Magic Mushrooms vs. Medicinal Mushrooms: What’s The Difference?

As of January 1, 2023, the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, such as magic mushrooms, was made legal in Oregon and parts of Canada.

Meanwhile, other parts of the United States, including Michigan and California, have decriminalized their use.

This means that buying them for home use still isn’t legal. However, you won’t get in as much trouble for using them as you once did.

Despite this, health experts worry that the approval of psychedelic mushrooms is moving faster than the public is ready for. Serious health risks may occur, including heart problems and suicide.

Medicinal mushrooms are often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat many of the health conditions magic mushrooms are used for, such as mental health issues, stress, addiction, and chronic pain. And because they don’t get you high or impair your judgment, many people are using them as a safer alternative to magic mushrooms.

Read on to learn more about these two types of mushrooms and why you may want to consider going the TCM route.

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild mushrooms that contain a naturally occurring hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound called psilocybin.

The government classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I drug. This means that it has a high risk of being misused and is not allowed for home use.

• Magic mushrooms can be consumed by drying them and mixing them into food or drinks. They can also be freshly picked and consumed.

• As a hallucinogenic drug, magic mushrooms cause you to see, hear, and feel things that are not really there. This is known as a “trip.”

• Side effects may include yawning, feeling anxious or drowsy, nervousness, paranoia, panic, nausea, vomiting, psychosis, and hallucinations.

Why Do People Use Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs were banned in 1971 after research from the 1950s and 1960s indicated the drug’s potential for abuse.

However, research on the possible health benefits of psilocybin has ramped up recently. Specifically, researchers are looking at how the drug affects the brain’s networking system to reduce depression and other mental health issues that skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One study found that psilocybin has the potential to treat mood and anxiety disorders, cluster headaches, limb pain, and addiction. In some trials, the drug was comparable to or more effective than opioids.

Risks of using magic mushrooms

Despite these possible benefits, magic mushrooms have the potential to be highly dangerous due to their hallucinogenic effect.

Mental health concerns

According to a John Hopkin’s Medicine study of 2,000 people who said they have a bad experience using magic mushrooms, more than 10 percent said their worst “bad trip” put themselves or others in danger.

A majority stated that the distressing experience was one of the top 10 biggest challenges in their life.

Another study noted that psychedelics may lead to suicide and other self-harming behaviors. Some users have been documented stabbing themselves, walking in front of traffic, and jumping off buildings believing they can fly.

Heart problems

In addition to making you hallucinate, certain mushrooms may cause seizures and even sudden death due to cardiac arrest.

One study found that repeated use of psychedelics produces ECG abnormalities that lead to cardiotoxic conditions. This may include tachycardia, myocardial ischemia, and problems within the heart’s electrical system.

Magic Mushrooms vs. Medicinal Mushrooms: How Are They Different?

One of the major differences between these two types of mushrooms is that medicinal mushrooms do not contain psilocybin. Therefore, they do not cause you to hallucinate.

In TCM, medicinal mushrooms are used to boost the physical health and functions of the five vital organs. They have proven benefits when it comes to reducing symptoms of depression, stress, pain, addiction, and anxiety.

Other possible benefits of medicinal mushrooms include:

• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties
• Cytotoxic (kills cancer cells)
• Reduces cholesterol
• Anti-diabetic
• Prebiotic properties (to boost digestion and immunity)
• Hepatoprotective (protects the liver)
• Nephroprotective (protects the kidneys)
• Osteoprotective
• Hypotensive (protects against high blood pressure)

Best Medicinal Mushrooms To Use In Place Of Magic Mushrooms

The following medicinal mushrooms can be used in place of magic mushrooms to reduce stress, pain, anxiety, depression, and more:

Cordyceps

Caterpillar fungus or Cordyceps sinensis is a rare composite of dead caterpillar and fungus stromata. While it’s not taxonomically a mushroom, cordyceps has been considered a medicinal mushroom in TCM and Tibetan practice.

Animal studies show that it may be beneficial for depression management. Also, Cordyceps increases the production of ATP, which can strengthen the brain by encouraging better oxygen uptake. This promotes increased blood flow to brain cells and fights mental fatigue.

Additionally, cordyceps may improve cognitive performance markers, such as learning capacity and memory, protect against brain damage, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline due to aging.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi are antioxidant-rich adaptogens that can help the body adapt and fight stress.

Containing over 400 different bioactive compounds, these mushrooms can improve overall health, boost the immune system, promote longevity, and reverse aging.

Specifically, Reishi contains a compound called triterpene that helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

TCM practitioners use Reishi to invigorate qi and calm the mind. It can also help relieve cough and asthma.

Turkey tail

The medical term for turkey tail mushroom is Yunzhi (Coriolus Versicolor). It’s a medical mushroom that has a distinctive appearance.

Yunzhi is easily recognizable by its bands of white, gray, brown, black, blue, and red concentric circles that fan outwards in frilly layers. This gives it the appearance of a turkey tail.

Seek Help From A TCM Physician

Medicinal mushrooms offer many of the same health benefits users seek in magic mushrooms.

However, because they do not contain compounds that make you hallucinate, medicinal mushrooms may be a safer alternative to help you cope with stress, mental illness, and the daily struggles of life.

Consult a TCM physician if you have questions about using medicinal mushrooms.

Would you consider using medicinal mushrooms in place of magic mushrooms? Let us know in the comments below.