The benefits of magic mushrooms

Please note that this is not a substitute for professional or academic advice.

Introduction

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or mushies, are a type of fungi that contain a compound called psilocybin. This compound has a hallucinogenic effect, which can alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. While magic mushrooms are often associated with recreational use, recent research suggests that they may also have potential health benefits.

1. Depression

One of the most promising areas of research is the use of magic mushrooms in treating depression. In a 2022 study, researchers analyzed the effects of psilocybin in 27 individuals with a long history of depression. The participants were given two doses of psilocybin every two weeks between August 2017 and April 2019. The results showed that the participants’ depression levels remained low 1-, 3-, 6- and 12 months after the treatment. However, the researchers noted that more research is needed to explore the link between psilocybin and depression, particularly whether treatments can last longer than 12 months.

2. Substance Misuse

Another potential benefit of magic mushrooms is their ability to help stave off substance misuse. Researchers are currently investigating whether psilocybin can help individuals stop smoking, drinking, or misusing drugs. In one small study, researchers found that psilocybin helped decrease drinking and alcohol cravings. In another pilot study, researchers found that psilocybin significantly improved the odds of smokers abstaining after a 12-month period. There’s also some anecdotal evidence suggesting that psilocybin can help treat other forms of substance misuse. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

3. Headaches

Psychoactive substances like psilocybin might also help treat cluster headaches and migraines. A 2017 study suggested that psilocybin could potentially alleviate these types of headaches. However, another small study indicated that psilocybin could actually cause headaches. The severity of the headaches depended on the dosage, but the symptoms weren’t disabling or severe. Therefore, more research is needed to determine the relationship between psilocybin and headaches.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In an animal study, researchers found that low doses of psilocybin helped condition the fear response in mice. This suggests that magic mushrooms could potentially help treat PTSD and related conditions. However, more research on humans is needed to explore this link.

5. Anxiety

Research has also shown that psilocybin could be beneficial in treating anxiety. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, given in a therapeutic setting, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, which typically does not respond to traditional antidepressants. The US Food and Drug Administration has described psilocybin as a breakthrough medicine.

6. Other Potential Benefits

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, psilocybin is also showing promise in combating cluster headaches, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various forms of substance abuse. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Risks and Safety

While magic mushrooms may have potential health benefits, it’s important to note that they also come with risks. The psychological effects of psilocybin can be unpredictable. Additionally, it’s not a good idea to self-medicate with magic mushrooms. There are many other proven methods to treat conditions like depression and substance misuse.

In conclusion, while magic mushrooms are often associated with recreational use, recent research suggests that they may have a range of potential health benefits. However, more research is needed to fully understand these benefits and the potential risks associated with magic mushroom use.