Illustration by Adrià Voltà
The Shroom Revolution
Coming from someone who used to HATE mushrooms, its funny that now I consume them regularly in my diet and wellness practices. In recent years, the field of mycology has mushroomed, with a growing number of scientists and researchers exploring the untapped potential of fungi. From their ecological significance as decomposers to their culinary appeal, mushrooms have long been associated with humankind. However, a new revolution of medical breakthroughs is shedding light on therapeutic properties of these remarkable organisms, which could revolutionize healthcare as we know it. 🌟
Fungi is widely known in traditional medicine for centuries, with ancient civilizations from Asia to the Americas recognizing their curative powers. However, in the West, their potential has often been overlooked and overshadowed by synthetic pharmaceuticals and opportunist companies looking to make money. But the tide is turning, and the scientific community is beginning to unearth and be more open minded of medical applications for mushrooms. In this article, I’m going to further explore the breakthroughs in this realm of healing, showcasing the transformative potential of mushrooms in medicine and highlighting the promising research that is redefining our understanding of these natural little hairy wonders! So let’s dive in and explore some of the most significant breakthroughs in this rapidly evolving field.
Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki Pexels
Combat Antibiotic Resistance
A groundbreaking discovery in the realm of mushroom medicine is the potential of compounds derived from fungi to combat antibiotic resistance. As the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria looms large, researchers are increasingly turning to nature for innovative solutions. Mushrooms, such as the Turkey Tail and Reishi varieties have demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties, making them an invaluable resource in our ongoing battle against life-threatening infections. With new fungal compounds being discovered at a rapid pace, it is a no brainer that mushrooms could play a crucial role in preserving global health.
Source: Getty Images
Mental Health Breakthroughs
One of the most promising areas of research in the field of mushroom medicine is the use of psilocybin, a compound found in "magic mushrooms," as a treatment for mental health disorders. Psilocybin has gained significant attention for its potential to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin therapy, when administered in controlled settings, can have profound and long-lasting effects on patients' mental health. By rewiring neural pathways and promoting emotional connectivity, this natural compound is transforming our understanding of mental health treatment and offering hope to those who have been failed by conventional therapies.
A new study just dropped by scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine saying that major depression aint got nothing on our little friend Psilocybin! These researchers found that Psilocybin treatment for major depression is super effective for up to a YEAR for most patients! This fierce study showed that a single dose can give patients the wings they need to break free from depression's chains (Bye Bye, Prozac). 🦋✨
For this examination, the researchers recruited 27 participants with a long-term history of depression, most of whom had been experiencing depressive symptoms for approximately two years before recruitment. The average age of participants was 40, 19 were women, 25 identified as white, one as African American and one as Asian. Eighty-eight percent of the participants had previously been treated with standard antidepressant medications, and 58% reported using antidepressants in their current depressive episodes. So this treatment is not only transformative, but it's also safe and fast-acting. Who knew shrooms could be so good for the soul?! ❤️ Source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811211073759
Nerve Growth
The medicinal properties of mushrooms extend beyond mental health and infection control. Some species, like the Lion's Mane mushroom, have shown promise in the field of neurology, with research suggesting they could support brain health and cognitive function. These mushrooms contain compounds known as hericenones and erinacines, which have been found to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and the production of nerve growth factors. This burgeoning field of research holds tremendous promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as for promoting overall brain health.
Fights Cancer
The power of mushrooms is the sh*t! The potential for these versatile organisms are extensive and wide-ranging. From cancer treatment to immune support, the list of medical breakthroughs linked to mushrooms continues to grow. In the fight against cancer, certain species of mushrooms, like the Chaga and Maitake, have demonstrated promising anti-tumor properties. Also, mushrooms are increasingly recognized for their ability to support immune function, with polysaccharides found in many species boasting potent immunomodulatory effects.
Photo: http://fadedtruth.com
Quitting Alcohol with Mushrooms
The story of my latest guest, Andrew Gordillo, is another example of the potential benefits of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. After his father’s passing, Andrew struggled with guilt and trauma which he avoided by overdrinking. He turned to dosing shrooms and found out pretty quickly that he no longer needed alcohol to cope. Just one dose of shrooms can equate to multiple therapy sessions! How crazy is it that some go through life pouring money into others’ opinions on how to heal when we have the power to take it into our own hands! In this episode, we talk his 'Shroomed' brand that focuses on functional and legal mushrooms such as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi, aiming to educate and bring awareness to the medicinal benefits of these delicious and nutritious alternatives.
I can understand Andrews perspective in taking on guilt. I didn't have much of a relationship with my brother since he got addicted young, but I always wished Id taken some time to get to know him for the amazing person he was. I have no relationship with my father and Ive thought "If he died, would I feel guilty for the last angry words I said to him?" So I think I might start working on that...
Today, Andrew is committed to promoting the diverse range of both psychedelic and non psycho-active mushrooms to break the stigma attached. With events such as the 'National Psychedelic Conference' in D.C. and the 'Meet Delic' in Las Vegas, Shroomed can be found showcasing their products and meeting like-minded organizations who share their passion for mushroom potential. As he shares his story, he hopes to shed light on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and encourage others to consider alternative treatments for their own struggles with addiction. Whether you are a seasoned mushroom lover or a newcomer to the world of fungi, come get Shroomed! Check out his products at https://shroomed.com
Full episode available at https://www.fadedtruth.com/episodes
Taking the Nation by Storm
The psychedelic groove is pulsating across the USA, as each state brings its own spore to the mushroom party. 🍄 Let's dance through the laws real quick!
1. 👑 all hail the Queen of the West, California! She's a bit strict on the shroom scene, though. Psychedelic mushrooms are illegal, but the cities of Oakland and Santa Cruz have decriminalized them for adults. You can strut, but don't flaunt those shrooms, darling!
2. 🌄 The Rocky Mountain High, Colorado, is vibing with decriminalization in Denver. But don't get too wild, because the rest of the state is still playing it by the book.
3. 🍑 Georgia, sweet Georgia! Psilocybin is illegal but there's a loophole: grow kits and spores are A-OK for research purposes. Just don't get caught dancing in the dark with those shrooms!
4. 🌽 Sweet little Indiana, you're playing it safe. Psilocybin is illegal here, but possession of spores isn't a crime. There's a silver lining, monsters!
5. 🌵 Oh, Arizona, take us to the edge of glory! Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, but the spores are legal, baby.
6. 🏞️ Oregon, you're on the right track, baby, you were born this way! They've decriminalized possession of small amounts and are developing a therapeutic program for our mental health. You're a star, Oregon!
Photo credit: Hans Veth (@hans_veth) | Unsplash Photo Community
In conclusion, the world of mushrooms is LOADED with possibilities that are poised to revolutionize healthcare. With their astonishing therapeutic properties and the plethora of potential applications, these extraordinary organisms are at the forefront of medical innovation. As researchers continue to delve deeper into the world of fungi, we can anticipate that the future of medicine will be shaped, at least in part, by the humble mushroom. Happy Shrooming! 🍄