Migraines can be debilitating, especially when they come with complex symptoms. Traditional treatments don’t always work, leaving many searching for alternatives.
Emerging research suggests that magic mushrooms, specifically their active compound psilocybin, may help by reducing inflammation, altering pain perception, and even preventing migraine episodes. But how does it work?
This article will explore the science behind psilocybin and its potential role in managing complicated migraines.
Types of Migraine
Migraine Without Aura
The most commonly experienced type of migraine by migraine sufferers is , which typically starts without any warning signs.
Chronic Migraine
A type of migraine that happens at least 15 days per month for more than three months, and it can be challenging to manage migraines when they happen this frequently.
Menstrual Migraine
Menstrual migraine – is linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle and can happen before, during, or after menstruation, affecting women who experience migraines.
Vestibular migraine
Vestibular migraine is connected to problems with balance, dizziness, and vertigo, which can be difficult to manage migraine for those who experience them.
Hemiplegic migraine
It is a rare type that can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body and has been studied as a possible candidate for psilocybin mushroom treatment.
Migraine With Aura Symptoms
Most people who suffer ‘migraine with aura (MwA)’ are very likely to experience most if not all symptoms of ‘migraine without aura (MwoA)’. The American Headache Society says that MwA is mostly associated with extreme photophobia. Additional sensory symptoms occur over a 20-minute episode and less than an hour.
Some of the symptoms are;
- Seeing stars/sparkles
- Blind spots –
- Seeing flashing lights
- Zigzag lines
- Colored spots
- Temporary blindness
- Tunnel vision
- Tingling or numbness
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Fragility on one side of the body
- ‘Needles and pins’ feeling in the legs and arms
- Confusion, fear, and sometimes partial paralysis
- Hearing and speech problems
Magic Mushrooms and Complex Migraine
Magic mushrooms containing psilocybin have become a subject of interest for headache medicine after many studies. Psilocybin is found in these mushrooms, similar to triptans used by migraine sufferers.
While triptans are mainly effective in discontinuing migraines, psilocybin, which can be consumed through microdosing of psilocybin mushrooms, has shown potential in stopping, reducing, and preventing migraines, including cluster headaches.
Magic Mushrooms: Insights from A. Khan of New York
I’m on mushrooms right now. Just a small amount, about half the size of my pinky nail. I’m not hallucinating or anything. but for the past couple of months, I’ve been taking a regular, tiny dose of psilocybin ‘shrooms every few days. And life has never been better. It’s called “micro-dosing”.
My main goal was to see if it could help rid me of my crippling migraines.
My head doesn’t hurt while I’m micro-dosing. I generally have a headache when I wake up, but it disappears after I take my morning micro dose.”
Can Microdosing Psilocybin Help Treat Migraine Headaches?
Anecdotally, yes. Psilocybin from “magic” mushrooms is converted to psilocin once ingested. It then becomes a partial booster for serotonin receptors called 5-HT receptors. Specifically the 5-HT(2a) and 5-HT(2b) receptors.
Research has shown that the use of psilocybin mushrooms can potentially provide relief for individuals suffering from headache disorders. Psilocybin, as a serotonergic psychedelic, can affect serotonin levels in the brain, which can help regulate pain signals and reduce headache frequency.
However, it’s important to note that using psilocybin mushrooms for headache disorders is still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
Nonetheless, the potential of psilocybin mushrooms as a new form of headache medicine has generated interest among migraine sufferers and healthcare professionals alike. The receptors targeted by psilocybin induce a psychedelic experience.
How Is Psilocybin Used for Migraine Headache Treatment?
The first method is by taking a psychoactive dose, that’s equivalent to 3 grams of the mushroom.
The other method that’s recommended to deal with migraine is by taking micro-doses. This method is called microdosing.
Microdosing is the practice of taking small effective doses, normally under 0.5 grams. This means that you can achieve relief without activating any negative side effects.
Hence you won’t experience the psychedelic effects associated with magic mushrooms.
We are at the threshold of an explosion in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of migraine. Plus with the help of MRF, more answers will soon be found.” — Joel Saper, MD, Research Advisory Board Chair
Read more on microdosing on our FAQ page.
How Microdosing for Migraines with Mind Mend Can Help You Take Control of Your Headaches
With Mind Mend, you can be on your way to experience a significant reduction in severity, intensity, and frequency of migraine attacks. Microdosing with Mind Mend products is a better treatment than prescription drugs.
Additional advantages include constructive changes in personal conduct, depressive, and anti-anxiety properties. This contributes towards turning the battle tide against neuro-inflammation which causes migraine headaches.
Are you tired of suffering from migraines? Take control of your health and explore the benefits and best practices of micro-dosing with psilocybin. Visit our website today to access a range of resources and start your journey toward natural relief.
We sure do hope to see you on the other side of a headache-free world.
