Is The Amanita Muscaria Mushroom The Origin Of Christmas?
The psychedelic mushroom with vivid red and white colors has surprising links to Christmas traditions…
What is an Amanita Muscaria?
Amanita Muscaria is a psychedelic mushroom that causes hallucinations, ecstasy, and erratic behavior. It is somewhat similar to the psilocybin mushrooms, the illegal psychedelic substance known as “magic mushrooms,” but with a slightly different chemical composition.
The mushroom is nicknamed “fly agaric” and is seen in the Mario Kart games, the Alice and Wonderland movie, and many other artwork and illustrations. It’s even an emoji on smartphones. When people think of mushrooms, they typically think of these ones — with their beautifully vibrant colors.
While these mushrooms are legal and grow freely in the United States, they are considered toxic and deadly. These mushrooms are poisonous in large doses, especially when consumed raw and uncooked. If you see one in the forest, whatever you do, do not take a bite!
In small doses, while cooked or put through a heating extraction process, they can be nontoxic. But they will cause severe hallucinations and may trigger intense psychosis. That’s because of their psychedelic component.
