Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or hallucinogenic mushrooms, have been used for spiritual and recreational purposes for centuries. Over the last few years, an active compound in these mushrooms called psilocybin was investigated for its medical potential. Clinical trials and studies found that this substance can treat depression, anxiety, alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine addictions, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. This article will introduce you to the main medical benefits of magic mushrooms that you need to know.
Essentials: shroom medical benefits
1. Treat depression
The healing properties of shrooms are widely appreciated, especially for a range of mental health conditions. Since psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the human brain, this activity can produce a couple of mind-altering effects and heal depressive states in patients. Moreover, magic mushrooms can increase the level of consciousness in people resulting in more effective depression healing.
2. Intensify the growth of new brain cells
According to one study, an active compound containing in shrooms psilocybin can stimulate building new cells in the brain. The brain becomes more active, and its ability to learn and remember information is developed at the expense of new neuron growth. It can also help the brain fight fear and prevent a variety of dangerous stimulators.
3. Fight a range of addictions
Sometimes, it turns out to be pretty challenging to stop the bad habits, but the solution exists. According to one research, scientists found psilocybin psychotherapy efficient to overcome addiction from severe drugs, but it can work for alcohol or nicotine addictions. Psilocybin appears as hope for multiple people who suffer from various bad habits and want to fight them.
4. Help openness and develop personality
Medical benefits magic mushrooms incorporate the ability of psilocybin to influence the individual’s personality. One recent study demonstrated that magic mushrooms tend to make participants more open. This research focused on investigating psilocybin sessions conducted at high doses. Apart from openness, researchers also concluded that psilocybin develops creativity and imagination in participants. Interestingly, the shroom effects related to improved openness can last up to a year.
5. Help deal with your ego
If you still wonder whether magic mushrooms could have medical benefits, psilocybin in shrooms is also effective for the human ego. This phenomenon can make adjustments lacking and lead to problems with temperament. However, magic mushrooms appear as a promising approach to deal with ego and develop your creativity. Once you become more creative, you are open to new ideas that can help you reach success.
6. Reduce anxiety
The chemical psilocybin was investigated to treat anxiety in people, too. According to the 2021 study, participants who experience psychedelic consumption reported a notable reduction in anxiety, depressive states, and stress. This study concluded that people less frequently face rumination, as well. However, it is worth mentioning that most similar studies are based on self-reporting, which makes it harder to discover the exact action of psilocybin on human mental health.