Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi with a wide range of uses and effects. While some mushrooms are edible and nutritious, others are poisonous or even hallucinogenic. Magic mushrooms, for example, contain substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. However, certain types of mushrooms are also praised for their medicinal properties, including immune-boosting and anti-aging benefits. Oyster mushrooms, for instance, are known for their ability to clean up environmental toxins, while also being edible and offering nutritional benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushrooms | Chaga, Lion's Mane, Tremella, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, Enoki, Oyster |
| Oyster mushroom characteristics | Sweet and nutty taste, high amounts of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, immune-supportive benefits, environmental toxin and pest cleaner |
| Lion's Mane characteristics | Promotes nerve tissue growth, supports motor function, improves brain function |
| Tremella characteristics | Anti-aging properties, intense hydrating properties, antioxidant, immune-boosting, gut-nourishing, neuroprotective |
| Chaga characteristics | Powerful antioxidant, delivers amino acids, minerals, and vital substances |
| Cordyceps characteristics | Helps body utilize oxygen more efficiently, stimulates blood flow, improves athletic performance, speeds up post-workout muscle recovery |
| Shiitake characteristics | Help keep cholesterol levels low, reduce cancer risk, reduce cholesterol, antibacterial, antifungal |
| Maitake characteristics | Soft-fleshed polypore mushroom, improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood sugar levels, supports the immune system, helps target and destroy cancerous cells |
| Enoki characteristics | Rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity |
| Magic mushrooms | Hallucinogenic, illegal, contain psilocybin and psilocin |
| Magic mushroom effects | Nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, psychosis, flashbacks, personality changes |
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What You'll Learn
Which mushrooms are edible?
Edible mushrooms are fleshy fruit bodies of numerous macrofungi species that are safe for human consumption. Edibility is defined by the absence of poisonous effects on humans and a desirable taste and aroma. Edible mushrooms are consumed for their nutritional and culinary value, and some are used for medicinal purposes.
There are around 14,000 known species of mushrooms, and only some of them are edible. Some of the commonly found edible mushrooms are:
- Giant puffballs (Calvatia gigantea): These are commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests, usually in late summer and autumn. They can reach diameters of up to 60 inches and weights of up to 45 pounds. The young, large white mushrooms are edible.
- Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius): The yellow chanterelle is one of the best and most easily recognizable mushrooms, found in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. They have folds instead of gills and are known for their apricot-like scent.
- Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus): Oyster mushrooms resemble oysters in shape and are commonly sought after by mushroom hunters. They grow on dead or dying hardwood trees, such as beech and oak, and can be found in forests worldwide.
- Hen-of-the-woods (Grifola frondosa): These mushrooms have a savory, rich flavor and are delicious when added to stir-fries, sautées, grain dishes, and soups.
- Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms are a good source of umami flavor and are often dried.
- Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus): These are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores. They are mild in taste and can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Portobellos: These are the same species as button mushrooms but at a more mature stage of development. They have a meat-like texture and are a popular culinary staple.
- Morels: These mushrooms have a honeycomb-shaped cap and are difficult to cultivate, so most morels served in restaurants are harvested in the wild. They are prized for their rich flavor and distinct appearance.
- Porcini mushrooms: These are widely used in Italian and French cuisine and are known for their smooth texture and aromatic, woody flavor.
It is important to note that many mushrooms have poisonous look-alikes, and misidentification can be fatal. Some rules to avoid poisonous mushrooms include not consuming mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, or a bulbous base. Mushrooms with red on the cap or stem should also be avoided. Always ensure that you are certain about the identification of a mushroom before consuming it, and only eat wild mushrooms if you have been properly trained in identification.
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Which mushrooms are poisonous?
Poisonous mushrooms can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild nausea and vomiting to life-threatening seizures or liver failure. Even experts can struggle to identify them, as many poisonous mushrooms look similar to edible ones. Unless you are a mycologist (a mushroom expert), it is nearly impossible to identify a mushroom species in the wild.
Some of the most common and dangerous poisonous mushrooms include those belonging to the Amanita genus, especially Amanita phalloides, commonly known as "death caps". These mushrooms are responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings, as they closely resemble several edible mushroom species. They are found throughout Europe, particularly in oak or beech woodlands, and have a white or off-white colour. Other species in the Amanita genus include the Destroying Angel, which is considered the most toxic North American mushroom.
Another poisonous mushroom is the Pholiotina rugosa, a red-brown mushroom found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is often mistaken for Psilocybe, or magic mushrooms, and causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by liver failure and death.
