Written and Fact Checked by S. Zulfiqar
Magic mushrooms have existed for longer than you may think, with spiritual and religious practices involving this hallucinogenic tracing back from thousands of years. As scientists and experts begin raising further interest in the science behind shrooms, effects and expectations have been collected by many to report what is known.
Learning the effects of shrooms is not only helpful knowledge to determine what you should expect, but in maximizing and enjoying your overall experience.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a natural substance known for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects when consumed. The main and most popular psychoactive chemical found in shrooms is psilocybin, which promotes strong hallucinogenic effects that rank higher than cannabis and are similar to other substances such as LSD.
Technically the body, when ingesting shrooms, activates this psilocybin compound through chemical modifications in our body system, converting psilocybin or psilocin. When this psilocin binds to these receptors, neurons in the brain begin to shift, reorganize, and grow. This process of neurons shifting happens so significantly within our body that some areas of the brain begin to spark and form new connections. This bodily reaction we have with shrooms causes effects that have been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies for centuries.
What to Expect with Shrooms
Those who have experience with shrooms have reported feelings of a wide range of emotions, one individual’s personal experience may be completely different than another’s. Strong feelings of euphoria, peace, empathy and a greater connection to nature are some of the many common effects shared. Although rushes of euphoria and peace are often expected, it is possible for one to experience a ‘bad trip.’ This may bring upon feelings of paranoia and fear, but it is important to remain calm and remember that the effects will eventually pass.
If you are feeling uncomfortable while on shrooms, it may not always be a concerningly bad thing. Many experts and psychedelic researchers conclude that negative trips are not always undesirable. Psychedelics are meant to expand one’s mind and perception, forcing conversations and feelings out that we typically would not experience within ourselves. This way of thinking can feel uncomfortable but necessary throughout one’s journey.
Effects of Shrooms
Like many natural substances, the effects of shrooms can vary depending on the individual taking them. Other factors in a shroom experience include environment, mindset, and dosage. Nonetheless, a heightened sense of emotions and increased senses are some of the common effects to be expected. Some users may experience visual effects such as the shifting of shapes and colors visualized around them. Depending on the dosed amount, rainbows or geometric patterns may appear in one’s vision, or sensations in certain parts of the body may be prominently felt.
Although there is still much unknown about the transformative measures that happen when our bodies react to shrooms, the discoveries that have been made are known to alleviate symptoms of conditions like PTSD and depression. Other common mental and physical effects from shrooms include:
- Distorted sense of time, place, and reality
- Hallucinations (visually or auditory)
- Panic reactions
- Paranoia
- Euphoria
- Lightness in body weight or limbs
- Having introspective or spiritual thoughts and experiences
- Psychosis
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lack of coordination
- Yawning
- Increased heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
Although extremely rare, the overconsumption or use of shrooms can cause a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). While there is a combination of positive and negative effects from shroom consumption, it is helpful to keep in mind how many of these effects can be prepared through correct dosage and mindset prior to tripping.
Maximizing Your Shroom Experience
Just like with any intense psychoactive experience, the environment is everything! Choosing to consume shrooms means you are responsible for being prepared and remaining in a clear, positive mindset prior to consuming. This is helpful in order to ensure you have an ideal experience when tripping and the effects felt are more beneficial than harmful to your overall wellbeing.
If you find yourself in a bad trip or overwhelmed during the experience, experts suggest changing your environment as best you can to ensure you feel safe and calm. Surrounding yourself with the right friends can help contribute to a positive shroom experience. Other options might include listening to your favorite music, going on a walk for some fresh air, taking deep breaths, meditating, or laying down with your eyes closed. If you feel nauseated, citrus juice helps to break down the shrooms and ease an upset stomach.
Final Thoughts
Shrooms are a powerful and magical psychedelic hallucinogenic that holds a long history of recreational, spiritual, and medicinal purposes around the world. While there is much remaining to discover about the science of magic mushrooms, understanding the effects and expectations from consuming gives you an advantage of knowledge in your shroom exploration.
Interesting Reads
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References
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886
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