The Medicinal Properties Of Fly Agaric (Amanita Mushrooms)

Muscimol is the latest psychoactive receiving acclaim during our modern-day "psychedelic renaissance" - and for good reason. Its potential medicinal properties are continually being revealed by new studies.

Key Takeaways

• Muscimol is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in the amanita mushroom
• The substance interacts with each GABA receptor in the brain, affecting the central nervous system
• The earliest written record of the amanita mushroom can be found in the Sanskrit hymns contained in Rig Veda
• Traditionally, the amanita mushroom and its psychoactive compound muscimol were used in spiritual ritualistic drinks, thought to produce divine, psychedelic experiences
• Recent studies have investigated muscimol and the amanita mushroom for their analgesic properties and anxiolytic properties

While not a controlled substance, muscimol, and the amanita mushroom still remain at the margins of our psychedelic understanding. But why?

Below, we'll go through the medicinal properties this psychoactive has to offer. And we'll even trace it back to its earliest recorded reference, proving once and for all that plant-based medicine has always played a crucial role in our lives.

See Related: Where Are Psychedelic Drugs Legal In The US?

Ancient Uses Of The Fly Agaric Mushroom

There's no denying that the amanita muscaria mushroom has been rising in popularity as of late. But these mushrooms have a history much longer than the recent fad may suggest.

The earliest written reference to the consumption of fungi as medicine can be found within the Sanskrit hymns contained in Rig Veda. The text describes an inebriating ritual drink called "soma" which was thought to infer divine powers to those who drank it.

And what happened to be the main ingredient of this ritualistic drink? Amanita muscaria.

Exploring The Therapeutic Potential of Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms

Muscimol and ibotenic acid are the two main psychoactive compounds found in all amanita species. The effects of muscimol are psychedelic.

But unlike psilocybin, muscimol does not interact with the brain's serotonin receptors. Instead, muscimol acts as a potent, selective agonist to the GABA receptors and can produce sedative, depressant, and hallucinogenic psychoactivity.

Recent efforts to change legislation in relation to psychedelics have highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of psychoactive substances such as muscimol. So let's see what the experts have to say on the subject.

Bonus: 3 Legal Ways To Get High In 2023

The Research Behind Amanita Muscaria

Research into this psychedelic and poisonous mushroom remains ongoing. But here's what scientists have managed to determine thus far.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

A 2021 study determined that, as a potent agonist to GABAa receptors, muscimol suppresses the activity of the central nervous system, which may effectively reduce anxiety.

In addition, muscimol was found to have anxiolytic properties, positioning muscimol and amanita muscaria mushrooms as a potential treatment for those looking to improve their mental health.

Pain Relief

In 2014, researchers conducted a study to determine the effects of muscimol on patients experiencing neuropathic pain symptoms. After three evaluated doses of muscimol, patients experienced a significant decrease in acute neuropathic pain. 

Such findings have urged researchers to further their studies in relation to muscimol as a potential pain management treatment due to its analgesic properties.

Sleep Disorders

An animal study was able to determine the role of GABAa receptors in relation to sleep regulation. Experimenting with muscimol and midazolam, researchers ultimately found that these psychoactive drugs could affect sleep states and sleep EEG.

Further research on the subject has led scientists to believe that muscimol's sleep-promoting properties may be particularly useful for those who suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia.

Addiction Treatment

While muscimol itself is non-addictive, recent research has found that both muscimol, as well as psilocybin, may be promising treatments for those battling addiction, particularly alcohol addiction.

As we said earlier, research remains ongoing into the efficacy of amanita mushrooms as well as the compound muscimol. But such findings already present in current studies show promising evidence that this compound may, in fact, possess potential therapeutic effects.

Final Thoughts

At Clean Remedies, we are continually excited by the new scientific developments of the amanita mushroom. As fans of plant-based medicine (as evidenced by our interests in CBD), we couldn't be more thrilled to see folks engaging with different forms of health and wellness. 

Keep Reading: 6 Potential Health Benefits Only Broad-Spectrum CBD Can Offer

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