Conocybe filaris is another innocuous-looking lawn mushroom found in the Pacific Northwest that is potentially fatal if eaten. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms similar to food poisoning or the stomach flu, followed by life-threatening liver and kidney failure.
Other notable examples of toxic mushrooms include the Ivory Funnel and Fool's Funnel, which cause sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, and abnormal heart rhythms. Poisonous mushrooms can also resemble edible varieties, such as the False Morel, which contains a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical called gyromitrin.
It is important to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms, as even a small bite of a poisonous mushroom can be harmful. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
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Which mushrooms are medicinal?
Medicinal mushrooms are used to prevent, alleviate, or treat multiple diseases, as well as to balance a healthy diet. They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia. In ancient Greece, China, Egypt, and North America, as well as in Mesoamerican cultures such as the Maya and the Aztecs, they were used to combat inflammation and fight infections.
Medicinal mushrooms have a high nutrient profile of proteins, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and are used to treat a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. These include antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities.
Some of the more common medicinal mushrooms include Reishi (also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Ling Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine), Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor or Kawaratake in Japan), Shiitake (Lentinus edodes), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa). Reishi has been used as medicine for thousands of years in East Asia, and is known as the "mushroom of immortality" in China. Turkey Tail has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases, and in Japan, it is used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment.
Other medicinal mushrooms include Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), which is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the spleen and its association with digestion, energy, and water regulation. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), and Phellinus spp. (known as "Sanghuang" in Chinese) are also medicinal mushrooms.
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Which mushrooms are illegal to pick?
The legality of picking mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom, the location, and the purpose for which they are being picked.
Psilocybin Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are regulated or prohibited in many countries. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act prohibit or regulate the possession, supply, and production of psilocybin mushrooms and their spores. In some jurisdictions, the sale and possession of spores are legal, while in others, they are banned due to their use in drug manufacture. The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is generally considered drug manufacture and is often severely penalized. However, a few places, such as New Mexico in the US, have ruled that growing these mushrooms does not constitute the "manufacturing" of a controlled substance. While the act of picking psilocybin mushrooms is not explicitly prohibited, possessing them is illegal in many places.
Foraging in National Parks
Foraging for mushrooms in national parks is regulated to varying degrees. While some national parks allow foraging for personal consumption, others prohibit it to preserve the historical conditions and fragile ecosystems of the park. For example, in the United States, states like Arkansas and California prohibit nearly all foraging on state-owned lands, while Alaska and Hawaii tend to allow the practice. In some cases, people have been fined for violating foraging bans in city parks.
It is important to note that the regulations surrounding mushroom picking can be complex and subject to change. It is always advisable to check the local laws and regulations before engaging in any mushroom foraging or picking activities.
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Which mushrooms are psychedelic?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybe cubensis, another potent species, grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions they provide for the growth of the fungus. Psilocybe mexicana is another species that contains the hallucinogenic compounds psilocin and psilocybin.
Psilocybin mushrooms produce two primary psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for their mind-altering effects. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in the compound psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. The effects of psilocybin and psilocin are highly subjective and can vary depending on the type of mushroom, preparation, dose, and the user's psychological state ("set") and environment ("setting"). The experience, or trip, can be pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the setting, with potential effects including hallucinations, hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, and dilated pupils.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of traditional use and are popular as recreational drugs. They may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, but their use is more certainly represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups worldwide, considered sacred and important for healing, divination, and spiritual rites. In the 21st century, these mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms comes with risks. While neurotoxicity-induced fatal events are uncommon with psilocybin mushroom overdose, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis can occur as a result of overconsumption. Additionally, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous experiences, which can be disturbing. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary, and it is challenging to predict the outcome for each user.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the Psilocybe genus, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in several other genera, including Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. Bolete mushrooms, which are not closely related to any known psilocybin-containing species, have also been reported to have hallucinogenic effects.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), and maitake (Grifola frondosa) are some common types of medicinal mushrooms. They have been used to treat lung diseases and cancer, exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties.
It is challenging to identify poisonous mushrooms, as they often resemble edible varieties in appearance and taste. The most common dangerous mushrooms belong to the Amanita genus, particularly Amanita phalloides, also known as "death cap" mushrooms. These mushrooms contain amatoxins, which damage liver cells and can lead to liver failure and death. Other toxic mushrooms include ivory funnel and fool's funnel, which cause symptoms such as sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, and abnormal heart rhythms. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
