Psilocybin Mushrooms
Welcome to the psilo-universe
Throughout human history, they have been an essential part of our diet and culture. Edible mushrooms, such as shiitake and portobello, are prized in culinary traditions around the world, while medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi and chaga, are used in traditional medicine for their health benefits. But among the many species, Psilocybe cubensis holds particular interest thanks to its psychoactive properties.
Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybe cubensis, a type of psychedelic mushroom, contains the compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which cause altered states of consciousness and change the way we perceive sensory information (sound, touch and sight). Psilocybe cubensis, otherwise called “magic mushroom” or “shroom”, has an important spiritual role and has been used by indigenous cultures around the world to have mystical experiences and connect with the divine. These mushrooms usually grow in subtropical environments and thrive in areas with high humidity and organic material.
Mushrooms for mental health
Psilocybe cubensis is still strictly regulated in many regions for its strong psychoactive properties. That said, the growing amount of scientific evidence for its therapeutic potential has opened discussions about loosening those legal restrictions. Recent studies have renewed interest in Psilocybe cubensis, especially for its potential to treat mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, existential anxiety, alcohol dependence and cluster headaches. As research advances, it may become an important tool for psychological healing and improving our understanding of human consciousness – especially because, to date, there is no certain evidence that psilocybin mushrooms cause a significant risk to public safety.
Psilocybin benefits
As a species of psychedelic mushroom, Psilocybe cubensis has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the key benefits observed by researchers.
Mental and physical health treatment
- Depression. Studies have shown that psilocybin can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms, often with sustained effects after a single dose.
- Anxiety. Psilocybe cubensis can help reduce anxiety by changing perception and consciousness, leading to a calmer and more positive mood. This is really helpful for people with severe anxiety and those facing serious illnesses, providing lasting relief and improving their quality of life.
- PTSD. Psilocybin can help with PTSD by allowing individuals to process traumatic memories in a new way and reduce the emotional intensity and distress. This effect can lead to a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and promote overall mental healing.
- OCD. Psilocybin can help with OCD by disrupting the rigid thought patterns that trigger obsessive-compulsive behavior, allowing to experience greater cognitive flexibility.
- Cluster headaches. Psilocybe cubensis can help break the cycle of headaches and provide long-lasting relief. Some people who suffer from cluster headaches have reported that the frequency and intensity of their headaches have significantly decreased after taking psilocybin – even when traditional treatments have failed.
- Chronic pain. Psilocybin can alter the perception of pain and reduce its emotional impact, which can lead to pain relief. This effect is thought to be due to psilocybin’s ability to modulate pain-related neural pathways and improve overall mood, making chronic pain more manageable.
Psilocybe cubensis also has a positive influence on diseases such as epilepsy, borderline personality disorder, dysfunctional social cognition, psychopathy and more.
Addiction treatment
- Giving smoking. Research has shown that psilocybin has a high success rate in helping people quit smoking.
- Addiction to drugs and alcohol. Because Psilocybe cubensis increases motivation for change and reduces cravings, it has shown promise in treating alcohol and other drug addiction problems.
Enhanced creativity and problem-solving
Psilocybe cubensis can promote divergent thinking, enhanced neural connection and problem-solving skills by changing how the brain functions. People often report feeling more creative and flexible in their thinking during and after psilocybin experiences, which can lead to new, innovative ideas, insights, and solutions to complicated problems.
Spiritual and personal growth
People can encounter profound experiences with Psilocybe cubensis that deepen their understanding of themselves and the world, leading to spiritual and personal development.
Improved cognitive flexibility
Psilocybe cubensis can make it easier for your brain to shift gears and look at things in new ways. This means that you may find it easier to solve problems and be more open to other ideas.
Reduction in end-of-life distress
Psilocybe cubensis can relieve end-of-life distress by offering profound experiences that changes the way you approach mortality, which often reduces anxiety and increases acceptance. This effect can give comfort and improve the overall quality of life for individuals facing terminal illnesses, such as cancer and more.
Dosage Guide
Psilocybin mushroom dosages can be grouped into three categories, each producing many different effects and suitable for various purposes:
Microdose: 0.2-0.5 grams
- Improves and strengthens concentration
- Encourages creativity
- Increases productivity
- Helps you to better understand your emotions
Cycles can vary from once every three days to once every week.
The goal of microdosing is to achieve a higher level of focus and productivity over time. Psilocybe cubensis is used for helping to create new habits and routines and to better understand emotional and interpersonal connections.
The threshold dose: 0.5-1 gram
- Increased creativity
- Changes in mood and empathy
- Minor changes in perception
It is recommended to use once every few weeks or less.
The threshold dose is often used to increase creativity, providing openness and creativity without strong psychedelic effects. Many people report discovering new levels in familiar music and experiencing a boost in mood and empathy. Users may also notice minor changes in perception, such as an improvement of tactile and auditory senses.
A psychoactive dose: 2 to 5 grams
- Resetting the default neural network (DMN)
- For spiritual growth and exploration
It is recommended to use once every few months as a treatment for mental health problems.
A standard psychoactive dose produces strong effects, fully revealing Psilocybe cubensis properties. This dose is commonly used for therapy in clinical settings and for self-improvement and self-observation.
The hero dose: more than 5 grams
- Resetting the default Neural Network (DMN)
- For medical purposes (under the supervision of a specialist)
Large doses can cause severe dissociative states, often making users feel like they are falling out of their bodies. Users often have the feeling of being “behind” themselves and watching their body move autonomously.
Intense visions and hallucinations, some of which are terrifying, are common at taking this dose. Bad trips are more common, so prior experience is important. The visual intensity can be comparable to drugs like DMT.
The average duration of effect at this dose is about 7 hours.
Sources
- Chen, J. Application of psilocybin in mental health disorders. Theoretical and Natural Science [internet]. (2023). 21(1): [173-179 pp.]. DOI:54254/2753-8818/21/20230859;
- Bright S, Williams M. Psychedelics to treat mental illness? Australian researchers are giving it a go Melbourne: The Conversation Media Group Ltd. (2019).
- Daniel J., Haberman M. Clinical Potential of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Mental Health Conditions. Ment. Health Clin. (2017). 7:24-28. Doi:1517/13543784.2014.915312
- https://clusterbusters.org
- Schindler E.A.D., Gottchalk C.H., Wil M.J. The Use of Psilocybin in the Treatment of Cluster Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. (2021). 61(1), 40-45.
- Lowe H., Toyang N. and others. The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. (2021). 26(10):2948. Doi: 3390/molecules26102948
