Therapy & Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin, a drug mainly viewed by the public as absurd or abnormal. Found in
over 180 species of mushrooms, psilocybin is a psychoactive drug that alters perception,
and brain function during use. Yet is there the possibility that this intense mind altering
drug is therapeutic? Or possibly, that it may cure severe depression or mental disorders?
These questions are the key questions the debate on “Magic Mushrooms” and the
therapeutic use of them. From psilocybin induced cave paintings, to the recreational and
therapeutic use of natures “sacred mush.” It’s time to acknowledge the benefits and safety
concerning the use of such a powerful concoction.
We all are familiar with “Magic Mushrooms” in some way. Whether it’s from a
book, news article, family and peers, or from personal experience. Though notably
famous in the early 50’s and 60’s, just like its psychedelic cousin LSD. But the use of
“Magic Mushrooms” actually dates back far earlier in human history than we may realize.
So far back in fact, there have been reported and studied cave drawings representing
hallucinogenic mushrooms dating back seven to nine-thousand years ago. These drawings
were found in The Sahara Desert, depicting the polychromic scenes of harvest, adoration
and the offering of mushrooms to large masked gods covered with mushrooms. With
humanity’s use of mushrooms dating back to Paleolithic times, there’s no doubt that they
influenced the course of human evolution.
But are they therapeutic? Nowadays “magic mushrooms” are used mainly as a fun
experience friends and some use it even as a spiritual connection. But researchers at
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore believe there may be a more beneficial
use of the psychedelic. They developed a new study- relating to the original 1960’s study
of benefits of hallucinogenic drugs- regarding the use of psilocybin...