I am a 70’s baby so when I thought of mushrooms, I pictured hippies experiencing a hallucinogenic trip. This is why education is fundamental to dispel and decriminalize certain natural drugs. I am currently taking a Botanical class and we are learning the Western uses of certain mushrooms. In Chinese herbal medicines many mushrooms are used for various health issues. Fu Ling is a mushroom that has many beneficial uses: anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, sleep problems, edema, and palpitations just to name a few.  Reishi or Ling Zhi is good for respiratory issues, because it can tonify Lung Qi. Ling Zhi can also nourish the heart and calm the spirit. Lion’s Man or Hou Tou Gu often called the Pom Pom mushroom because of the way it looks is often used for chronic stomach conditions.

The psychedelic effects of mushrooms stem from their entheogenic properties, compounds naturally occurring in nature that induce altered states of consciousness. Psilocybin, akin to the well-known hallucinogen LSD, is one such alkaloid found in these fungi. Extensive research has highlighted its therapeutic potential when administered responsibly under the guidance of health care professionals. Numerous studies, particularly among cancer patients facing anxiety, have demonstrated psilocybin’s ability to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This compound interacts with serotonin receptors, believed to underpin its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

If you are interested in the medicinal uses of mushrooms YouTube has a lot of videos but you must make sure that a professional is providing the information. Dr. Sorenson teaches the Botanical class, and she often emphasizes that one needs to be careful how and where any botanicals including mushrooms are harvested.  Also, if interested in taking medicinal mushrooms the NUHS campus is a great place to start learning about healing naturally.

Apply to one of NUHS’ Acupuncture programs here.