Magic Mushrooms are experiencing similar progress to cannabis, in light of being seen as a therapeutic healing option. As research increases into the benefits that shroom’s main compound psilocybin can provide, so does the medical use of the fungi.
Also like cannabis and its varying strains, consumers are finding out there isn’t just one type of magic mushroom. In reality, there are over 180 species of mushrooms that contain the medically beneficial psilocybin.
So, which one should you choose when seeking therapeutic or medical effects? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the different types of magic mushrooms and which may be best for you.
How do Magic Mushrooms work?
Magic Mushrooms is the term that’s been given to the species of shrooms that contain the hallucinogenic compound, psilocybin. Upon eating the mushrooms, psilocybin is converted to psilocin and begin working with internal receptors to enact their effects.
Psilocybin produces its psychedelic and healing effects primarily through activating a specific serotonin receptor, 5-HT2A. Serotonin is responsible for affecting moods and regulating an overall feeling of ‘well-being’. Early studies also show that psilocybin from shrooms also activates certain dopamine pathways found in the brain.
The influence that magic mushrooms have on these parts of the brain has proved to be beneficial for many treatment-resistant conditions. Including depression, anxiety and addiction. Much research has been devoted to the healing effects psilocybin can provide cancer patients who are nearing their end-of-life. One study alone showed a significant reduction in anxiety for nearly 6 months after the dose of psilocybin, in 60-80% of the participants.
Many experts are attributing shrooms effects on their ability to affect unique areas of the brain. Affected areas are responsible for regulating the ego, consciousness, perception and emotions. That’s why many shroom ‘trips’ are often engrained in introspective thoughts with heightened moods or euphoria.
Again, like cannabis strains, different species of magic mushrooms will provide varied effects. Now that you have a general idea of how shrooms work internally, let’s review the Top 3 types and learn more about their specific effects.
The Best Shrooms for Therapeutic Effects
If you’ve experimented with magic mushrooms before you probably thought they were all the same. Considering they all look similar and taste the same, too. But, where shrooms originate from, how they’re grown or the levels of psilocybin they contain all affect the effects they provide and their potency. So when seeking natural therapeutic effects from magic mushrooms, these are the Top 3 Types to look for and what to expect.
Penis Envy Cubensis
The psilocybe cubensis species of mushrooms are the most common type you’ll find. Many of the different types come from this species but vary in genetics. Think of it like Indica strains, which are all similar but have unique traits themselves. With that said, the penis envy cubensis shroom, despite its bizarre name is one of the most powerful types.
Unlike other natural growing spores, it’s said that the penis envy cubensis was genetically engineered by the famous mycologist/ethnobotanist Terrence McKenna. Its name comes from its obviously genitalia-like shape.
Typically to achieve effects that still allow you to function normally, microdosing any shroom or psilocybin compound is recommended. So, at small doses, you’ll get a glimpse of the penis envy cubensis’ ability to relieve stress, depressive thoughts and anxiety. This mushroom type is known for specifically providing an ultimately euphoric trip, so it lends itself well to symptoms of these conditions. Do be aware that the penis envy cubensis variety effects sense of time, more so than other magic mushrooms.
This variety of shroom is rare, so is sometimes hard to come by. Other cubensis types of magic mushrooms that are similar in effects include:
Golden Teachers
Golden Teachers magic mushrooms are another psilocybe cubensis strain. The genetic has unknown origins but with its emergence in the 1980s it’s a relatively new variety that quickly became a well-liked classic. Its popularity is partly due to its mild or tolerable effects. Even at high dosages, golden teachers run less of a risk for reacting adversely or going beyond a recommended dose. Or, what’s known as a ‘bad trip’.
The species is especially helpful for normally treatment-resistant depression. That’s because its effects are extremely introspective, spiritual and metaphysical in nature. The ‘teachers’ reference in its name even implies to the benefits you’ll receive from the variety of shrooms. Its doses are said to open new doors to how you perceive the world, how the world works, and learning more about your true self. This alone can be enlightening for those debilitated by depression.
Albino Goldies
Albino Goldies is a rare hybrid variety of magic mushrooms. The type is a cross between Golden Teachers and another species, Albino A+. Out of all the varying shrooms types, Albino A+ provides the most physical effects. This proves to be ideal with those suffering from the physical side-effects that can occur with depression, anxiety or stress.
On the mental side, the potent effects of Golden Teachers and Albino A+ shine through. At varied doses, you’ll experience visual stimulation, mood enhancement, and powerful emotions. This helps consumers to become more in-tune with spirituality by enriching their inner-perspectives.
Tips on using magic mushrooms
When experimenting with shrooms for their purely psychedelic or therapeutic effects, there’s a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Consume comfortably – Ensure you’re in a comforting or known space to avoid any feelings of anxiety.
Go low and slow – If you’re new to mushrooms especially, you’ll want to start with lower doses and increase when you can evaluate how they affect you individually.
Choose a sober partner – It can be helpful to experiment with a trusted ‘sober’ partner to help guide or support your experience.
Exploring shrooms for therapeutic benefits
Magic mushrooms have had a modern era resurgence as medical experts re-visit the effects of the psilocybin compound for therapeutic health benefits. Like other psychedelics and even cannabis, researchers are finding that hallucinogenic or psychoactive characteristics can be used positively at certain doses.
With the rise of grassroots movements and advocacy groups, shrooms are increasingly becoming more validated as an alternative healing method for many. To explore the positive effects of the Top 3 magic mushrooms for therapeutic benefits ensure you’re obtaining your shrooms from a trusted and secure retailer, like MMJDirect.co.