Reviewed by Dr. Judith Thompson, ND, ACHS Dean of Herbal Medicine
September 20th is Magic Mushroom Day, a time to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of psilocybin mushrooms. These naturally occurring fungi have a long history of use in various cultures for their psychedelic properties, and today, they are gaining recognition in modern healthcare for their potential therapeutic benefits. But what exactly are magic mushrooms, and how are they contributing to the future of healthcare?
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms are a group of fungi that contain the naturally occurring psychedelic compound psilocybin1. There are over 150 species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, with Psilocybe cubensis being one of the most well-known2. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which influences serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, mood changes, and sometimes profound spiritual experiences3.
These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in religious and healing rituals by indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica and beyond. The effects of consuming magic mushrooms can vary widely depending on the species, dosage, individual’s mindset, and environment4.
Magic Mushrooms in Modern Integrative Healthcare
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of psilocybin mushrooms within the medical and scientific communities. In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Ballot Measure 109, paving the way for the legal use of psilocybin mushrooms by trained professionals. In 2023, 20 other states introduced psychedelic-related legislation, ranging from plans to establish research councils and working groups to proposals to legalize use and possession of certain drugs5.
Research is uncovering magic mushrooms’ potential as powerful tools in the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions. Here’s a look at some of the key areas where they’re making a significant impact:
1. Depression and Anxiety
Psilocybin has shown promise in treating depression and anxiety. A 2022 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed significantly reduced depression scores in participants who were resistant to conventional treatments. The mushrooms appear to work by encouraging the growth of new connections between neurons in the brain5.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a debilitating condition that can be difficult to treat with standard therapies. However, emerging research suggests that psilocybin could offer new hope. A survey of U.S. Special Forces Veterans who received Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy at a psychedelic clinical program in Mexico reported substantial improvement in PTSD symptoms7.
3. Addiction
Another exciting area of research involves the use of psilocybin to treat substance use disorders, including alcohol and nicotine addiction. Studies have indicated that psilocybin can help individuals break free from addictive behaviors by promoting profound shifts in perspective and enhancing motivation for change8.
4. Enhancing Psychological Well-being
Beyond its therapeutic applications, psilocybin is also being explored for its ability to enhance overall psychological well-being. Many individuals report increased creativity, a greater sense of connection to nature and others, and lasting positive changes in their outlook on life following psilocybin experiences9.
ACHS’ Psilocybin Micro-Credential
Are you interested in exploring the fascinating world of psilocybin mushrooms and their potential to support mental health and well-being? ACHS offers a cutting-edge micro-credential program, the Integrative Psilocybin Mushroom Specialist™. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the role and current research surrounding psilocybin mushrooms.
This micro-credential consists of four one-hour courses, each covering different aspects of psilocybin mushrooms: their anatomy and phytonutrients, historical significance, therapeutic applications, and the role of a trip sitter in ensuring safe psychedelic experiences. The program is designed for self-paced learning and includes video lectures, resources, and quizzes to assess understanding.
It’s important to note that while the program provides education on psilocybin mushrooms, it is not intended to qualify participants as practitioners or trip sitters, as psilocybin use still remains illegal in most states. However, it is an essential foundation for those interested in the growing field of psychedelic wellness.
Learn more about the Integrative Psilocybin Mushroom Specialist™ program.
Magic Mushroom Day Reflections
This September 20th, Magic Mushroom Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the incredible potential of these natural healers. As science continues to uncover the mysteries of psilocybin, we may find that these humble fungi hold the key to transforming mental health care and improving the quality of life for countless individuals.
It is essential to note that this micro-credential program is strictly intended for educational purposes. It is not intended to qualify earners as a practitioner or psilocybin trip sitter. Moreover, the use of psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in most states. However, Oregon is at the forefront of developing a legal use program available to trained therapists as of January 2023. Opportunities for similar programs may arise in other states in the future.
Note: This micro-credential is for professional development and does not award academic credit. Non-credit micro-credentials are not accredited by DEAC.
Sources:
- Lowe, H., Toyang, N., Steele, B., Valentine, H., Grant, J., Ali, A., Ngwa, W., & Gordon, L. (2021). The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(10), 2948. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102948
- Wiegand, T. J. (2024). Mushroom, Psilocybin. Encyclopedia of Toxicology, 6(4), 541-544. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128243152008873
- NIDA. 2024, January 24. Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms). Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psilocybin-magic-mushrooms on 2024, August 21
- Nichols D. E. (2020). Psilocybin: from ancient magic to modern medicine. The Journal of antibiotics, 73(10), 679–686. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41429-020-0311-8
- Seal, B. (2024, March 14). How close are psychedelic drugs to becoming legal? Knowable Magazine. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/society/2024/psychedelic-drugs-and-the-law-whats-next
- Reynolds, S. (2023, March 14). How psychedelic drugs may help with depression. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-psychedelic-drugs-may-help-depression
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp
- Morland, L., & Woolley, J. (2024, May 8). Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD. National Center for PTSD. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp
- Nayak, S. M., Jackson, H., Sepeda, N. D., Mathai, D. S., So, S., Yaffe, A., Zaki, H., Brasher, T. J., Lowe, M. X., Jolly, D. R. P., Barrett, F. S., Griffiths, R. R., Strickland, J. C., Johnson, M. W., Jackson, H., & Garcia-Romeu, A. (2023). Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey. Frontiers in psychiatry, 14, 1199642. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199642
