Rooted in Magic: Mushroom Musings
- Megan Larson
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Deep beneath the forest floor, lies a network of mycelium ready to share its wisdom. Mushrooms are nature’s decomposers and regenerators, keepers of the sacred balance of endings and beginnings. They bring the magical wonders of healing and transformation. Just like the mycelium beneath us, Orion’s Apothecary in Loveland, Colorado provides a network of connecting people to plant wisdom.
Mushrooms have their own folklore with stories of them being portals to spiritual awakening. Mushrooms invite us to root down and expand out. Each species brings its own personality and its own insight.
What is a mushroom?
A common mistake is thinking mushrooms belong in Kingdom Plantae, in reality mushrooms are in Kingdom Fungi. Mushrooms, which are fungi, differ from plants because they lack chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis, relying instead on absorbing nutrients from their environment by secreting enzymes. Their cell walls are made of chitin, unlike plant cell walls, which are made of cellulose. Chitin is the same substance that makes up snail, crab, and lobster shells, is difficult to digest, and is the reason some mushrooms can cause stomach issues.
Functional and Medicinal Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are packed with beta-glucans, soluble fiber that provides many health benefits. All of these mushrooms are available at Orion’s Apothecary in tincture, powder, tea, coffee, and in capsules. Orion’s Apothecary has local Colorado cultures and growing materials to make it easy for you to grow these at home.
Lion’s Mane - Neuro-health, mental clarity, focus, memory
Chaga - Antioxidant, reduce inflammation, support blood pressure
Turkey Tail - Anticarcinogenic, immune modulator, prebiotic
Reishi - Support liver, heart, hormonal balance, immune support, sleep support
Cordyceps - Kidney support, boosts stamina, lung function, breathwork
Edible Gourmet Mushrooms
Not just delicious, these mushrooms have health benefits too. These mushrooms can be easy to grow at home, and can be found at a specialty grocery store. Orion’s Apothecary has local Colorado cultures and growing materials to make it easy for you to grow these at home.
Shiitake - supports the immune system and heart
Enoki - may slow the growth of overdividing cells
Oyster - good source of B vitamins, and probably has the most protein of any mushroom
Common Questions About Mushrooms
Where can we find psilocybin “magic” mushrooms for sale in Colorado?
The Natural Medicine Initiative passed in November 2022 in Colorado, decriminalizing the growing, possessing, using, and gifting of psilocybin “magic” mushrooms for adults over the age of 21. In the state of Colorado, it is illegal to sell ready-to-use magic mushrooms. Orion’s Apothecary sells the growing supplies and liquid cultures to grow edible, functional, and psilocybin mushrooms. We also host spore swaps where the community can get together and trade mushroom genetics.
Are there any mushroom dispensaries in Colorado?
There are not any mushroom dispensaries in Colorado. Treatment centers are available for those who would like to use magic mushrooms under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Do you sell mushroom edibles?
Orion’s Apothecary has functional mushroom products available such as teas, tinctures, capsules, Rasa mushroom coffee alternative, coffee, and jerky!
Can you tell me where to find microdose mushrooms nearby?
Mushrooms still cannot be bought or sold in ready-to-use forms, but all the growing supplies can be bought at Orion’s Apothecary. We teach classes on how to grow psilocybin-containing mushrooms, functional or gourmet mushrooms, and how to forage your own mushrooms.
Mycology Community
The first Saturday of every month from 2pm-4pm, Orion’s Apothecary hosts a Mycology Meetup and Spore Swap. Local mycologists come together for discussion, and to gift and trade spore prints, swabs, colonized agar, or liquid culture.
Foraging Classes
Orion Aon of Forage Colorado presents monthly classes on foraging mushrooms in Colorado. During this 90-minute presentation, Orion covers some basics of foraging and mushroom biology, and then dives into how to forage for wild mushrooms in Colorado. The class covers mushroom identification, foraging safety, toxic species, where to go, how to transport, and store wild mushrooms. He offers a part one and a part two in this series, and both are highly recommended for the novice to intermediate forager.
Intro To Mushrooms Classes
Curious to know more about the various functional mushrooms? Eric presents this class a few times each month, discussing uses and benefits, and the basics of growing your own functional mushrooms.
Growing Mushrooms with Inoculation Classes
If you are ready to grow your own edible, functional, or psilocybin magic mushrooms, this class is for you. In about one hour, this class will go over the mushroom life cycle, the procedure for starting, fruiting, preserving, and using various mushrooms. A grow kit, humidity/temperature gauge, and your choice of starter culture is included. We also carry mushroom propagation tools, such as agar plates, micropore tape, parafilm, scalpels, liquid culture jars, and a powder that can help prevent or reduce trich mold.
As we root down and expand out, we are building a mycology community at Orion’s Apothecary. We are happy to answer all of your questions, no matter where you bought your growing supplies. Orion’s Apothecary is Sirius about wellness, and serious about providing education and excellent customer service.
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