91. Amanita Muscaria and Addiction Recovery: One Man’s Path Off Benzos

In this episode, host April Pride talks with Christian Rasmussen, founder of MN Nice Ethnobotanicals and the largest Amanita muscaria merchant in the U.S. Christian shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction to opiates and benzodiazepines—and how the red-capped mushroom often dismissed as toxic helped him reclaim his life. The conversation dives deep into Amanita’s therapeutic potential, how it differs from psilocybin, and why microdosing this ancient fungus may be one of the most overlooked tools in addiction recovery and mental wellness.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Amanita muscaria affects the GABA system, making it useful for tapering off benzos and alcohol.

-Unlike psilocybin, Amanita works subconsciously, with minimal visuals or emotional flooding.

-Microdosing Amanita 2–3x daily may help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and even trauma responses.

-Proper drying and tea preparation are critical for safe use and reduced nausea.

-MN Nice Ethnobotanicals is pioneering access to responsibly sourced and prepared Amanita.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/amanita-muscaria-addiction-recovery

Hosted by April Pride

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