would like you to… (anything you want the medicine to help with)”.
Treatment length should be personalized to align with your health goals. Commonly, a microdosing regimen lasts at least one month, to let the mushroom demonstrate its gentle power. For optimal results, consume Amanita Muscaria apart from meals. As an option, give your system a day off per week with no dose, drink plenty of fluids on this “rest day”.
For anyone considering this form of alternative holistic treatment, it's essential to consult with trained healthcare practitioners, given the varied effects and potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.