Magic Mushroom as a Last Resort? Clinical Trials’ Say on Relieving Pain

As research into psychedelics progresses, the list of conditions they may help treat grows. One surprising addition is pain management. Patients have been discussing psychedelic treatments for years, and now clinical research is catching up.

This news could be life-changing for cluster headache patients, many of whom haven’t found an effective treatment for their unbearable pain. Reports suggest psychedelics, such as “shrooms near me,” might provide a new treatment option for this condition. Although any clinical trial is limited, several promising survey studies support these effects.

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What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, and over 200 species are known.

The active components in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin, are psychoactive substances regulated internationally.

These substances are also subject to the Food and Drugs Act (FDA). Similar to LSD, psilocybin and psilocin induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, with effects lasting four to six hours after consumption.

The effects of magic mushrooms vary among individuals, as does their potency, which can differ significantly between mushrooms. Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, gains increasing medical interest. Health Canada grants exemptions for terminally ill individuals to use psilocybin therapeutically. This fosters research into its potential benefits, including pain relief.

Psilocybin mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds that induce altered states of consciousness when consumed. These fungi have been used for centuries for spiritual, recreational, and therapeutic purposes.

Common Methods of Consuming Magic Mushrooms:

Ingesting whole mushrooms
Brewing mushroom tea
Mixing mushrooms into food or beverages
Grinding mushrooms into powder and encapsulating them
Making mushroom capsules
Chewing dried mushrooms
Smoking dried mushrooms

Pain Relief and Psilocybin

Psilocybin interacts with brain serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, impacting areas linked to emotion, perception, and pain processing. This can cause profound changes in consciousness during psychedelic experiences, altering pain perception and reducing suffering.

Researchers are studying pain relief for:

Chronic Pain

This pain lasts beyond 3-6 months and persists despite normal healing time. Unlike acute pain, which signals potential injury, chronic pain may lack a clear cause. It causes physical and emotional distress and affects daily life. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain fall under chronic pain.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is an intense, one-sided headache lasting 15 minutes to two hours. It commonly occurs at night or early morning and is usually called a “suicide headache” due to its severe pain.

End-of-Life Pain

Also termed terminal pain, it’s due to terminal illness or advanced age. It’s commonly linked with conditions like cancer, advanced heart disease, or neurological disorders. This pain may stem from the disease or treatments for symptom management or comfort.

Clinical Trials

To demonstrate the pain-relieving effects of magic mushrooms, here are some clinical trials and studies on cluster headache relief.

The researchers conducted an exploratory randomized and controlled study in 2015 to systematically seek the effects of psilocybin in cluster headaches, guided by patient input. It has been reported that more than 50% reported symptom improvement after using indole-alkaloid psychedelics like magic mushrooms, LSD, and LSA. Psilocybin was the most effective option, with 33.7% reporting improvement.

The researchers examined 53 cluster headache patients who used psilocybin or LSD for treatment. Results showed:

22 out of 26 psilocybin users experienced attack cessation.
25 out of 48 psilocybin users
7 out of 8 LSD users reported the end of cluster periods.
4 out of 5 LSD users reported an extension in remission periods.

Almost 85% of those who took psilocybin experienced immediate symptom relief. Additionally, 52% of psilocybin users and 88% of LSD users reported their condition going into remission.

A 2017 study examined the non-established or alternative pharmacological treatments used by treatment-resistant cluster headache and migraine patients. It conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of users’ accounts in online forum discussions.

The results showed 6 themes:

The urgent need for effective treatments.
The forum’s role in finding alternative treatments and providing community support.
Alternative treatment substances; dosage and regimens
Effects and treatment outcomes and adverse effects.

The findings shed light on why, how, and with which substances and methods patients seek relief from cluster headaches and migraines.

Magic Mushrooms vs. Traditional Painkillers

The conventional approach to pain management usually relies on the use of pharmaceuticals, such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antidepressants. Mental health Canada’s approach has shifted to psilocybin mushrooms that could be ingested orally or through smoking.

