The article describes the red toadstool, Amanita muscaria, in the mirror of history, natural medicine, content of substances, and toxicity, as well as within the context of shamanic, ritual, and religious practices. Based on scientific reasons, a strong warning against any experimentation with the consumption of the mushroom itself, or preparations prepared from it, is delivered. Full text...
The article describes the nutmeg of a nutmeg tree (Myristica), which is used as a spice and traditional medicine but is also abused as an illicit drug. The main chemical components, namely myristicin, are described. Full text English translation is available in the on-line version.