Interesting! But how does it work?

Understanding the Bio-Science behind Amanita muscaria

Tomorrow, on Saturday 13th, we hold our first seminar (for a small and selected group of German-speaking friends) on Amanita muscaria in the Alentejo. I am truly excited to educate people about this powerful traditional mushroom, which has been connected to humans since the Stone Age and has been part of Indigenous shamanic practices for thousands of years.

Throughout European history, the traditional use of Amanita muscaria was increasingly labelled as witchcraft and „dangerous“, while being systematically suppressed by the Church. Much of the experiential knowledge surrounding this mushroom was lost, hidden, or deliberately erased. Despite this suppression, Indigenous cultures in other parts of the world continued to preserve and transmit this knowledge. To this day, Amanita muscaria remains part of living traditions, for example among the Koryak people of Siberia, where it has long been used in ritual, medicinal, and spiritual contexts.

Despite this long and complex history, there is still very little accessible knowledge about Amanita muscaria, and many widespread misconceptions exist that seriously distort how it is perceived today. Muscaria Wisdom aims to honour the spiritual dimension of this ancient „teacher spirit“ while also challenging these misconceptions through scientific research and grounded, fact-based education.

Interesting! But how does it work?

We provide science-based information on microdosing Amanita muscaria. A microdose as we understand it is a dose that is below the perception threshold. This means, that ideally, you do not feel „high“ or even consciously notice that you took a microdosis. Nethertheless you may profit from its many health benefits. We do not provide guidance on taking higher dosages. While higher doses may have their place within traditional shamanic practices, our work focuses on connecting and supporting microdosing practitioners through our educational network.

If you are already practising microdosing Amanita muscaria, or if you are interested in learning more about this approach, it can be helpful to have reliable information about the potential positive health effects that have been observed in research and lived experience.

Amanita muscaria may support healing processes related to depression, anxiety, addictions and cravings, unhealthy behavioural patterns, (C)-PTSD, mood swings, inflammation, and pain. There are also indications that muscimol, the mushroom’s main active compound, may be effective in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as in the prevention and possibly even the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Okay, that sounds amazing. But does it really work?

Yes, it does (at least for a great number of people), and how it works is actually quite easy to understand.

The human brain can roughly be described as having three main parts. The reptilian brain, which is responsible for basic survival responses such as fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. The limbic system, which processes emotions, memories, fear, and attachment. And the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking, planning, self-reflection, and conscious decision-making.

In many people who struggle with chronic stress, trauma, anxiety, addiction, or depression, the balance between these brain areas is disturbed. The reptilian brain and the limbic system are often overactive, while the prefrontal cortex has reduced access and control. This is where the GABA system plays a central role.

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its function is to reduce excessive neural activity and help the nervous system return to balance. When GABA activity is low or dysregulated, the nervous system can remain in a prolonged state of alert, which may lead to anxiety, compulsive behaviours, addictions, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and general emotional instability.

Muscimol, the primary active compound in Amanita muscaria, interacts directly with GABA receptors. It is sometimes referred to as a “better GABA” because it binds to GABA receptors in a direct, long-lasting and efficient way. Rather than suppressing the system, muscimol supports the nervous system in slowing excessive signalling, especially in the reptilian brain and limbic system.

Through this mechanism, the nervous system can shift out of chronic survival responses. This creates the conditions for the prefrontal cortex to come back online, allowing clearer thinking, improved emotional regulation, and more conscious choice-making. In microdosing, this process unfolds gradually and progressively.

Neuroplasticity heals Trauma

Beyond its interaction with the GABA system, muscimol also appears to support neuroplastic processes in the brain. There are indications that it promotes neuro-modulation and the formation of new neural connections, and possibly even new brain cells. This may be a cure for trauma-induced conditions like PTSD and C-PTSD. This can support learning, emotional regulation, and long-term nervous system stability.

No need for daily consumption

Importantly, microdosing does not require daily intake. Regular pauses are considered an essential part of a responsible approach, allowing the nervous system to integrate changes rather than becoming dependent on continuous stimulation.

At Muscaria Wisdom, we educate on safety, responsibility, and informed decision-making. We provide science-based information on safe preparation methods and harm-reduction principles. We do not sell products. Our work is donation-based and focused entirely on education.

Safety Disclaimer

The information shared by Muscaria Wisdom is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Amanita muscaria interacts with the nervous system in powerful ways, and individual responses can vary depending on personal health, history, sensitivity, and context.

We strongly emphasise personal responsibility and informed decision-making. Anyone considering working with Amanita muscaria should educate themselves thoroughly and pay close attention to their physical and mental state. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of psychosis, epilepsy, or severe neurological conditions, or who are taking medications that affect the GABA system should refrain from use or seek professional medical advice beforehand.

We love to educate you on how to be successsful at mushroom foraging, on safety precautions and safe preparation methods, but we do not encourage consumption. We do not sell products, and we do not promote irresponsible or uninformed use. Our role is to provide transparent, science-based information so individuals can make their own conscious and responsible choices.

Myth Versus Fact

Myth: Amanita muscaria is simply a dangerous or toxic mushroom.
Fact: While improper preparation or excessive dosing can cause adverse effects, Amanita muscaria has a long history of traditional use. When approached with knowledge, respect, and appropriate preparation, it differs fundamentally from the stereotypes often portrayed in popular culture.

Myth: Amanita muscaria works like psychedelic mushrooms.
Fact: Amanita muscaria does not contain psilocybin. Its primary active compound, muscimol, works through the GABA system rather than the serotonin system. Its effects are therefore different from those of classical psychedelics.

Myth: More is better.
Fact: Higher doses do not automatically lead to better outcomes. Especially in microdosing and educational contexts, understanding dosage, timing, and integration is far more important than intensity.

Myth: Daily use is necessary for results.
Fact: Continuous daily intake is not required. Pauses and cycles are considered an essential part of responsible engagement.

Myth: This work is about selling a substance.
Fact: Muscaria Wisdom does not sell products. Our work is donation-based and dedicated to education, safety, research, and the respectful transmission of knowledge.

From what you have heard so far, this blog post represents only a small part of the information shared in our upcoming english-language seminar that we will hold in spring 2026 (April/May, to be announced). If you are interested in learning more, we warmly invite you to connect with us.

muscariawisdom@gmail.com