While these assorted medications can provide symptomatic relief, they come with a host of side effects and risks, including addiction, tolerance, and overdose. In contrast, magic mushrooms offer a unique alternative with the following differentiating factors:

Magic Mushrooms	Traditional Painkillers
Natural substance	Synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds
Psychedelic effects	Commonly devoid of psychedelic properties
Potential for profound experiences	Primarily target pain receptors
Lower risk of addiction	Higher risk of addiction and dependence
May address underlying issues	Focus on symptom management

Benefits and Risks of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Pain Relief

Benefits:

Addresses both physical and psychological aspects of pain.
Some individuals experience prolonged pain relief following a single session.
Potential to reduce reliance on conventional pain medications.
Improved mood, outlook, and overall well-being.

Risks and Considerations:

Some individuals may find the psychedelic experience distressing or overwhelming.
Pre-existing mental health conditions may be worsened by psilocybin use.
Further research is needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for pain management.

Shrooms Near You

Experience relief from cluster headaches with the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms.

Capsules

Shroom capsules provide a convenient, discreet, and controlled way to consume psilocybin, potentially relieving pain.

Drinks (coffee blends and teas)

These coffee blends and teas infused with magic mushrooms offer a flavourful and enjoyable way to incorporate psilocybin into your daily routine, potentially relieving pain.

Feature	Osmosis – Immune Support	Evoke – Medicinal Mushrooms – Microdose Capsules	Bright Future – Nootropic Tea – Cloud Nine	Bright Future – Nootropic Energy Drink – Pure Boost
Ingredients	Golden Teacher Psilocybe and other organic mushrooms	Psilocybin mushrooms, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail	Green tea blend with organic mushrooms	Electrolytes, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, mushroom blend
Benefits	Immune-boosting, inflammation-reducing, potential anticancer effects	Overall health benefits, mood enhancement, increased focus and creativity	Enhanced concentration, elevated mood, mental clarity, cognitive function, increased creativity	Boosted energy, immune system support, enhanced cognition
Product Variety	Capsules	Capsules	Tea	Energy Drink mix

Magic Mushroom Dispensary Offers Psilocybin Mushrooms For Pain Relief

Magic mushrooms and LSD are gaining attention as possible pain relievers. Although not yet approved, anecdotal reports and surveys indicate promise despite the absence of clinical trials.

Recent clinical trials have explored the potential treatment of blood pressure through the ingestion of psilocybin products available at cannabis dispensaries, observing their physical effects including muscle weakness.

These mushrooms have a good safety record and are not addictive. Early research and case studies suggest they could be as effective as, if not more effective than, traditional treatments without added risk. This makes them hopeful options for further study.

Ready to explore new avenues for pain relief? Explore the potential of magic mushrooms and LSD with Zoomies Canada. Browse now to discover how shrooms could offer relief for your pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes cluster headaches?

Researchers have been puzzled by the cause of cluster headaches. They still don’t know what exactly triggers this condition. However, there are some hints as to what might be involved.

Most sufferers experience attacks in the early hours of the morning while asleep, suggesting the hypothalamus is a possible source. The hypothalamus serves as our internal clock and the body’s homeostasis regulator. It regulates our sleep/wake cycle, hormone processes, neurotransmitter system, and more.

Unlike migraines, fragrance, alcohol, and foods aren’t as reliable triggers for cluster headaches. While some individuals may experience attacks from exposure to certain compounds, there’s enough variability in this that it’s not considered a consistent trigger.

Can psilocybe mushrooms be used in combination with other pain medications?

Combining magic mushrooms with other pain medications should only be done with guidance from a healthcare professional. There is limited research on potential interactions, so it’s important to be cautious. Discuss this with your doctor before combining them to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Are there any dietary restrictions before using psilocybin products for pain relief?

There are no specific dietary restrictions when taking magic mushrooms for pain relief. However, some people prefer to consume them on an empty stomach to enhance their effects potentially. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet for overall health and well-being is important. If you have any specific dietary concerns or restrictions, consult with a healthcare professional before using magic mushrooms or any other treatment.

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