Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in spiritual practices by various Indigenous peoples.
These magic mushrooms have slowly found their way to the Western world, where both scientists and recreational drug users alike have studied their beneficial effects.
The euphoric and calming effects of certain types of psilocybin mushrooms have led some practitioners to believe that a measured dose of psilocybin may aid in anxiety relief.
How Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Work?
When ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction influences various aspects of perception, cognition, and emotions. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, set, and setting.
Taking a psilocybin mushroom can result in a wide range of experiences. Some people report feelings of euphoria, enhanced sensory perception, and a heightened sense of connection with the world around them. However, it’s important to be aware that not all experiences are positive. Some individuals may experience what is commonly known as a “bad trip,” characterized by feelings of anxiety, confusion, or paranoia.
To ensure a positive experience, it’s crucial to approach psilocybin mushrooms with caution and respect. Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to psychedelics, and gradually increase as needed. It’s also important to be in a safe and comfortable environment with trusted individuals who can provide support if needed.
If you’re considering taking psilocybin mushrooms, it’s advisable to educate yourself about their effects, potential risks, and harm reduction strategies. Research reputable sources, consult experienced individuals, and consider seeking professional guidance when necessary. Remember, responsible use and informed decision-making are key to maximizing the potential benefits and minimizing any potential risks associated with psilocybin mushrooms.
Why Are More People Exploring the Wonders of Psilocybin Mushrooms?
The Global Drug Survey 2019 found that out of 11,000 respondents, only 0.4% required emergency medical treatment after taking magic mushrooms. The results deemed psilocybin mushrooms as the safest of all recreational drugs.
Encouraging results such as these further draw average people to seek information and advice on the effects of psilocybin. These curious people wish to learn about the drug for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
If you would like to find out more about what magic mushrooms are and what they can do for you, read our Ultimate Guide to Magic Mushrooms.
As clinical research is conducted into both the positive and negative effects of shrooms, more people are beginning to experiment and draw conclusions surrounding the drug’s use.
Does Psilocybin Actually Work?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Microdosing psilocybin is becoming increasingly popular as increased information on magic mushroom benefits is widely spread. People have begun to microdose dried mushrooms to better their mental well-being and improve their overall mental health.
Due to this increase in use, scientists are conducting studies, like the work of Kraehenmann et al, to properly measure the effects of psilocybin on those with mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
These studies have been conducted with the aim of discovering whether psilocybin aids in the treatment of these illnesses.
So far, the studies on the effects of psilocybin mushroom use and how it might help to relieve anxiety show promising results. However, more wide-scale studies are still needed to legitimate and legalize the drug’s medicinal use.
If you’re interested in participating in clinical trials of psilocybin for various disorders, please go to: https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/index/#research.
What is Anxiety?
According to Healthline, anxiety is a response to fear or apprehension; it is your body’s reaction to stress.
If you experience these feelings long-term and they interfere with how you live your daily life, this may indicate that you have an anxiety disorder.
There are multiple types of anxiety disorders:
Panic
- Frequent and recurring panic attacks
- Panic reactions occur unexpectedly
- An afflicted person may live in fear of the next panic attack
Social anxiety
- Fear of social situations and socially interactive experiences
- A person may feel they are being judged or shunned in social situations
Phobia
- An irrational, often intense fear of something
- Fear can be towards an object, activity, or situation
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- An obsessive repeated behavior toward a certain activity
- Usually caused by recurring irrational thoughts
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- A panic disorder stemming from a specific traumatic event in a person’s life
Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. In 2013, it was reported that around 3 million people over the age of 18 suffered from an anxiety disorder in Canada.
The prevalence of anxiety means that there are various medicines and practices available to help treat the disorder.
It’s easy to believe that the negative effects of anxiety might cause you to have a bad trip on magic mushrooms. Some adverse effects of shrooms include lack of coordination, forgetfulness, and becoming easily distracted.
