Laura Smith
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi. They are typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. The term mushroom is most often applied to those fungi that have a stem, a cap, and gills on the underside of the cap. Mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, including fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. Some mushrooms, such as psilocybin or magic mushrooms, are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. These mushrooms are considered psychedelic drugs, which can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. On the other hand, some mushrooms are used for their nutritional and medicinal properties, offering health benefits such as lowering the risk of cancer and boosting the immune system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People who collect mushrooms for consumption | Mycophagists |
| Act of collecting mushrooms | Mushroom hunting or mushrooming |
| Mushrooms used in folk medicine | Polysaccharide-K, schizophyllan, polysaccharide peptide, or lentinan |
| Mushrooms as a source of dye | Achieve all colors of the spectrum with mushroom dyes |
| Mushrooms as a psychedelic drug | Psilocybin or magic mushrooms |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Affects all senses, alters thinking, sense of time, and emotions |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Visual and auditory hallucinations |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Feelings of nausea and excessive yawning |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Drowsiness or relaxation |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Anxiety, paranoia, nervousness |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Distorted sense of time, place, and reality |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Flashbacks involving previous experiences |
| Effects of magic mushrooms | Delayed headaches |
| Legality of magic mushrooms | Mostly illegal in the US, decriminalized in some cities |
| Legality of magic mushrooms | Schedule I drug in the US |
| Nutritional benefits of mushrooms | Selenium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6 |
| Nutritional benefits of mushrooms | High in ergothioneine, an antioxidant |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are a drug
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains hallucinogenic drugs called psilocybin or psilocin. They are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions.
Psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, there is advocacy for removing these restrictions, and some cities in the United States have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of magic mushrooms. In Canada, activities with magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea or soup. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5-10 minutes when taken as a tea or soup, and can last for about 3 to 6 hours. The effects of magic mushrooms include hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and distorted senses. It is important to note that the use of any drug carries risks, and magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently.
While there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms in treating mental health disorders, there is currently little evidence of their efficacy. There are also potential risks associated with their use, including the possibility of a ""bad trip"" and flashbacks, which can be disturbing. Tolerance to the effects of magic mushrooms can develop rapidly with continued use, and discontinuing use for about a week is recommended to return to normal tolerance levels.
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Mushrooms are used in folk medicine
Mushrooms have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years, with records of their medicinal use dating back to ancient times. Ötzi, the Ice Man, who lived nearly 5300 years ago, carried amadou and a birch polypore in a pouch to aid his survival in the Alps of northern Italy. Ancient Egyptians used mouldy bread to treat wound infections, and the Greeks and Hippocrates also recognised the medicinal value of fungi.
In traditional Eastern medicine, mushrooms have been used for their therapeutic benefits, and in China and Japan, a greater variety of mushroom species have been utilised for their medicinal properties compared to Western cultures. In China, two species of Basidiomycota, commonly known as "jelly fungi" due to the consistency of their fruiting bodies, have been used to treat haemorrhoids and as a stomach tonic.
The medicinal properties of mushrooms are likely due to their relationship with microbes, as many of the chemicals that fungi produce to flourish in the wild are also active in humans. Mushrooms contain a variety of compounds that can target signalling molecules and pathways involved in cancer progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis. They also possess immunomodulatory properties, stimulating the immune system and exhibiting anti-cancer activities.
However, it is important to note that the scientific evidence supporting the medicinal benefits of mushrooms is limited. While mushrooms have been shown to retard multiple lines of cancer cells in animal studies, they have also exhibited toxicity in animal testing. Additionally, the quality and safety of mushroom dietary supplements available on the market cannot be guaranteed due to inconsistent processing and labelling. As of 2022, there is insufficient scientific evidence to indicate that mushrooms or mushroom extracts effectively reduce the risk of cancer.
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Mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that typically grow above ground on soil or another food source. They are fleshy and spore-bearing, with a stem, a cap, and gills that produce microscopic spores. The term "mushroom" is typically used to refer to the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. However, it also describes a variety of other gilled fungi, with or without stems.
Mushrooms have a variety of uses, including culinary, medicinal, and recreational. Some people collect and consume mushrooms for their hallucinogenic effects, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms." These mushrooms contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. While the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in most places, some cities have decriminalized their possession and use.
