What is psilocybin: a detailed overview
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in psilocybin mushrooms. These mushrooms are also known as "magic mushrooms" or "dumchaks". Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in religious, ritual and medical practices of various cultures around the world. Nowadays psilocybin is increasingly being used for psychotherapy and medical research to help people with a variety of mental illnesses.
Psilocybin:
- A chemical compound found in psilocybin mushrooms
- Also known as "magic mushroom"
- It has a long history of use in ritual and medical practices
- It is used in modern medical research and psychotherapy
The origin and history of the use of psilocybin
We know that psilocybin mushrooms have been used in religious and ritual rites of various cultures for thousands of years. For example, some ancient Maya had a practice of drinking psilocybin mushrooms during religious ceremonies. The Uzbeks, living in Central Asia, are also known for their rituals with mushrooms and psilocybin. In these cultures, psilocybin was used for spiritual enlightenment, meditation, and a sense of oneness with the universe.
In modern medicine psilocybin again saw a wave of popularity and research, especially in the context of psychotherapy and treatment of mental disorders. Many researchers and doctors are considering psilocybin as a potentially useful therapeutic agent for people suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other disorders.
Mechanism of action of psilocybin
Psilocybin affects the nervous system, increasing the production and restoration of neurotransmitters, in particular serotonin. Serotonin is an important chemical transmitter that regulates mood, sleep and other body functions.
When psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, changes occur in the perception of time, colors, sounds and thoughts. Such changes can cause a wide range of experiences - from euphoria and energy to peace and a sense of unity with the world around us.
Medical use of psilocybin
Recent medical research shows that psilocybin may be useful in the treatment of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows that another possible area of use for psilocybin is the fight against alcohol and nicotine abuse.
For example, a study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry showed that psilocybin can help people with anxiety who have cancer and who have received psychotherapy. After a single session of psilocybin, patients reported reduced anxiety and improved mood even 6 months after treatment.
In another study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers said that psilocybin treatment can improve mood, behavior, and quality of life in people with inpatient depression who are unresponsive to other treatments.
Microdosing of psilocybin
One of the modern trends related to using psilocybin, is microdosing. Microdosing means using very low doses of psilocybin that do not cause psychedelic effects, but can have positive effects on mood, creativity, and productivity.
Some people use microdoses of psilocybin regularly, for example every few days or once a week, to improve your mental and emotional resilience, relieve anxiety and improve creativity at work or school.
Microdosing of psilocybin is not a treatment for specific mental disorders, but can be helpful for general health and self-awareness. This approach is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers and adherents of alternative methods of self-development.
Microdosing of psilocybin:
- Low doses of psilocybin without psychedelic effects
- Improving mood, creativity and productivity
- Regular use for general improvement of well-being
Psilocybin mushrooms and the law
Regarding the law in Ukraine, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal because they contain psilocybin, which is a controlled substance under our laws. Any cultivation, storage, sale or use of psilocybin mushrooms is subject to administrative or criminal liability.
However, some countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland have already changed their laws to allow the use psilocybin mushrooms for medical and scientific purposes. There is hope that the laws in Ukraine may change in the future psilocybin will be allowed to be used in medicine.
Psilocybin and the Law:
- Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in Ukraine
- The legislation of other countries allows the use of psilocybin in medicine
- In the future, the legislation of Ukraine may change regarding psilocybin
Conclusion
Psilocybin is a natural chemical compound found in psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms". These mushrooms have a rich history of use in religious, ritual and medical practices of various cultures.
In modern medicine psilocybin is being investigated as a potentially useful substance for the treatment of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Some studies also show the possibility of using psilocybin in the treatment of alcohol and nicotine addiction.
One of the new trends in the use of psilocybin is microdosing, where low doses of psilocybin are used to improve mood, creativity and productivity.
Ukrainian legislation prohibits the use of psilocybin mushrooms, as psilocybin is a controlled substance. However, in other countries, psilocybin is allowed to be used in medicine and scientific research.
In general, psilocybin mushrooms are interesting objects of research in medicine and psychotherapy. They can open up new possibilities for treating various mental disorders and improving general health and well-being.
Source: https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin
Additional sources:
As we mentioned when talking about cordyceps microdosing, it is worth noting that the second popular topic in the magical world of mushrooms is psilocybin. On ours blog you can find a lot of useful information about various aspects of using psilocybin and mushrooms in general.
It's also worth checking out ours mushroom blog with secrets and tips. This article provides detailed instructions on how to grow psilocybin mushrooms at home. It may be interesting for those who want to try these mushrooms themselves for medical or self-development purposes.
