the latest news and our musings on psychedelics

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and complex eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image, anorexia nervosa can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences. Despite the availability of traditional treatments like therapy and medication, many people with anorexia struggle to fully recover. In recent years, researchers have begun to explore the potential of psychedelics—like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA—as a new and innovative approach to treating this challenging disorder. In this article, we’ll look at how psychedelics could be used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, why they might work, and what the research says about their potential...

Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT have gained attention in recent years not just for their potential to treat mental health conditions, but also for their effects on the brain’s ability to learn and adapt. At the heart of this is neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself by forming new neural connections. Understanding how psychedelics influence neuroplasticity can reveal their potential to improve learning, enhance memory, and even heal from past trauma. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics affect neuroplasticity, the implications for learning and memory, and what the research says about their broader impact on the brain. What Is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself by forming...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that causes people to have unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and to perform certain actions over and over again (compulsions). OCD can be very hard to live with, and while there are treatments available, like therapy and medication, not everyone finds relief. But now, researchers are studying whether psychedelics, like psilocybin and LSD, might offer a new way to help treat OCD. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics might help people with OCD, what the research says so far, and why this treatment approach could be a game-changer. What Is OCD? OCD is a condition where people have obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts that...

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is becoming a popular method for treating mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. During these therapy sessions, many people experience intense emotions and insights, and one element that plays a crucial role in shaping the experience is music. Music has the power to guide emotions, relax the mind, and help people go deeper into their thoughts. In this article, we’ll explore the role of music in psychedelic-assisted therapy, why it’s so important, and how it helps people make the most of their psychedelic experiences. What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy? Psychedelic-assisted therapy combines the use of psychedelics—like psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA—with talk therapy. The person takes a carefully measured dose of the...

Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches a person can experience. They come in intense bursts, often around the same time each day, and can last for weeks or even months. For many people who suffer from these headaches, regular treatments like painkillers don’t work. But now, scientists are looking at a surprising solution: psychedelics. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) and LSD might help people with cluster headaches, and why they could be a new, effective treatment option. What Are Cluster Headaches? Cluster headaches are extremely painful headaches that occur in groups or "clusters." People with cluster headaches describe the pain as sharp, stabbing, and burning, often concentrated...

Opioid addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. Many struggle to quit, even with the help of traditional treatments like therapy or medication. Now, researchers are looking at a lesser-known substance called Ibogaine, which comes from a plant, to see if it can help people break free from opioid addiction. In this article, we’ll explore what Ibogaine is, how it works, and why it might be a promising new treatment for opioid addiction. What Is Ibogaine? Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance found in the root bark of the iboga plant, which grows in Central Africa. For centuries, people in some African cultures have used iboga in spiritual rituals and healing ceremonies. In recent years, Ibogaine has caught the attention of...

Meditation and mindfulness are powerful tools for calming the mind, reducing stress, and connecting with the present moment. For centuries, people have used these practices to gain deeper insight into themselves and the world around them. Recently, some people have started combining psychedelics, like psilocybin or LSD, with meditation to take their mindfulness practices to a new level. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics and mindfulness can work together, why some people are interested in this combination, and what the research says about it. What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It’s about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a calm and focused way. When...

Ayahuasca and psilocybin are two powerful psychedelics that many people use to explore their minds and heal emotionally. Both can take you on deep journeys, but they work in different ways and give different kinds of experiences. In this article, we’ll explain what ayahuasca and psilocybin are, how they’re similar, and how they’re different. What Is Ayahuasca? Ayahuasca is a drink made from plants that come from the Amazon rainforest. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people in South America for healing and spiritual ceremonies. Ayahuasca contains DMT, a strong psychedelic that can make you see visions and feel intense emotions. When people drink ayahuasca, it’s usually in a special ceremony with a guide, often called a shaman. This guide helps them...

 How These Two Psychedelics Compare Ayahuasca and psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) are two powerful psychedelics that people use for healing, personal growth, and spiritual experiences. While both can lead to deep, mind-altering journeys, they work in different ways and offer unique experiences. In this article, we’ll compare these two substances, looking at what makes them similar and what makes them different. What Is Ayahuasca? Ayahuasca is a plant-based brew that comes from the Amazon rainforest. Indigenous people in South America have used it for centuries in ceremonies to heal the body and mind. Ayahuasca is made by boiling two plants together: one contains DMT, a powerful psychedelic, and the other prevents the DMT from being broken down in the stomach,...

