People often hear mention of medicinal mushrooms and assume you’re talking about some gnarly psychedelic drugs that will have you tripping, but there is so much more to medicinal mushrooms than that and most people are missing out.

Mushrooms have been used for centuries, all over the world, as both holistic treatments and recreational drugs. They are still commonly used in many cultures. In recent years, their popularity has begun to grow once again as many people are looking to find more natural remedies to their ailments without the long list of adverse effects that come with many pharmaceutical drugs.

One of the mushrooms that is often a little misunderstood – and underappreciated if you ask us – is the Amanita muscaria. Let’s dive into the world of Amanitas and get to know them a little better. Who knows, they could be just what you’re looking for!

What is Amanita?

Amanita muscaria is a mushroom which is commonly found in woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere. It has a captivating red cap with white spots; imagine a typical, Alice-in-Wonderland vibe toadstool. 

As its vibrant red color implies, in its fresh, unprocessed state, Amanita muscaria is highly toxic and can cause severe side effects. However, when prepared in a particular way, the toxins can be removed, making it safe for human consumption. Once this has been done, there are plenty of reported benefits to consuming this mushroom.

Why do people consume Amanita gummies?

Amanita is known for its psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects, but it is not your typical “magic mushroom”. Unlike the most common magic mushrooms, which contain a compound called psilocybin which stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, causing the psychedelic effects, Amanita muscaria’s effects come from its muscimol content.

Muscimol compounds found in Amanita mushrooms bond with GABA receptors in the brain, creating a unique “high” experience compared to other psychoactive mushrooms. Users frequently describe the experience as a euphoric sense of total relaxation, with dream-like hallucinations when taken in higher doses. Others find it provides more of a mellow high, with sedative-hypnotic effects.

People use Amanita gummies for a range of reasons, including relieving pain and stress and reducing the severity of depression and insomnia. Evidently, in addition to its recreational use, users find that this mushroom offers psychological benefits and therefore improves their overall well-being. 

Amanita gummies can be a great way for people to try recreational mushrooms for the first time as they offer a mellower experience that is a combination of the relaxing effects of other drugs such as weed, with a mild hallucinogenic effect. For anyone anxious about having a  bad trip, this could be a good stepping stone to gauge how you feel about the effects before considering a more potent option.

Are Amanita gummies safe?

Amanita muscaria is legal in all US states excluding Louisiana, so it’s a very accessible option for most people. Amanita gummies are particularly popular as they are easy to portion, delicious to consume and you don’t need to worry about any of the preparation process at all. This is particularly good for Amanita muscaria products due to the need to prepare them correctly in order to remove the toxins. Gummies from reputable companies are lab-tested to ensure they don’t contain any harmful compounds and to verify the levels of muscimol and ibotenic acid.

You can also buy products which combine Amanita with other compounds, such as Amanita muscaria gummies with Delta 9 which are perfectly tailored to offer all the relaxation and good vibes of both Amanita muscaria and Delta-9 THC without the intoxicating effects. These types of gummies are ideal for people looking for something to help them unwind at the end of the day, soothing any anxiety and boosting their mood for a restful night’s sleep.

The enigma continues

Despite having been used for thousands of years, there is little scientific research into this mushroom. Many people believe that there is a whole wealth of potential in this mushroom that remains undiscovered. Hopefully there will be more in-depth studies into the potential therapeutic applications in the near future so people can begin to fully appreciate this striking little mushroom.