Studies, such as that conducted by Daniel and Haberman [3] have shown that these adverse effects can be muted by taking psilocybin in small amounts (microdosing). Instead, the study suggests that psilocybin’s positive effects are heightened to effectively combat anxiety.
How To Identify Magic Mushrooms
Identifying magic mushrooms is a crucial skill, especially when considering their potential use and the risks associated with poisonous mushrooms and street drugs. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the characteristics and distinguishing features of psilocybin mushrooms to minimize the risk of poisoning and ensure safe and responsible use.
Identification
One of the primary concerns when identifying magic mushrooms is differentiating them from poisonous varieties. Educate yourself about the specific traits that set magic mushrooms apart from their toxic counterparts. Pay attention to details such as the shape, color, and texture of the cap, the presence of gills or spores underneath, and the structure and color of the stem. Knowing these distinctive features can help you identify psilocybin mushrooms accurately.
Consulting reputable sources and experienced mycologists can provide valuable insights and guidance. They can help you distinguish between magic mushrooms and potentially dangerous look-alike species that may cause harm if consumed.
Street drugs
Additionally, being aware of the prevalence of street drugs posing as magic mushrooms is essential. Illegally obtained mushrooms may be contaminated or substituted with other substances, increasing the risk of adverse effects and potential harm. It is advisable to acquire psilocybin mushrooms from trusted sources or consider legally available alternatives to ensure their purity and safety.
By understanding the distinguishing features of magic mushrooms, being aware of the risks associated with drug use and poisonous mushrooms, and obtaining them from reliable sources like Mind Mend, you can reduce the likelihood of poisoning and make informed decisions about their use.
Common Side Effects of Psilocybin Mushrooms
The most common positive side effects of psilocybin are:
- Euphoric feelings
- Mixed senses (such as “hearing” colours or “seeing” sounds)
- Spiritual experiences (such as a heightened connectedness to nature)
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Changes in the sense of time (moving slower or faster)
Generally, these positive side effects leave users of magic mushrooms feeling satisfied and relaxed. These kinds of feelings are opposed to anxious feelings, feeling tense, worried, and fearful.
Consequently, it’s easy to assume that the use of psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety disorders is effective.
Consuming magic mushrooms in recreational doses is not a realistic way to relieve daily feelings of anxiety. Most people have to work or tend to children and can’t be “unavailable” for a few hours. This is where “microdosing” comes in.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is fairly self-explanatory: It takes a minimal dose of psilocybin in capsule form.
I ordered the Smart Shrooms to try microdosing. The website has a lot of helpful information that is laid out in a clear, easy to understand way for a “newbie”. I’ve been taking them for a few weeks and I find my experience is predictable in a way that I feel confident taking the capsules because I know what my reaction is and as such the dosage must be very consistent. It definitely made a subtle but consistent change in my perception that has helped me to be more empathetic to other people which has led to a reduction in my stress levels! If you are interested in the benefits I think Mind Mend is a really good resource!
Cathy Burns Verified Purchaser
Reviewed in Canada on May 10 2023
Microdosing has seen a rise in popularity among those who wish to use magic mushrooms to alleviate anxiety and depression. Taking a small dose of psilocybin elevates the individual’s mood without causing effects such as hallucinations.
The typical recommended amount to microdose is a tenth of a recreational dose of dried mushrooms. This amount can be taken several times a week.
James Fadiman, PhD, advises in The Psychedelic’s Explorer’s Guide that when microdosing, individuals take one day on and two days off, to ensure the effects don’t become too potent.
The amount of the drug taken can be tweaked depending on the individual user’s experience. A typical amount of magic mushroom to microdose is between 125 mg and 0.3 grams.
Scientific Studies on Using Psilocybin Mushrooms to Treat Anxiety
Now for the proof…
Of all the studies we found, 100% of them concluded that the use of psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety has shown positive results and long-term solutions.
It is therefore highly likely that certain types of magic mushrooms, when taken in small “microdoses,” can act as an aid in the treatment of anxiety and other mood disorders, such as depression.
