Mushroom Medicine: Administering For Health Benefits

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin. They are typically ingested orally, either by consuming fresh or dried mushrooms, brewing them into a tea, or mixing them with food to mask their bitter taste. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour and can last up to six hours. While they are mostly illegal in the US, magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental and behavioural health conditions.

Fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea

Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are typically consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They have been used for thousands of years, and modern medical research is studying their potential therapeutic benefits for mental and behavioural health conditions. However, it's important to note that their use also carries risks.

Fresh magic mushrooms can be consumed directly, although some people may find the bitter taste off-putting. They can also be cooked before consumption, which can help mask the bitter flavour. Additionally, cooking may enhance the psychoactive effects, as heat can convert the psilocybin present in the mushrooms into psilocin, the compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects.

Brewing magic mushrooms into tea is another common method of administration. This involves infusing the mushrooms in hot water, which extracts their psychoactive compounds. Tea preparation may also help to improve the taste compared to consuming the mushrooms directly. The effects of magic mushroom tea typically occur within 5 to 10 minutes and can last for up to 6 hours. However, it's important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms, regardless of preparation method, can vary depending on individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations.

When consuming magic mushrooms, it is crucial to be cautious due to the risks associated with their use. Firstly, it can be challenging to distinguish between hallucinogenic mushrooms and poisonous ones, as they often look similar. Consuming poisonous mushrooms can lead to severe health issues and even death. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In rare cases, consuming a large quantity or a potent batch of magic mushrooms can lead to a "'bad trip,"' resulting in terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or flashbacks. Therefore, it is essential to be well-informed about the potential risks and to seek mushrooms from trusted sources to minimise the chances of adverse effects.

Mixed with food to mask bitter taste

Psilocybin-containing mushrooms can be ingested by mixing them with food to mask their bitter taste. This method of administration is one of several ways to consume magic mushrooms, including eating them fresh, cooking them, or brewing them into a tea. The effects of mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.

When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can affect a person's thoughts, emotions, senses, sense of time, and perception of reality. The effects of psilocybin can vary depending on the individual's mood, personality, expectations, and the environment they are in.

While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, it is important to exercise caution when consuming them due to their potential side effects. Early effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms include nausea, excessive yawning, and diarrhea. In some cases, individuals may experience a ""bad trip,"" which can lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. Additionally, it is crucial to distinguish between psilocybin mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms, as they may have a similar appearance.

To ensure a safe experience when consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it is recommended to obtain them from a trusted source, such as an established guide or grower known for producing quality mushrooms. By taking the appropriate precautions and being mindful of potential risks, individuals can make informed decisions about the administration of psilocybin mushrooms, including mixing them with food to mask their bitter taste.

Orally, in doses of 5-40 mg

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", have been used for thousands of years. They are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, which can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. The key active ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical that has psychoactive properties.

Magic mushrooms are typically consumed orally in doses of 5-40 mg. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The length and intensity of each "trip" can vary depending on the dosage, the strength of the mushrooms, and individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations.

When taken orally in doses of 5-10 mg, the effects of psilocybin are considered mild. A dose of 20 mg is considered to be intermediate or a "good effect" dose. Higher doses of 30-40 mg are referred to as high or ego-dissolution doses. Microdosing involves the use of sub-threshold psilocybin doses of less than 2.5 mg. When consumed in the form of dried mushrooms, microdoses range from 0.1 g to 0.3 g, while psychedelic doses range from 1.0 g to 3.5-5.0 g.

It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries certain risks. The effects of psilocybin can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, a "'bad trip'" may occur, leading to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. Additionally, it is easy to mistake a poisonous mushroom for a psilocybin mushroom, as they have a similar appearance. If you believe you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention.

In clinical trials and research

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", are primarily illegal in the US and internationally controlled under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. However, they have been used for thousands of years and have a wide range of potential health benefits. Clinical trials are the most effective way to advance research while protecting the health and safety of patients.

The dosage of psilocybin can vary depending on the desired effect and the user's body weight. Low doses are typically considered to be between 5 to 10 mg, while intermediate or "good effect" doses are around 20 mg. High or ego-dissolution doses range from 30 to 40 mg. Microdosing involves the use of sub-threshold doses of less than 2.5 mg. For dried mushrooms, a microdose ranges from 0.1 g to 0.3 g, while a psychedelic dose ranges from 1.0 g to 3.5–5.0 g.

It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can have varying effects on individuals, depending on factors such as mood, personality, expectations, and the environment. While hospitalizations and overdoses are rare, there is a risk of adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can have severe health consequences. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals interested in participating in clinical trials to consult with their doctors and ensure they are working with trusted and established sources of psilocybin mushrooms.

Poison control and overdose treatment

Identification and Expert Assistance:

Contact Poison Control immediately. In the United States, you can reach Poison Control by calling 1-800-222-1222, which will direct you to the nearest poison control center. Alternatively, you can use the webPOISONCONTROL tool to get case-specific advice online. This tool has helped over a million people and provides safe and accurate recommendations. You can also contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 if you are in Victoria, Australia.

Medical Attention:

If the person experiencing mushroom poisoning is facing severe symptoms such as collapse, seizures, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

First Aid Measures:

Before seeking expert help, there may be some first aid measures you can take. However, it is important to be cautious, as some measures, such as inducing vomiting (emesis), may be harmful in certain situations. For example, ipecac syrup is generally not recommended in cases of mushroom poisoning.

Supportive Care:

Treatment for mushroom toxicity is largely supportive. This includes addressing dehydration, managing agitation, and treating specific symptoms as they arise. Intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation is often crucial, especially in cases of kidney or liver toxicity. In some instances, dialysis may be necessary if renal failure occurs.

Decontamination:

Gut decontamination is essential in cases of amatoxin poisoning, which can occur with certain poisonous mushrooms. Whole-bowel irrigation and multiple doses of activated charcoal can help limit toxin absorption and interrupt enterohepatic circulation.

Specific Therapies:

The treatment for mushroom poisoning depends on the specific toxin ingested. For example, methemoglobinemia, which can occur after consuming gyromitrins, is treated with IV methylene blue. On the other hand, anticholinergic poisoning may be treated with benzodiazepines, and in rare cases, physostigmine may be required.

It is worth noting that, in some cases, a mycologist or medical toxicologist may be consulted to assist with mushroom identification, and a psychiatrist may be involved if there is a concern for suicidal intent.

Frequently asked questions