100. Medicinal Plants & Fungi In Your Own Backyard & Amanita Muscaria, The Legal Psychedelic Mushroom with Ash Ritter

Ash Ritter is an ethnobotanist, multi-disciplinary animist, herbalist, writer and an educator with over 20 years of study in clinical, traditional, academic and directly relational terrains. She is a devotee of curiosity and especially savors the study of history through the woven threads of fungi, people and plants. Episode HighlightsCo-evolution with fungi and the symbiotic relationship between humans and natureAsh’s apprenticeships in Druid herbalism and Mexican curanderismoExploring ancestry and the significance of traditional plants from Eastern EuropeThe fluidity of lineage and how borders have shaped historyAshley’s early psychedelic experiences and curiosity about life’s mysteriesExploring the wide variety of psychoactive mushrooms and their unique effectsAmanita muscaria: Its myth, lore, and complex chemistrySafe preparation methods for Amanita muscaria to avoid toxicityHow Amanita muscaria affects the brain by modulating GABA and reducing overstimulationThe unpredictable, wild nature of Amanita muscaria and its healing potentialThe importance of foraging and living in a reciprocal relationship with the landAmanita muscaria vs. psilocybin mushrooms: Key differences in chemistry and experienceAmanita’s potential for alleviating chronic pain and enhancing nerve healthAmanita’s role in dream enhancement and psychological explorationThe commercialization of cannabis and the spiritual essence being lost in greedPlants as living intelligences and the importance of mutual respect in this relationshipReverence and humility as key practices in engaging with plant medicinesUnlocking the full potential of fungi through multi-level extractionsExploring the heart-centered chemistry of cacti and their medicinal propertiesGnosis through working with plants and fungiThe sacredness of menstruation and the practice of returning blood to the earthEngaging the shadow with courage and tenderness through plant medicinesExploring feminine wisdom, menstruation, and cultural reconnection to the bodyHow art and ancient motifs capture the human story across time and space Ash Ritter’s LinksWebsite: www.blacksagebotanicals.bigcartel.comInstagram: @black.sage.botanicalsPatreon: Ash Ritter - Black Sage Botanicals Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeAsh’s Class Cloud9-Hour Course: Merry Mushroom: Amanita Muscaria Ethnomycology, The Updated 2024 SeriesClass Recording: Balms & Broomsticks: The Taboo History & Modern Adaptations of Flying OintmentsClass Recording: The Forbidden Fruits: Ethnobotany of Enchanted FoodsWomb Wellness Educator: Mikaela de la MycoMovie: Like Water for Chocolate (1992) Ash Ritter’s Gift to You10% OFF of all digital coursework in the Black Sage Botanicals Class Cloud with code THANKYOUMAMA