Microdosing is when people take very small amounts of a drug, like LSD, to help them focus and be more productive. People who do this say they get more work done, feel more creative, and even feel happier. But does it really work, or is it just all in their heads? In this article, we’ll explain what microdosing is, why people do it, and what the science says about whether it actually helps with productivity. What Is Microdosing? Microdosing means taking a tiny amount of a psychedelic drug, like LSD. These doses are so small that people don’t feel "high" or lose control. Instead, they say they feel a small boost in focus, creativity, or mood. For LSD, a microdose is usually about 1/10th or 1/20th of a normal dose, which might be around 10 to 20 micrograms. People...

Chronic pain is pain that lasts a long time. It doesn’t go away easily, and sometimes even strong medicines don’t work well. This kind of pain can make it hard for people to live their normal lives. Doctors are now exploring a new idea: using psychedelics to help with chronic pain. Psychedelics are substances like magic mushrooms (which have psilocybin) and LSD. Most of the time, people think of these drugs as affecting the mind, but now scientists are looking at how they might also help with pain. Let’s find out how psychedelics could be a new way to help people deal with chronic pain. What Is Chronic Pain? Chronic pain is different from normal pain. When you hurt yourself, like getting a cut or spraining an ankle, the pain usually goes away after your body heals....

Psychedelics, like magic mushrooms and LSD, used to be seen as dangerous. But now, scientists are finding that these substances might help people who have serious health problems, like depression and anxiety. Doctors are excited about what psychedelics could do in the future, and many think they might change how we help people feel better. In this article, we’ll look at what might happen with psychedelics and how they could help people in the future. Why Are Scientists Studying Psychedelics? Psychedelics work in a different way than regular medicines. Instead of just making someone feel better for a little while, they might help people make lasting changes in their minds and lives. That’s why scientists are studying them. Scientists think psychedelics could help...

When someone knows they don’t have much time left to live, it can be very scary. They may feel sad, anxious, or afraid of what’s going to happen. Recently, doctors have started looking at how psychedelics, like psilocybin (from magic mushrooms), can help people feel calmer and less afraid as they approach the end of their lives. In this article, we’ll talk about how psychedelics can help people feel more peaceful as they face death. What Is End-of-Life Anxiety? End-of-life anxiety is when someone feels scared or worried because they know they’re close to dying. It can make people feel sad, stressed, and very anxious. This can make it hard for them to enjoy their last days and spend meaningful time with their loved ones. How Can Psychedelics Help? Psychedelics, like...

 Combining Old and New Ways For thousands of years, indigenous cultures have used psychedelics as part of their spiritual and healing practices. These cultures view substances like ayahuasca and peyote as sacred tools for connecting with nature, the spirit world, and ancestors. Today, psychedelics are gaining attention again in modern society, not for religious purposes, but for mental health and personal growth. In this article, we’ll explore how ancient traditions and modern approaches to psychedelics are coming together, and what lessons we can learn from indigenous wisdom. How Indigenous Cultures Use Psychedelics Indigenous people have used psychedelics like ayahuasca, peyote, and psilocybin mushrooms for generations. These plants are central to their spiritual...

 A New Way to Heal Relationships Couples therapy can be a powerful tool for improving relationships, but what if there was a way to make it even more effective? That’s where psychedelic-assisted couples therapy comes in. This new approach combines traditional therapy techniques with the use of psychedelics like MDMA or psilocybin. The goal? To help couples connect more deeply, communicate better, and heal emotional wounds. In this article, we’ll explore how psychedelics can help couples and why this approach might be the future of relationship therapy. What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Couples Therapy? Psychedelic-assisted couples therapy is similar to regular therapy, but with one key difference: the couple takes a small, controlled dose of a psychedelic drug during...

Exploring Two Psychedelic Pathways Psychedelics are making a significant resurgence, not just for their traditional uses in spiritual and therapeutic contexts but also for their evolving role in modern well-being and cognitive enhancement. Two main approaches have emerged in how people consume psychedelics: microdosing and macrodosing. Each of these approaches serves different purposes, offers unique benefits, and involves varying degrees of intensity and commitment. Whether you're interested in boosting creativity and focus with subtle daily enhancements or seeking deep personal or spiritual transformations, understanding the differences between microdosing and macrodosing is crucial. This article will dive into the nature of both methods, their benefits, and how...

 How Psychedelics Offer New Hope Addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, or behaviors, can be a relentless struggle that consumes people’s lives. Even with the wide variety of treatments available today, such as rehabilitation programs, behavioral therapy, and medication, relapse rates remain alarmingly high, with many individuals finding it difficult to achieve lasting recovery. In recent years, psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca have emerged as potential new approaches to tackling addiction, offering hope for those who haven’t found success through conventional methods. Once associated primarily with counterculture movements and spiritual experiences, psychedelics are now gaining recognition as potential therapeutic tools, especially in addressing the...

