Amanita Muscaria goes also by the name Fly Agaric. Primarily, its been known in Northern Europe and Northern Asian shamanistic practices. Shamanism is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits.
Amanita Muscaria can be found on every continent with the exception of Antartica. Amanita Muscarias various uses date back 4000 years. Many cultures believed that it bore medical properties and it was ingested for pain relief, inflammation, and anxiety. It was also used in a ritual tea called “Soma” in India and Iran.
Speculations have even placed the story of Santa Clause back to the use of Amanita Muscaria. In the days leading up to the winter solstice, the fly agaric mushroom appears under trees, mostly firs and spruces. It was collected by foragers, given as gifts, and used to celebrate.
