Amanita Muscaria Caps & Powder

This is the whole-mushroom side of our amanita range. Amanita muscaria, the red and white fly agaric, has been dried and used across Siberia and northern Europe for centuries. We grade caps by appearance and intactness: A-Grade caps are whole, clean and well dried; B-Grade are broken or blemished but the same mushroom at a lower price; closed caps are young buttons picked before opening, prized for a higher ratio of active compounds by weight. For experienced users we also carry Amanita pantherina and Amanita regalis in B-Grade and closed cap forms. Extracts, tinctures and muscimol isolate are under muscimol extracts.

At a glance

• Dried caps only, no stems, graded A, B or closed
• Three species: muscaria, pantherina, regalis
• Verified vendor in the amanita community; COAs on our lab results page
• Sold dried for decarboxylation or extraction at home

Grades explained. Grade is about looks and handling, not potency. A-Grade caps are the ones you would photograph. B-Grade are the same harvest with cracks and crumbs. Closed caps are small, dense and carry more of the active compounds per gram because the mushroom has not yet spent energy opening. Pantherina is considerably stronger than muscaria by weight and is not a beginner's mushroom. Regalis is the brown-capped relative, closer to muscaria in character.

How to choose.

• First amanita: A-Grade muscaria caps.
• Making tea or extract where looks do not matter: B-Grade.
• Most active per gram: closed caps.
• Experienced only: pantherina.

Preparation. Dried caps contain ibotenic acid, which converts to muscimol through decarboxylation. The common home method is a low simmer in lightly acidified water (a squeeze of lemon) for two to three hours, then straining. Dried caps are not simply eaten raw. Start with a small amount of prepared tea and wait at least two hours; the onset is slow.

What to expect. Prepared amanita is described as a heavy, sedating calm with a dreamy quality, very different from psilocybin mushrooms. Low servings are used for relaxation and sleep; larger servings are strong and not for the inexperienced.

Cautions.

• Not for use if pregnant or nursing, or with any medication without asking your provider
• Do not combine with alcohol, sedatives or benzodiazepines
• Do not drive; onset is slow and effects last hours
• Not for sale to Louisiana; adults 21 and over only; keep out of reach of children and pets

Common questions

• Are the caps already decarboxylated? No. Drying converts only part of the ibotenic acid; the simmer method finishes the job.
• Closed caps or A-Grade? Closed caps are more active per gram; A-Grade are larger and prettier. Same species.
• Is amanita legal? Legal to sell and possess in the US except Louisiana. Check your local rules before ordering internationally.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Sold as a dried botanical specimen; traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Written by Robert Lattig, founder of Healing Herbals, practicing herbalist for 13 years.