07/19/2024
I still get asked this weekly!
Should you use the stems? Or just the caps?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions regarding Amanita muscaria.
Iβm here to make this as simple as possible.
Studies have found that the stipe (stem) contains roughly 50% of the ibotenic acid AND muscimol compared to the cap. These ratios change a little as the mushroom matures, but they do contain considerable amount of active constituents.
The best part?
The stipe also contains higher concentrations of NAC (N-acetylcysteine), which has a variety of benefits in its own. The NAC acts as a mediator for all the excited neurons that are overstimulated from the ibotenic acid. This essentially helps with some of the unwanted side effects of ibotenic acid, acting like the bouncer at a club where all the ibotenic acid-heads π are going wild.
Ibotenic acid resembles glutamate, a brain messenger. Muscimol is like GABA, calming brain cells. Both act on receptors, but in different dance styles!