Wood Lover's Paralysis
RisksA documented but scientifically unexplained toxidrome — temporary muscle weakness in the eyes, face, hands, or legs, starting a few hours after eating mushrooms — reported exclusively with wood-growing Psilocybe species like P. azurescens and P. cyanescens. Aeruginascin (see above) is one proposed cause among several, none confirmed. Documented among foragers since at least 2001, typically resolving within a day.
Example: The pattern was first widely documented and discussed on The Shroomery, a long-running mushroom-forager forum, well before any formal toxicology study looked at it.
What is Wood Lover's Paralysis?
A documented but scientifically unexplained toxidrome — temporary muscle weakness in the eyes, face, hands, or legs, starting a few hours after eating mushrooms — reported exclusively with wood-growing Psilocybe species like P. azurescens and P. cyanescens.
What causes Wood Lover's Paralysis?
It's not confirmed. Aeruginascin is one proposed cause among several, none confirmed. It's been documented among foragers since at least 2001, typically resolving within a day.