the latest news and our musings on psychedelics

Ayahuasca and psilocybin are two of the most well-known and powerful psychedelics, each offering profound and transformative experiences. While both substances can produce intense shifts in perception, emotions, and cognition, they are fundamentally different in terms of their cultural history, chemical composition, and the nature of the experiences they produce. Many people interested in psychedelics wonder how ayahuasca and psilocybin compare and which might be better suited to their needs. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between ayahuasca and psilocybin, how each substance works, the type of experiences they offer, and how they’re used in therapeutic and spiritual settings. What Is Ayahuasca? Ayahuasca is a traditional...

The practice of microdosing psychedelics—taking small, sub-perceptual doses of substances like LSD or psilocybin—has gained popularity in recent years, especially among people seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities. Advocates claim that microdosing can boost creativity, improve focus, and even enhance problem-solving skills, all without the hallucinogenic effects typically associated with higher doses of psychedelics. But what does the science say about these claims? In this article, we’ll explore how microdosing works, what the research shows about its effects on cognition, and whether this practice can truly enhance your brainpower. What Is Microdosing? Microdosing involves taking very small doses of a psychedelic substance, typically around 1/10th to...

Facing the end of life can bring a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to sadness and existential distress. Many people who are nearing the end of their lives, whether due to terminal illness or advanced age, experience psychological suffering that is often hard to address with traditional treatments. In recent years, however, psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA have shown promise in helping patients cope with the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics are being used in end-of-life care and palliative medicine to help patients find peace, relieve anxiety, and enhance their quality of life during their final days. What Is End-of-Life Care? End-of-life care focuses on providing comfort and support to people in...

Psychedelics, like psilocybin and MDMA, are showing promise in treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. At the same time, virtual reality (VR) is also being used as a new tool to help people manage mental health issues. Both of these therapies are powerful on their own, but when combined, they could offer a whole new way to treat mental health. In this article, we’ll explain how psychedelics and virtual reality can work together in mental health treatment and what the future might hold for this exciting combination. How Psychedelics Help with Mental Health Psychedelics, such as psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) and MDMA, are used in therapeutic settings to help people work through tough emotions and mental health challenges. Here’s how...

Psychedelic experiences can feel powerful and eye-opening. After a trip, many people gain new insights about themselves, their lives, or their relationships. But once the effects wear off, it can be hard to know what to do with all those thoughts and emotions. That’s where psychedelic integration comes in. Psychedelic integration is the process of reflecting on your experience and using what you learned to make positive changes in your life. It helps you make sense of your journey and apply the insights you gained to everyday situations. In this article, we’ll look at how integration works, why it’s important, and how you can get the most out of your experience. Why Is Integration Important? Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA can bring up big emotions and...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition where people have intrusive thoughts, called obsessions, and feel the need to repeat certain actions, known as compulsions. These behaviors can take over someone’s life and be very hard to manage. Traditional treatments like therapy and medication don’t always work for everyone. Now, scientists are studying whether psychedelics, like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) and LSD, could help treat OCD. In this article, we’ll explain how psychedelics might help people with OCD, what researchers have found so far, and why this approach could be promising. What Is OCD? OCD is a mental health condition where people have obsessive thoughts and feel like they have to do certain behaviors to get rid of the anxiety caused by...

Many people who take psychedelics, like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) or LSD, talk about feeling a stronger connection with nature. They say they see the world differently, feeling more connected to plants, animals, and the environment. This feeling is sometimes called ecological consciousness—a sense of being part of the Earth and all living things. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics help people feel more connected to nature, what scientists are learning about this experience, and how it might change how we think about the environment. What Is Ecological Consciousness? Ecological consciousness is the idea that everything in nature is connected. It’s the awareness that we are all part of the same world and that our actions affect the Earth. People who...

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is becoming a popular way to treat mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In these therapy sessions, music plays an important role. It helps people relax, guides their emotions, and makes the experience more powerful. In this article, we’ll look at why music is so important in psychedelic therapy and how it helps people get the most out of their sessions. What Is Psychedelic Therapy? Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves taking a psychedelic substance, like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), LSD, or MDMA, while working with a therapist. The person takes the psychedelic in a safe environment, and the therapist helps them explore their thoughts and emotions. This type of therapy can help people process deep feelings,...

Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to reduce stress, calm your mind, and focus on the present moment. For a long time, people have used these practices to feel more at peace and improve their mental health. Now, some people are adding psychedelics, like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) or LSD, to their meditation routines to take things to a deeper level. In this article, we’ll explain how psychedelics and mindfulness can work together and what the research says about this combination. What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening right now without getting distracted. It’s about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a calm way, without trying to change anything. When you’re mindful, you’re not thinking about the past...

 What We Need to Think About Psychedelics like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), LSD, and MDMA are being studied to see if they can help treat mental health problems like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. While the research is promising, studying these powerful drugs brings up some big questions about ethics. How can scientists make sure the research is safe? What risks should they be aware of? How do we make sure the benefits outweigh any harm? In this article, we’ll look at the ethical challenges that come with studying psychedelics and what scientists are doing to handle them. Why Study Psychedelics? Many people with serious mental health conditions struggle to get better with traditional treatments. Some don’t respond well to regular therapy or...

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause health issues, hurt relationships, and make everyday life difficult. While there are treatments for alcohol addiction, they don’t work for everyone. But now, scientists are looking at a new idea: using psychedelics, like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) and LSD, to help people overcome their addiction. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics might help people with alcohol addiction and what the research says so far. What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is when someone has trouble controlling how much alcohol they drink. It can cause a lot of problems in their life, including: Health problems:...

Your brain is always changing and learning. This ability to change is called brain plasticity. It helps you learn new things, remember stuff, and even recover after an injury. Scientists are now studying if psychedelics, like magic mushrooms and LSD, can help the brain become even better at changing. In this article, we’ll explain what brain plasticity is, how psychedelics can help with it, and how this might lead to better mental health treatments in the future. What Is Brain Plasticity? Brain plasticity is your brain’s way of changing and adapting. When you learn something new, your brain makes new connections between brain cells. These connections are how you remember things, learn new skills, or heal after an injury. Here’s how brain plasticity works: Learning:...

Microdosing is a new trend where people take very small amounts of psychedelic drugs, like LSD, to boost their focus, creativity, and productivity. The idea is to take just enough to get some benefits but not enough to feel “high” or lose control. Many people, especially in tech and creative industries, say that microdosing helps them get more done. But is it really true? In this article, we’ll look at what microdosing LSD is, what people say it does, and what scientists are finding out about whether it actually works. What Is Microdosing? Microdosing means taking a tiny amount of a drug, often around 1/10th or even 1/20th of a full dose. For LSD, this might be around 10 to 20 micrograms. The goal is to take just enough to feel a little boost in energy, focus, or...

Chronic pain is a long-lasting pain that doesn’t go away easily. Many people suffer from it, and sometimes even strong medicines don’t help. Doctors are always looking for new ways to treat chronic pain, and now they’re exploring a surprising idea: psychedelics. Psychedelics, like magic mushrooms (which contain a substance called psilocybin) and LSD, have been mostly studied for their effects on the mind. But now, scientists think they might also help with physical problems, like pain. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics might help people who live with chronic pain. What Is Chronic Pain? Chronic pain is pain that lasts for a long time—often for months or even years. It’s different from the kind of pain you feel when you get hurt, which usually goes away...

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder can be incredibly challenging to treat. These disorders often involve deep-rooted emotional and psychological struggles, which can make traditional treatments, like therapy and medication, less effective for some individuals. But now, a new approach is being explored: psychedelic-assisted therapy. In recent years, researchers have been investigating whether psychedelics, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) and MDMA (also known as ecstasy), can help people with eating disorders break free from harmful patterns and find lasting healing. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an exciting new possibility for those who haven’t had success with traditional treatments. In this article, we’ll...

Have you ever heard of microdosing? It's when people take tiny amounts of psychedelics like magic mushrooms or LSD, but not enough to feel high. The idea is to get some benefits, like better focus or creativity, without having a big trip. Microdosing has become really popular lately, especially with people who want to improve their day-to-day lives. In this article, we’ll explore what microdosing is, why people are interested in it, how it works, and what scientists are saying about it. What Is Microdosing? Microdosing means taking a very small amount of a psychedelic drug. These amounts are so small that people don’t feel the big effects like seeing things or feeling out of control. Instead, the person might feel more focused, happier, or creative, but they can...

Psychedelics, like magic mushrooms and LSD, used to be seen as dangerous drugs. But now, scientists are learning that these substances might actually help people with serious health problems, like depression, anxiety, and addiction. Doctors are excited about the future of psychedelic medicine, and many think it could change how we treat mental health. In this article, we’ll talk about what might happen in the future with psychedelics and how they could help people feel better. Why Are Psychedelics Being Studied? Psychedelics are being studied because they seem to work differently than regular medicines. Instead of just treating the symptoms (like making someone feel less sad), they might help people find the root of their problems and make lasting changes in how...

