Amanita gummies are a novel product that has started appearing in numerous locations around the country. They are made from the infamous mushroom Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric.
This mushroom is often misunderstood, and many people believe it is poisonous. However, this is not strictly true; some even say it has therapeutic properties. This article explores the truth about amanita gummies and what science says about their potential benefits.
What Are Amanita Gummies?
Amanita gummies are gummy candies containing extracts from the Amanita muscaria mushroom. This fungus has captivated human imaginations for centuries with its unique appearance and fearsome reputation.
In the Western world, many people believe Amanita muscaria is poisonous. However, in many Eastern cultures, it is considered sacred and is a critical component of certain shamanic traditions.
The “poison” in Amanita muscaria is actually two psychoactive chemicals, ibotenic acid and muscimol. And while it is true that they can cause unpleasant side effects when consumed incorrectly, they can be quite safe with the right knowledge.
Ibotenic acid is found in the raw mushrooms, which can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, sweating, and hallucinations. However, when the mushrooms are prepared in a specific way, ibotenic acid converts into muscimol. When taken in appropriate doses, muscimol can have calming effects, and some people use it as a sleep aid.
In recent years, an increasing number of anecdotal reports have suggested that microdosing prepared Amanita muscaria has therapeutic effects. They include reduced anxiety and an increased sense of well-being. However, there is little scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Amanita’s Therapeutic Potential: What Does Science Say?
No clinical research exists on the effects of microdosing Amanita muscaria or whether amanita gummies are an effective consumption method. However, a few studies have investigated muscimol and its potential therapeutic effects.
Muscimol has a similar molecular shape to the neurotransmitter GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down signals in the central nervous system. By binding with GABA receptors, muscimol can mimic these effects.
One of the main benefits of muscimol is that it appears to have neuroprotective effects, meaning it could protect nerve cells from damage. It has been tested as a treatment for neuropathic pain and seizures, among several other conditions.
Unfortunately, though, human clinical trials are lacking, and far more research is necessary before we can fully understand this mushroom’s therapeutic potential.
Are Amanita Gummies Safe?
There are some safety concerns about the consumption of ibotenic acid. It has a similar molecular shape to the neurotransmitter glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that speeds up signals in the central nervous system.
In high doses, both glutamate and ibotenic acid may be neurotoxic. In fact, scientists investigating Alzheimer’s disease have used ibotenic acid to cause brain lesions in animals, mimicking this common neurodegenerative disease.
However, in these cases, ibotenic acid was injected directly into the animals’ brains. It is widely considered safe for humans to consume small amounts of ibotenic acid by mouth. Furthermore, well-manufactured amanita gummies should contain undetectable levels of ibotenic acid and rely on muscimol for their effects.
Where to Buy Amanita Gummies
It is essential to buy high-quality amanita gummies created by someone who understands these mushrooms and their complex chemistry. Unfortunately, the market is unregulated, meaning anyone can make and sell these products with little regard for consumer safety.
When buying amanita gummies, look for a brand that is transparent about its manufacturing processes and how much muscimol and ibotenic acid each gummy contains. Ensuring your gummies contain a reasonable amount of muscimol and just traces of ibotenic acid will help you to balance efficacy with safety.
The best way to verify this information is by shopping online, where you can view independent lab reports for each product. The most trusted amanita gummy sellers will make these documents freely available on their websites, proving they have nothing to hide.
Amanita gummies are legal in most states, with Louisiana currently the only exception. However, this may change, so check the status of Amanita muscaria in your area before buying.
Finally, treat these mushrooms with the respect they deserve and always follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding dosage. It is best to start with a single gummy and see how it affects you before consuming more.