Mushrooms are also valued for their medicinal properties. Some mushrooms are used in folk medicine, and in some countries, mushroom extracts are registered as adjuvant cancer therapies. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid. Ergothioneine is an important discovery with potential health benefits, including supporting cognitive function, mitigating the effects of photoaging, and boosting overall cell health due to its antioxidant and vitamin-like properties.
Ergothioneine is found in a variety of dietary sources, including chicken, pork, grains, and beans. However, mushrooms contain the most significant amounts, with some species containing several hundred times more ergothioneine than other sources. A Japanese study in 2013 aimed to identify the mushroom species with the highest ergothioneine content. The results showed that oyster and shiitake mushrooms contain high levels of ergothioneine, and mushroom supplements derived from these varieties offer additional health benefits.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms are safe for consumption. There are poisonous mushroom species that can resemble edible ones, and consuming them can be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to have knowledge of mushroom identification before consuming wild mushrooms. Additionally, even edible mushrooms may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild asthmatic responses to severe anaphylactic shock. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking ergothioneine supplements derived from mushrooms to ensure they are safe and do not interact with any medications.
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Mushrooms are low in sodium
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. The terms "mushroom" and "toadstool" have been used interchangeably for centuries, but toadstool generally refers to a poisonous mushroom.
Some mushrooms are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects and are known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms". These contain hallucinogenic drugs called psilocybin or psilocin and are mostly illegal in the US. However, some cities in the US have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of magic mushrooms.
While mushrooms can be poisonous or cause allergic reactions, edible mushrooms offer several health benefits. For example, mushrooms are low in sodium, with only 4 mg of sodium per 100g serving. This makes them a healthy alternative to traditional high-sodium ingredients, helping to reduce sodium intake and lower the risk of high blood pressure.
The average sodium content of common edible mushrooms varies between 100 and 400 ppm, and this seems to be independent of their habitat, nutrition type, and taxonomic position. For example, wild mushrooms studied in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya were found to have low levels of sodium, with only 0.077 mg per 250g serving. Similarly, the fruit bodies of Agaricus species contain on average 396 ppm of sodium.
In conclusion, mushrooms are a low-sodium ingredient that can enhance the flavour of dishes without compromising taste. By incorporating low-sodium mushrooms into meals, individuals can improve their heart health and overall lifestyle.
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Mushrooms are used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres
Mushrooms have been used for dyeing wool and other natural fibres for centuries, dating back to at least the 15th century. The practice has experienced a resurgence in recent times, with artisans like Anne Williams and Miriam Rice experimenting with mushrooms to create vibrant dyes for wool and other natural fibres.
The process of dyeing with mushrooms involves preparing a dye bath by cooking the mushrooms and then straining them into a cheesecloth bag. The dye bath is then cooled, and the wool is added carefully to avoid felting. The wool is soaked in lukewarm water for at least an hour before being added to the dye bath, and it is important to ensure that the temperature of the wool and the dye bath are the same.
Different types of mushrooms produce different colours, and the dyeing process can be further modified by using mordants and pH modifiers. Mordants, such as alum and iron, help the dye bind to the fibre, while pH modifiers like vinegar or ammonia can be used to adjust the colour tone. For example, vinegar makes the bath more acidic, emphasising red tones, while ammonia makes the bath more basic, bringing out blue tones.
Mushroom dyes work particularly well on protein/animal-based fibres such as wool and silk, resulting in brighter and more saturated colours. However, they can also be used on cellulose/plant-based fibres like cotton, linen, or hemp, although the colours tend to be more muted and lighter. The type of fibre selected is crucial, and it is important to weigh the fibre and prepare it for dyeing by removing any surfactants that may interfere with the dyeing process.
Overall, dyeing with mushrooms is a fun and experimental process that allows artisans to explore the chromatic universe of fungi and create unique and vibrant colours on natural fibres.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains hallucinogenic drugs called psilocybin, psilocyn, or psilocin. They are consumed for their psychedelic effects, which can include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and altered emotions or thoughts.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last for 3 to 6 hours. The effects can vary depending on individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations, as well as the strength and dosage of the mushrooms. Some people may experience a pleasant trip, while others may encounter terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death.
Magic mushrooms are considered unsafe due to their hallucinogenic properties, which can lead to a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. Consuming large doses of magic mushrooms can result in severe side effects, including a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause physical discomfort, such as nausea, excessive yawning, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Magic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the United States, classified as a Schedule I drug with significant legal penalties for possession and selling. However, there is advocacy for removing legal restrictions, and some cities, such as Denver, have decriminalized the possession of small amounts for personal use.