Facing the end of life can be scary for many people. Terminal patients—those who know they don’t have long to live—often feel anxiety, sadness, or fear. But in recent years, doctors have been exploring how psychedelics, like psilocybin, can help people who are near the end of their life feel more calm and at peace. In this article, we’ll talk about how these substances can help people feel better about dying and how they work. What Is End-of-Life Anxiety? End-of-life anxiety is the worry or fear that people feel when they know they are nearing the end of their life. This can happen when someone is very sick and the doctors have told them that they don’t have long to live. People with end-of-life anxiety may feel sad, scared, or worried about what will happen next....

Connecting Old Traditions with New Ideas For thousands of years, indigenous cultures have used psychedelics in their rituals and healing practices. These cultures view these substances as sacred tools for connecting with the spirit world, gaining wisdom, and healing the body and mind. Today, psychedelics are making a comeback in modern society, with people exploring their potential to treat mental health conditions and find personal growth. In this article, we’ll explore how ancient traditions and modern practices are coming together and what we can learn from indigenous wisdom about using psychedelics today. The Roots of Psychedelic Use in Indigenous Cultures Many indigenous groups have long histories of using psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, peyote, and...

 A New Way to Strengthen Relationships Couples therapy can be life-changing, helping partners communicate better and resolve conflicts. But what if there was a way to make therapy even more effective? Psychedelic-assisted couples therapy is a new approach that combines traditional therapy with psychedelics, such as MDMA or psilocybin, to help couples connect on a deeper level. This article explains how this type of therapy works, why it’s gaining popularity, and how it could transform relationships. What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Couples Therapy? Psychedelic-assisted couples therapy uses substances like MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) or psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) to help couples during therapy sessions. These substances can make it easier for partners to...

How These Substances Affect the Brain Psychedelics, like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT, are known for their ability to alter perception and induce profound experiences. But what’s happening inside the brain when these substances are consumed? Recent advances in neuroscience are shedding light on the mechanisms behind these effects, helping us understand how psychedelics impact the brain and why they hold promise for treating various mental health conditions. In this article, we'll explore the neuroscience behind psychedelics, how they affect brain function, and what we know so far about their potential benefits. What Happens in the Brain When You Take Psychedelics? Psychedelics primarily work by interacting with a brain receptor known as the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor....

New Approaches to Breaking the Cycle Addiction is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatment approaches, such as rehabilitation programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, have helped many people recover, but relapse rates remain high, and not all individuals respond well to these treatments. In recent years, researchers and mental health professionals have begun to explore the potential of psychedelics—substances like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca—as a new approach to treating addiction and breaking the cycle of dependence. Psychedelics have long been associated with altered states of consciousness, introspective journeys, and spiritual awakenings, but now they are also being studied for...

Unlocking the Full Potential of Psychedelics The power of psychedelics lies not just in the substances themselves, but in the context in which they are used. Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca have long been associated with transformative experiences—opening up new realms of perception, deep emotional insights, and even spiritual awakenings. However, achieving a positive and meaningful experience often depends on two critical factors: set and setting. "Set" refers to an individual’s mindset going into the experience, including their emotional state, intentions, and expectations. "Setting" refers to the physical and social environment in which the experience takes place. Both elements play a significant role in shaping the psychedelic journey,...

 A Natural Alternative to Conventional Treatments? Cluster headaches are often described as one of the most painful conditions known to humanity. Sometimes referred to as “suicide headaches,” these excruciating attacks of head pain can come on suddenly and recur in cyclical patterns, leaving sufferers desperate for relief. While there are conventional treatments available, many individuals continue to seek new options for managing this debilitating condition. One treatment gaining attention is the use of psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms. In recent years, psilocybin has been studied not only for its potential mental health benefits but also for its ability to treat physical conditions like cluster headaches. This article explores the current...

Psychedelics have a remarkable ability to unlock new perspectives, foster deep emotional breakthroughs, and provide transformative experiences. Whether used in a therapeutic setting or for personal exploration, substances like psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and MDMA can facilitate profound shifts in the way individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world. However, the long-term benefits of psychedelics are most effectively realized through integration—the process of reflecting on, understanding, and applying the insights gained from these experiences. Psychedelic integration is about more than just processing the immediate effects of a trip. It’s a way to incorporate newfound insights into everyday life, turning momentary revelations into lasting change. In...