The Sacred Mushroom – Andrija Puharich

In this Syriac text I found four medical prescriptions, each of which contains as an ingredient the "Agarikon Fungus." The diseases that these prescriptions were supposed to cure could give one a clue as to the pharmacological properties of the drugs, particularly, the Agarikon.

Prescription Number 1 (page 47) is supposed to "bringeth on the menstrual flow." This can be compared to a modern drug Prostigmine, which has some of the same effects as muscarine.

Prescription Number 2 (page 48) checks "excessive flow of urine." This is a characteristic effect of the Arnanita muscaria which I have observed, namely, that while one has the need to urinate, the production of urine has been decreased, and by contraction the bladder is empty.

Prescription Number 3 (page 145) restores strength in "paralysed nerves." This again is consistent with a muscarinic action of the Amanita muscaria.

Prescription Number 4 (page 275) is a preparation for "immortality."

The first three prescriptions would fit the expected pharmacological actions of Amanita muscaria and its drug the muscarine. The fourth prescription is reminiscent of the Chinese prescription of the "Pill of Immortality," and the "Plant of Immortality."

Certainly this Syriac text strengthens the belief that at this historical period, and perhaps earlier, the Agarikon refers to the Amanita muscaria.