The world of mushrooms is a magical one, but not all mushrooms are magic mushrooms. What are magic mushrooms? They’re mushrooms that contain Psilocybin, a chemical compound that has psychedelic effects. Magic mushrooms have been used recreationally, but are increasingly being researched for medicinal use. Functional mushroom supplements, on the other hand, have a “magic” of their own, but without having any psychedelic effects. Their special properties lie in the unique and concentrated bioavailable nutrients they have to offer. What Do Magic Mushrooms Do? Magic mushrooms are classified as illegal psychedelics. As such, people who take them are likely to enter an altered state in which they hallucinate. While some people experience a peaceful “mind trip,” others can have frightening experiences that may even trigger psychosis. Physical effects may include nausea, poor coordination, muscle weakness, dilated pupils, headaches, yawning, faster heartbeat, heightened blood pressure and higher body temperature. Mental effects can include euphoria, anxiety, distorted sense of time, hallucinations, “spiritual” experiences, paranoia, or panic. As listed above, the effects are very variable, so just having had a good experience once doesn’t necessarily mean that your next foray will be a positive one. What Could Magic Mushrooms Be Good For? Researchers are studying magic mushrooms as a possible psychiatric drug that they believe may help with depression and addictions. They’re also exploring their potential for being used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. In very small doses (microdoses), the Psilocybin doesn’t produce psychedelic effects, and some people say that they help with a variety of symptoms, including anxiety or cluster headaches. However, self-medication using magic mushrooms is not advised. What are magic mushrooms used for medically? Research is still underway and it would be wise to avoid drawing any firm conclusions just yet. If the active principles of these mushrooms are proved to be helpful as medicines after extensive research, they will have to be used under close clinical supervision. How Safe Are Magic Mushrooms? No matter how you dose, there are questions about the safety of magic mushrooms. As magic mushrooms are illegal, there are no controls over what is being sold. They could be contaminated with toxins, or they might not be magic mushrooms at all. In lab tests of over 800 samples from different sources, scientists found that only 28% of the samples contained psilocybin. Moreover, 31% were regular mushrooms with added LSD or PCP to produce a “trip,” and 37% were just mushrooms with none of the “magic.” In short, you can’t be sure what chemical compound you’re taking, and even if you do get what you were looking for, the results of using those mushrooms may be far from pleasant. The possible side effects of magic mushrooms, along with the dubious origins of any you might find for sale, lead us to conclude that they often simply aren’t safe. What are Functional Mushrooms? There are many species of mushrooms that can be classed as “functional” mushrooms, and here, we are on firmer ground. All the functional mushroom species can be consumed and have been used by people with an interest in natural herbs, often for many hundreds of years. Different species of functional mushrooms are believed to produce different effects. For example, many people believe that apart from being nutrient-dense, Lion’s Mane mushrooms can help them to think more clearly. Shiitake mushrooms are believed to boost energy levels, and Reishi mushrooms could help you to get a better night’s sleep. Besides this, functional mushrooms contain unique nutrients that may have added benefits, along with a wide range of antioxidant compounds including vitamins and minerals. In short, they definitely aren’t psychedelic, but they are a daily nutritious supplement. Nevertheless, you should always try to choose functional mushroom supplements from trusted brands and retailers that are transparent about using quality ingredients, such as 100% fruiting bodies, and who openly share the test results from each batch. Be Your Best Self - The Easy Way Grass & Co. Mushrooms offer laboratory-tested, organically grown functional mushroom supplements that really are just what the label says they are. Packed with natural and sustainably sourced ingredients including complementary adaptogens and vitamins in convenient vegan capsule form, they’re the ideal choice for those who want to try functional mushroom supplements with absolute confidence. The real magic of mushrooms is functional, not psychedelic. Choose functional mushroom supplements you can trust. Focus, relax, power, biome and dream your naturally healthy lifestyle with Grass & Co. Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented on this site are not intended for medical use nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes. More about functional mushrooms
