Agaric (Amanita muscaria, A. phalloides)
Folk Names: Deadly Amanita, Death Angel, Death Cap, Fly Agaric, Fly Amanita, Fly Killer, Magic Mushroom, Redcap Mushroom, Sacred Mushroom
Description: The deadly Agaric mushroom is bulbous near the base of the stem with a skirt just above ground. The cap may be brownish yellow or white with a pink, brown, yellow, or reddish center. The gills are white. The poison of this mushroom, especially of A. phalloides, seems to be related to serpent venom, but is more dangerous than a snake bite because it is absorbed through the stomach. Be very careful if you choose to handle this fungus. It may be better to use something else less deadly.
Effects: strong
Planet: Mercury
Element: air
Associated Deities: Dionysus, Agni
Traditions:
There is speculation that some “mystery religions” used the Agaric in rituals. It is identified as the medicine-god-narcotic, Soma, from the Rig Veda. In later version, Soma is a being, but it was, at its earliest, a divine liquor and Agni, god of fire, was the “spirit” of Soma.
Magic:
The Agaric may be place on the altar or in your bedroom to increase fertility, but handle with care.
Known Combinations:
none noted
The symptoms associated with A. phalloides are usually delayed for approximately 24 hours and consist of great respiratory and circulatory depression. The victim will experience cold, heavy sweats and a severe headache possibly with delirium. They will also be jaundiced with a high temperature. In addition to these symptoms, if A. muscaria has been ingested, the victim will salivate profusely, and have a slow pulse and contracted pupils.
In case of accidental poisoning, vomiting should be induced (use an emetic such as castor oil). The stomach should be pumped at the earliest possibility. Physicians will also inject the victim with atropine and apply external heat to the body.
Nutrition:
Mercantile Uses:
The alkaloid Muscaline, contained in A. muscaria, slows the heartbeat and acts as a depressant to the vaso-motor and respiratory systems. Though it has been utilized as an epilepsy remedy and for night sweats caused by phthisis, it is better left alone by the casual herbalist.
none noted
none noted