What makes Magic Mushrooms so magical
Psilocybin mushrooms, popularly known as “magic mushrooms”, are fungi that contain psychoactive and hallucinogenic compounds. Often depicted as a getaway drug, it has a lot of overlooked health benefits that are gaining the attention of researchers. Let’s see the health benefits of magic Mushrooms.
Studies on magic mushrooms are becoming more common in the field of modern medicine. The results are both fascinating and exciting: it shows that there’s more to the magic mushroom than just a psychedelic roller-coaster.
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Facts about Magic Mushrooms
- Magic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin. When ingested and metabolized, it becomes psilocin. These give it the psychedelic effect which makes it popular. Persons who ingest psilocybin experience hallucinations that can leave a euphoric feeling.
- Its scientific name, Psilocybe cubensis or P. cubensis, means “bald head”. This is a fitting name due to its circular head that resembles an umbrella.
- It is historically used in religious rituals by indigenous people across Europe and America. Thus, various relics and statues depict mushroom-like figures. These works highlight its significant influence in these people’s cultures.
- Magic mushrooms may be consumed in a variety of ways. Boiling it can produce tea. It can be dried and powdered for capsules and tablets. Unconventional methods of consumption include pickling and smoking it.
Health Benefits of Magic Mushrooms
It helps treat Mental Health Disorders
Research shows magic mushrooms or Psilocybin mushrooms have positive effects when treating mental health problems. This is because psilocybin is a natural receptor for serotonin. This is a chemical in our brain that’s responsible for making us feel happy. Other studies noted its positive effects in treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(1).
Researchers in the Centre for Psychedelic Research in London saw calmer subjects after a dose of the psychedelic. The resetting of the brain’s networks plays a big part in the drug’s effect on mental health disorders. This leaves the person in a relaxing, yet euphoric state. The feeling evoked by the mushroom is often described as a “spiritual experience”.
A study by the Department of Psychiatry at New York University reached a similar conclusion. The study focused on its effect on cancer patients. The results show that subjects given with psilocybin exhibited a better mood. Participants also experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and emotional distress. The resulting lesser anxiety levels led to a more positive outlook in life. This is seen as a breakthrough in uplifting patients’ morale despite their condition.
Read: Benefits Of Chaga Mushroom
It helps control Addiction
Other researches looked into magic mushrooms for treating addiction to alcohol or nicotine. Small doses of magic mushrooms can significantly help in the abstaining process. Even after the study, subjects showed a lesser tendency to return to their addictions.
Additionally, the mushrooms themselves are seen as non-addictive compared to other substances. Hence, treating addiction with magic mushrooms does not mean replacing it with another.