Can Psilocybin Help to Relieve Anxiety?
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin – Johnson and Griffiths [1]
- Tested the effect of psilocybin as a drug in treatment-resistant major depression
- Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced after 1 week and 3 months post-treatment
- The same pattern was found for anxiety symptoms
Psilocybin Induced Decrease in Amygdala Reactivity Correlates with Enhanced Positive Mood in Healthy Volunteers – Kraehenmann, et al [2]
- Taking psilocybin as an anxiety drug increased reports of positive mood, and did not increase anxiety
- “Psilocybin has the potential to normalize limbic hyperactivity in persons with depressed mood state.”
Clinical Potential of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Mental Health Conditions – Daniel and Haberman [3]
- Used a relatively low dose of psilocybin
- The study found that mood improved for 2 weeks after treatment and reached statistical significance on the Beck Depression Inventory at the 6-month point
- This study supports further clinical research on whether psilocybin could be used as a drug for the management of anxiety disorders
Rapid and Sustained Symptom Reduction Following Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Life-Threatening Cancer – Ross, et al [4]
- The study mapped the anxiety experienced by terminal cancer patients
- Found that a single dose of psilocybin as a drug, in conjunction with psychotherapy, effectively treated “existential malaise” brought on by the recognition of one’s impending death
So Why is Psilocybin Mushroom Not a Mainstream Anxiety Treatment?
There still needs to be further studies on the effects and effectiveness of psilocybin use. Future studies must aim for wider testing and larger control groups.
Only then can we bring this supposedly effective and potentially revolutionary treatment into the mainstream.
Food for Thought
The psilocybin compound found in certain types of mushrooms has been shown to work just as well in relieving anxiety as any anxiety drug.
If you are curious or tempted to try microdosing shrooms for the treatment and relief of anxiety, the information laid out above is definitely something to consider. We recommend doing your own further research, too.
Conclusion
Microdosing shrooms can be extremely helpful in aiding those who suffer from anxiety to cope with daily life.
Before taking any drug, including psilocybin, it is advised that you consult a professional. Getting therapy as an outlet to treat mental illness is always the first recommended step.
It’s important to not source and dry your own magic mushrooms from the wild. A psilocybin mushroom may look similar to a poisonous mushroom. Try foraging with a professional or buying dried mushrooms online.
To find out more information on what magic mushrooms look like, read our handy guide on the types of magic mushrooms.
If you want the answers to general queries about magic mushrooms, please take a look at our FAQs.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery? Look no further than Mind Mend, your trusted source for high-quality magic mushrooms.
At Mind Mend, we understand the incredible potential that nature holds, and we’re dedicated to providing you with a natural and sustainable way to expand your consciousness. Our magic mushrooms are carefully cultivated and expertly harvested, ensuring their potency and purity. Order at Mind Mend today!
References
[1] Johnson, M.W., Griffiths, R.R. Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics 14, 734–740 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-017-0542-y
[2] Kraehenmann, R, Preller, K.H., Scheidegger, M., Bosch, O.G., Seifritz, E., Vollenweider, F.X., et al. Psilocybin-Induced Decrease in Amygdala Reactivity Correlates with Enhanced Positive Mood in Healthy Volunteers. Biological Psychology, April 26, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.04.010
[3] Daniel J, Haberman M. Clinical potential of psilocybin as a treatment for mental health conditions. Ment Health Clin. 2018 Mar 23;7(1):24-28. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2017.01.024. PMID: 29955494; PMCID: PMC6007659.
[4] Ross S, Bossis A, Guss J, Agin-Liebes G, Malone T, Cohen B, Mennenga SE, Belser A, Kalliontzi K, Babb J, Su Z, Corby P, Schmidt BL. Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016 Dec;30(12):1165-1180. doi: 10.1177/0269881116675512. PMID: 27909164; PMCID: PMC5367551.
