Summary:

Agaric, or Amanita muscaria, is a basidiomycete mushroom. Fully grown, the cap is usually around 12cm wide (up to 30cm). It has a distinctive blood-red color (crimson, fading to yellow with age), scattered with white to yellow, removable flecks (warts). It is often called fly agaric due to European use as an insecticide. (It can stun or kill flies.) Agaric has been traditionally used in rituals as a hallucinogen.

Uses:

There are no scientific studies on the use of agaric for medical conditions.

Safety:

Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to basidiomycetes. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:

Change in blood pressure, chronic sinusitis, confusion, deep sleep, diarrhea, excitement, gastrointestinal symptoms, hallucination, increased breathing rate, liver damage or failure, mania, nausea, nervous system dysfunction, vomiting, warm skin/flushing.

Possible interactions:

Drugs that effect the kidneys (nephrotoxic drugs), selenium, and herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):

Not enough scientific data available.

Children (younger than 18 years):

Not enough scientific data available.