Psychedelics have been used for centuries across various cultures to facilitate spiritual growth, personal insight, and healing. Whether through indigenous ceremonies with ayahuasca or modern therapeutic applications with substances like psilocybin and MDMA, these powerful compounds can open the door to transformative experiences. However, the outcome of a psychedelic experience can be highly influenced by two critical factors: set and setting. Set and setting refer to the mental and physical conditions that surround a psychedelic experience. "Set" refers to the mindset of the individual, encompassing their mood, expectations, and psychological state. "Setting" refers to the environment in which the experience takes place, including the people, location, and...

Could It Be a Natural Alternative to Standard Treatments? Cluster headaches are widely regarded as one of the most painful types of headaches, often described by sufferers as more intense than migraines and so debilitating that they’ve earned the nickname “suicide headaches.” These attacks, which come in rapid, recurring cycles, can last for weeks or months and severely affect a person’s quality of life. Conventional treatments exist, but they don’t always work for everyone, and as a result, people with cluster headaches often look for alternative approaches. Recently, psilocybin—the active compound in certain psychedelic mushrooms—has emerged as a potential natural option. As interest in psilocybin grows for treating mental health conditions like depression and...

Psychedelics, once demonized and strictly prohibited by governments worldwide, are now gaining recognition for their potential benefits in mental health treatment. Substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, previously associated with countercultural movements, are now the subject of serious scientific research aimed at treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. As new evidence emerges about the therapeutic value of these substances, the legal framework surrounding them is also beginning to evolve. Although most psychedelics are still illegal in many parts of the world, several regions are beginning to change their approach, decriminalizing their use or allowing them in specific therapeutic contexts. This article takes a closer look at...

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), often referred to as the "spirit molecule," is one of the most powerful naturally occurring psychedelic compounds. Found in a variety of plant species and even produced endogenously in small amounts by the human body, DMT induces intense, short-lived psychedelic experiences that are often described as otherworldly or spiritual. Despite its short duration, the effects of DMT can be profound, with users reporting intense visual hallucinations, deep introspective journeys, and experiences that feel transcendent or mystical in nature. In recent years, DMT has gained attention not just for its role in traditional shamanic practices like ayahuasca ceremonies but also for its potential as a therapeutic tool. Researchers are now exploring how this...

How Psychedelic Therapy is Changing Mental Health Treatment In recent years, ketamine has evolved from its origins as an anesthetic into a promising treatment for mental health disorders. Ketamine clinics are popping up across the world, offering an alternative for those suffering from severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mood disorders. These clinics provide hope for individuals who haven’t found success with traditional treatments, drawing attention to the emerging role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in modern medicine. The shift towards using ketamine for mental health reflects a broader trend in psychedelic research, as more studies highlight the potential of these substances to treat conditions that have long been considered difficult to manage. This...

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, impacting millions of individuals globally. While many people find relief through conventional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), these approaches aren’t always effective for everyone. Those suffering from treatment-resistant anxiety often struggle to find alternative solutions that provide meaningful relief. One promising option that’s gaining renewed attention is the use of psychedelics—specifically, LSD—as a potential therapeutic tool for treating anxiety. LSD was once hailed as a revolutionary substance in psychiatric research during the mid-20th century, only to be cast aside due to political pressures...

Over recent years, ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew with powerful psychedelic properties, has surged in popularity worldwide. People seeking emotional healing, spiritual enlightenment, and mental clarity are flocking to South America in pursuit of transformative experiences through ayahuasca ceremonies. This trend, known as "ayahuasca tourism," has spurred the growth of numerous retreats that offer guided journeys with the brew. However, while the potential benefits are often highly touted, it’s vital to acknowledge that ayahuasca comes with risks, especially when consumed in unfamiliar or commercialized settings. Ayahuasca tourism promises profound transformation, but it also raises important questions about safety, ethics, and authenticity. Let’s explore...

Over the past decade, the landscape of mental health and wellness has witnessed a surprising resurgence: the renaissance of psychedelic research. What began as a niche area of study is now rapidly expanding into the mainstream, with psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and others at the forefront of scientific exploration. This new wave of research is generating enthusiasm, particularly for its potential to address mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction. But why is this happening now, and what does the science tell us about the future of psychedelic medicine? A Brief History of Psychedelic Research The use of psychedelics is nothing new. Indigenous cultures around the world have utilized plants with psychedelic properties for centuries,...