AGARICUS

Agaricus muscarius syn. Amanita muscaria

This toxic toadstool’s common name, fly agaric, is derived from its traditional use as a fly poison. Fly agaric contains hallucinogens that were used by Siberian shamans to induce visionary states, and it may have formed the basis of the ancient Hindu soma drink and the Zoroastrian haoma drink, due to its ability to increase strength and stamina. The fungus has sedative properties in small doses but is highly toxic: a severe overdose can be fatal, while a mild overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, and confusion, although recovery usually takes place within 24 hours. The homeopathic remedy was proved in 1828 by Dr. Stapf, and it remains the only medicinal use of fly agaric.

REMEDY PROFILE

Those in need of Agaricus may be anxious, insecure, or fearful, and have morbid thoughts about death. Anxiety about health may lead to an obsessive fear of having conditions such as cancer. Symptoms typically include great lethargy and an aversion to conversation, or delirium and loquacity to the point of ecstasy, elation, or hypomania, and disturbed sense of perspective.People for whom Agaricus is most suitable are particularly sensitive to the cold when ill. Some symptoms are worse prior to thunderstorms and after sexual intercourse. Agaricus is taken as a remedy for disorders of the nervous system that cause trembling, itching, and twitching and jerking of the limbs. Such conditions include epilepsy, chorea, and multiple sclerosis. Agaricus can be prescribed for the treatment of the delirium tremens associated with alcoholism, and for the effects of senile dementia. It is also used to treat chilblains.

Nervous-system disorders

SYMPTOMS Twitching and spasms in almost any muscle group in the body, caused by degenerative neurological disorders such as senile dementia or multiple sclerosis. Symptoms tend to manifest themselves diagonally from one side of the body to the other, and may be accompanied by pain that is out of proportion to the clinical condition. There may also be sharp, shooting pains, with possible convulsions and spasms. Movementsmay be very shaky, with clumsiness, awkwardness, and a staggering gait. Further symptoms may include facial tics or Bell’s palsy, fainting, chorea, neuralgia, and sciatica.

Chorea

SYMPTOMS Twitching, erratic, unpredictable limb movements and a sensation that thelimbs are detached from the body.

Parkinson’s disease

SYMPTOMS General weakness with trembling and twitching limbs that exhibit the typical nervous symptoms. The spine may be particularly sensitive to touch. Further symptoms may include a mental decline intogreat anxiety, despair, fear, and hypochondria.

Chilblains

SYMPTOMS Chilblains with burning and itching. The skin shows signs of redness and swelling.

Alcoholism

SYMPTOMS Delirium tremens with marked giddiness and an impulse to fall backward. The face is puffy and red, but not hot. There may be a marked increase in appetite.

S O U R C E D E TA I L S

O R I G I N

Grows in dry pastures and woods during summer in Scotland, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, as well as in Asia and the US.

B A C K G R O U N D

Has been used throughout history as a hallucinogen, as a method of contacting the spirit world, and as a means of increasing human strength and endurance.

P R E PA R AT I O N

The whole, fresh fungus or the dried cap is washed thoroughly and ground into a mash. It is then steeped in alcohol before beingstrained, diluted, and succussed.