There are hundreds of different species of fly agaric worldwide. So far, 47 of them can be clearly divided into edible, inedible, psychoactive, poisonous and deadly. There are therefore many different Amanita species and not every variety of the so-called bulging mushroom is suitable for microdosing. But which ones are safe to eat - and how poisonous is Amanita muscaria really?
The great variety of Amanita muscaria
The Amanita muscaria is native to the forests of northern temperate latitudes and boreal forests all over the world and has now also successfully spread to the southern hemisphere in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America. Incidentally, Amanita fungi developed more than 3 million years ago in Siberia and Beringia.
Genetic studies of Amanita muscaria from North America, Mexico, Europe and Russia have shown that there is not just one species, but at least eight. In addition, some species occurred in the same geographical area. For example, three species were found in Alaska, but one of them was separated from the others because it only grows in the mountains. Three species were found exclusively on Santa Cruz Island near Santa Barbara. The current observations therefore indicate that the different species are adapted to different environments and host species. Currently, the genus Amanita comprises around 500 species, but geneticists believe that the total number could rise to around 1,000 as more Amanita species are identified and studied in more detail.
Variability of the Amanita muscaria
Almost all of the 500 or so species of fungi in the Amanita genus are ectomycorrhizal, i.e. they inevitably form symbiotic relationships with the roots of deciduous and coniferous trees. The fungi absorb nutrients via mycorrhizal bridges and release nutrients from the soil in return.
Fly agarics grow both as individuals and in clusters, i.e. groups, preferring to settle on the root networks of spruce and fir trees. They come in the typical coloring with a deep red cap speckled with white scales or warts. Others are deep orange, almost bronze-colored. And at lower altitudes you can also find some with yellow caps. Fly agarics therefore come in various shades of red, a reddish orange, clearly yellow or even almost completely white.
The historical use of Amanita
The Amanita muscaria is the iconic mushroom, the best known in the world, having been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes. Rock paintings in Algeria, dating back over 5,000 years, show priests using Amanita muscaria.
So for thousands of years, shamans and priests have used the Amanita muscaria to fall into a trance, experience visions and receive divine guidance. The berserk warriors of the Vikings consumed it before battle to fall into a state of euphoria and become indifferent to pain. Writers took and still take it to increase concentration and gain inspiration.
How poisonous is Amanita muscaria really?
As we already know, the answer to this question depends primarily on which Amanita species it is. There are some edible fly agarics, others are inedible or poisonous, some are even deadly.
In general, the Amanita muscaria has long been classified as generally poisonous and psychoactive. It synthesizes ibotenic acid and muscimol, which can be both poisonous and psychoactive in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hallucinations, involuntary movements, delirium and seizures. The well-known saying: “The quantity makes the poison!” clearly applies here.
However, it doesn't just depend on how much Amanita muscaria you consume, but also in what form. Because you should definitely not eat the raw, freshly picked fly agaric. It is only through the drying process, known as decarboxylation, that the incompatible ibotenic acid is converted into muscimol. After a resting period of around two months following drying, this conversion process is complete. Amanita muscaria can then be taken in very small quantities, for example to reduce physical and psychological complaints. This type of intake is called microdosing.
However, caution is advised: You should really be quite familiar with the identifying characteristics of the fly agaric or buy dried Amanita muscaria from reliable sources to rule out health problems or even poisoning.
Do all eight Amanita species have the same chemical composition?
Well, it is not yet possible to say for sure.
What is clear, however, is that the deadly poisonous species synthesize Amanitin, a cyclic protein that destroys the kidneys and liver. Two deadly species have already been identified in western North America. The so-called “destroying angel” (Amanita bisporigera) has already been identified as deadly nine times in Colorado, for example. The “death cap” (Amanita phalloides) is probably the most notorious Amanita species, as it kills more people than any other. It is likely that this fungus was introduced to California around 1938. This may have been through the roots of cork oaks imported by wine producers to make bottle corks. Today, Amanita phalloides is widespread in California and utilizes an increasing number of different host tree species. The color of the cap varies as in Amanita muscaria, so some specimens also have a yellow cap. The high Amanitin content triggers symptoms within a few hours of consumption, but these subside after one to two days. Unfortunately, they return with a vengeance the following week. If medical assistance is not provided within the first three days, only a liver transplant can prevent liver decomposition and death.
It is therefore particularly important to be able to distinguish between fly agarics and button mushrooms in order to know how poisonous the Amanita muscaria really is - or whether it is not!
Especially after intensive rainfall in late summer, you can observe the appearance of numerous mushroom species, in particular the fly agaric (scientifically Amanita muscaria). Many cases of poisoning are caused by confusion between fly agarics and button mushrooms, as both have a similar appearance. And since the Amanita muscaria also appears in the color yellow, it is possible to make a mistake when determining the type of mushroom. Special care is therefore required here!
Conclusion
Only a few Amanita species have so far been classified as poisonous and potentially fatal, and the fly agaric aka Amanita muscaria is definitely not one of them. In some regions of Russia, for example, Amanita muscaria is eaten boiled or fried as a side dish, just like normal edible mushrooms. You could even consume larger quantities of this type of mushroom and “only” expect a long-lasting high with the usual effects such as hallucinations, hot flushes, euphoria and possibly also nausea and vomiting. But that's not what microdosing is all about. It could be compared much more to homeopathy: The effect is created precisely by the tiny amounts that are taken. As already mentioned, the Amanita muscaria must be well dried for this method. It is therefore advisable to study the subject for a few hours before trying out this great alternative treatment.
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