Magic mushrooms, often known as psilocybin mushrooms, are varieties of mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. Because of its hallucinatory properties when ingested, it has been used in the treatment of mental illnesses for many years. Some people use it recreationally, while others utilize it for spiritual and health objectives in psychedelic retreats hosted in the Netherlands.
Does it have any benefits for mental health? We’ll discuss the 7 effects of magic mushrooms on mental health below.
Induces happiness and laughter
The primary component of the magic mushroom, psilocybin, alters human brain function. This alteration in brain activity creates sensations of happiness and euphoria in the mind. Psilocybin modifies the chemicals in the brain that influence your mood, reducing unpleasant emotions such as melancholy and depression. As a result, laughter results from an ongoing state of happiness.
Improved social life
It also makes it easier for you to make friends and associate with others because you are more relaxed and less worried. Your state of happiness makes it easier to talk to people and engage in conversation. This can help improve your social life.
Reduce depression and PTSD
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical that, by altering brain chemistry, suppresses the brain’s ability to feel pain and sadness. As a result, it is useful in the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psilocybin, which acts as an antidepressant, has been demonstrated in some studies to be useful in treating anxiety and depression. Also, Psilocybin has long-lasting and powerful effects.
Increase creativity and self-awareness
Because psilocybin modifies people’s emotions, it lessens their dread and worry. Some people have reported improved creativity as a result of consuming magic mushrooms. They are also known to increase self-awareness and insight.
Relief from chronic pain
Psilocybin, as mentioned above, also contains analgesic properties that reduce pain. It activates receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain that directly reduce pain around the body. The mood-enhancing effect of these mushrooms alters the body’s perception of pain as it induces constant euphoria.
Improved physical coordination
The psychoactive effects of psilocybin help to improve the body’s overall coordination, balance, and concentration. This is because it heightens the body’s sensory organs, which in turn makes one attuned to how they carry out movements and activities. It also reduces the time it takes for the body’s nervous system to process external stimuli, which in turn leads to hyperactivity.
Improved sleep
You become comfortable and relaxed as a result of your increased mood and state of happiness. As a result, the individual finds it simpler to sleep. Psilocybin’s effects include producing REM sleep and alleviating insomnia. This is especially important and beneficial for people who have short or interrupted sleep due to nightmares.
Finally, as more countries learn about magic mushrooms, studies into the full potential of psilocybin are still ongoing. It is now utilized as a supplemental treatment for people who have experienced trauma or who are on a wellness journey. Countries such as the Netherlands have legalized psychedelic retreats that employ magic mushrooms to treat mental health issues.
Tangerine Retreat held in the Netherlands, is one such retreat.