Unlocking the Psychedelic Potential: Exploring Psilocybin's Mental Health and Therapeutic Benefits

Jennifer Ziegelmeier

ERTHLyfe

Blog Post 5

2-24-24

Mushroom Tinctures via UPHORIC U

 

Unlocking the Psychedelic Potential: Exploring Psilocybin as a Natural Alternative Approach to Mental Health and its Safe, Effective Therapeutic Benefits 

In recent years, interest has been repeated, especially with the Covid outbreak, for a more herbal and holistic approach to mental health and overall well-being, inside and out, in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, which is the psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Once relegated to the fringes of society, psilocybin is now being studied rigorously for its profound effects on mental health and well-being. This article aims to delve into the emerging research surrounding psylocibin's mental health benefits and its role in therapy.

What is Psilocybin:

Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, is a chemical produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms worldwide. It has a high affinity for several serotonin receptors, including  5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A  and 5-HT_2C located in numerous brain areas, including the cerebral cortex and thalamus. With legislation introduced in 1992, more work is being done to understand further the implications of psilocybin use in several disease states. Certain mental health disease states and symptoms have been studied, including depressed mood, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder.

Psilocybin History:

Psilocybin was first isolated by Albert Hofmann in 1957 from the Central American mushroom “Psilocybe Mexicana.” The first synthetic psilocybin product was created shortly thereafter in 1958 and continues to be widely used today, both recreationally and in spiritual or religious rituals. It has since been found in more than 100 mushroom species worldwide with varying potency. These mushrooms are both cultivated and found in the wild. Cultivated mushrooms tend to be more potent by selecting stronger mushroom strains with more active ingredients, for which are up to 10 times that of some wild mushroom species.

 Psilocybin and Mental Health Crisis:

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and addiction are very much still an issue for millions of individuals worldwide. Despite advancements in traditional psychiatric treatments, many patients continue to struggle with symptoms and side effects, even after being prescribed medications. Often, patients have expressed increased symptoms due to medications or no relief of symptoms at all. However, psilocybin studies, usage of medications such as Spravato or Esketamine, and assisted mushroom therapy has shown enormous, positive and effective results. Although mushroom usage and its benefits, including many other mushrooms, aside from psilocybin, has been around for many centuries, there is increasingly growing interest in alternative and holistic therapies. Holistic approaches include, but not limited to, ayurvedic practices, adaptogen usage and intake of cannabinoids from cannabis as well as natural herbs as supplements.

Psilocybin Ingestion:

Psilocybin, when ingested, interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, emotions and cognitive processes. Research suggests that under controlled conditions, psilocybin can induce profound mystical experiences characterized by a sense of unity, transcendence and ego dissolution. These experiences often lead to long-lasting changes in personality and mood disorders, overall happiness and cognitive behaviors. Many of those who have experienced clinical study, in-patient, private outpatient assisted therapy, each microdosed according to their weight and correlating psilocybin milligrams, have reported back that they no longer struggle with mental health issues as they had before. The aforementioned treatments have produced a high percentage rate of results, positive feedback and undeniable evidentiary proof that psilocybin, when properly administered, is efficaciously successful in treating mental health disorders, as well as overall well-being.

Studies have shown promising results in the treatment of various mental health conditions with psilocybin. For instance, research conducted at Johns Hopkins University, demonstrated significant reductions in depression and anxiety in cancer patients after a single psilocybin session. Similarly, studies on psilocybin assisted therapy for treatment resistant depression and PTSD have reported promising outcomes citing many participants experienced significant, sustained improvements in overall symptoms. In addition, patients participating in aforementioned studies have also conveyed the Psilocybin treatment has longer lasting effects than previous treatments with conventional medications, leading to overall mood enhancement and subsiding underlying alignments associated with emotional and mental stressors. This is due to the fact that Psilocybin, unlike synthetic medications, is a natural substance and when taken under the care of a physician, works with and transmits signals to both CB1 and CB2 brain receptors to promote and equally balance our body's dopamine and serotonin levels. Unlike manufactured medications that may only have the ability to reach 1 brain receptor and only enhance serotonin or dopamine, not both as scientifically proven is  needed for treatment success and the effectiveness of symptom relief as well as reported curing all together, 

Psilocybin and Assisted Therapy: 

One of the most intriguing aspects of psilocybin is its potential as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Unlike conventional psychiatric medications that require daily administration, psilocybin-assisted therapy typically involves only one or a few sessions, supplemented by preparatory and integrative therapy sessions. During the psychedelic experience, patients often gain profound insights into the root causes of their mental health issues and experience cathartic emotional releases.

Psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions are conducted in a supportive environment with trained therapists who guide patients through their experiences and help them integrate insights into their daily lives. The non-linear nature of the psychedelic experience allows patients to access deeply buried memories, emotions and subconscious patterns that may be resistant to conventional talk therapy.

Furthermore, psilocybin has shown the potential to break addictive patterns by disrupting maladaptive thought patterns and promoting introspection and self-awareness. Studies on psilocybin-assisted therapy for substance use disorders, including alcohol and nicotine addiction.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, psilocybin holds immense promise as a therapeutic tool for addressing various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. However, further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action, optimize treatment protocols, and ensure safety and efficacy. As societal attitudes toward psychedelics continue to evolve, it is crucial to approach their integration into mainstream medicine with caution, respect and scientific rigor. With continued research and responsible implementation, psilocybin-assisted therapy has the potential to revolutionize mental healthcare and offer new hope to those suffering from debilitating conditions.

 

 Works Cited:

1. Griffiths, R.R., Johnson, M.W., Carducci, M.A., et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized, double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197.

2. Carhart-Harris, R.L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., et al. (2016). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(7), 619-627.

3. Bogenschutz, M.P., Forcehimes, A.A., Pommy, J.A., et al. (2015). Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(3), 289-299.