Psilocybin — Flesh of the Gods
Welcome to the fascinating world of magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms. These mushrooms are celebrated for their profound impact on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Psilocybin, the active compound in these mushrooms, has been used for centuries in spiritual and healing practices.
Lineage and Indigenous Use
For millennia, indigenous cultures, particularly in Central and South America, have used psilocybin mushrooms in religious rituals and healing ceremonies. The Aztecs referred to them as "teonanácatl" or "flesh of the gods," highlighting their sacred status. Shamans and healers utilized these mushrooms to connect with the spiritual world and facilitate deep healing.
Modern-Day Use
These fungi friends are held in reverence by many for their ability to expand ones consciousness and connectedness to all of Nature. In recent years, psilocybin mushrooms have regained attention for their therapeutic potential in modern medicine. Clinical research has shown promise in using psilocybin to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Studies have also explored its ability to enhance creativity and foster a sense of interconnectedness.
Human Benefits
Well-known Benefits:
Mental Health Improvement: Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical trials have demonstrated its potential in providing long-term relief from treatment-resistant depression.
Enhancement of Cognitive Flexibility: Psilocybin has been shown to enhance cognitive flexibility, which is the brain’s ability to adapt to new information and situations. This can be particularly beneficial for creativity and problem-solving.
Improvement in Mood and Well-Being: Psilocybin can induce profound changes in mood and perception, often leading to a significant improvement in overall well-being and life satisfaction.
How It Works
Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which then interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction leads to altered perception, mood, and cognition. Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which is believed to underlie its therapeutic effects.
Ecological Role
Magic mushrooms grow in various environments, often thriving in grasslands and forested areas. They play a role in decomposing organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Common practice doses:
Magic mushrooms come in many types with varying potencies. Notable species include Psilocybe cubensis (moderate strength), Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps, high potency), and Psilocybe azurescens (very strong). From New Zealand, Psilocybe subaeruginosa is known for its high potency. Other potent species are Psilocybe cyanescens and Psilocybe baeocystis. Potency and required doses varies significantly, the below is based on Psilocybe cubensis (moderate strength).
Microdosing: 0.1-0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, taken every few days, is used to promote creativity and emotional balance without inducing a full psychedelic experience.
Therapeutic: 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms, used under professional guidance, for therapeutic sessions addressing mental health issues.
Full Psychedelic Experience: 3-5 grams of dried mushrooms, used in controlled settings to explore deep psychological and spiritual insights.
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic, your experience depends on the dosage, set and setting. It is important to use them in a safe, supportive environment, have a sitter, and do plenty of research on set & setting or find an experienced guide/facilitator that you resonate with. Some individuals may experience nausea, dizziness, or temporary increases in anxiety or paranoia.
Pregnancy: The safety of psilocybin use during pregnancy is not well-studied, and it is generally advised to avoid use during this time. There is a great resource for Mums — https://www.momsonmushrooms.com
Emerging Benefits:
Potential for Addiction Treatment: Emerging research suggests that psilocybin could be effective in treating various forms of addiction, including alcoholism and smoking.
Neuroplasticity Enhancement: Psilocybin may promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This is crucial for recovery from brain injuries and could have implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Emerging studies indicate that psilocybin may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for conditions like chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.
Optimal Absorption Tips
To maximize the effects of psilocybin, it is often recommended to consume magic mushrooms on an empty stomach. Consuming them with lemon juice, known as "lemon tek," can substantially enhance absorption, making it hit stronger & faster, it is also known to reduce nausea.
Foraging and Forms
Whether they find you or you find them, magic mushrooms are best sourced with an experienced forger in the wild to learn from. Alternatively find a friendly supplier that grows organically with love. Magic Mushrooms can be eaten fresh, dried, capsules, drinking cacao or as part of chocolate bars and other edibles.
Side Effects
Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, should avoid psilocybin due to the potential for adverse reactions; unless working directly with a team of professionals.
Medication Interactions: A comprehensive list of medications and supplements that are safe to microdose with has been put together by leading professionals view here. For more support and detailed info on antidepressants and antipsychotics medication please view the following resources — Combining drugs, Withdrawal Project, Ebook, and FB Group.
If you do have any health conditions or concerns please talk with your doctor and your fungi support team.
Magic mushrooms are a sacred medicine and teacher, they offer a unique and powerful path for enhancing cognitive and emotional health. From ancient rituals to modern therapy, their ability to transform the mind and promote healing is truly remarkable. As with any powerful medicine, they should be used responsibly and with reverence for their potent offerings of healing, expanded consciousness and connectedness to all that which we are, Nature.