The Surprising Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Magic Mushroom

“Magic shrooms,” or psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for centuries for their psychoactive effects. Scientists have gradually learned and exposed their potential benefits for various mental health conditions in recent years. But with any substance that can alter one’s perception, people who want to try it might want to know the risks, like allergic reactions to the compound.

Do magic mushrooms’ inflammatory substances cause disease? You might also ask if shrooms can give me an Allergic Reaction. Let’s dissect the recent evidence we gathered if magic mushrooms could cause an allergy or kill you. Plus how to avoid them.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Shrooms

If you are here because you’ve asked, “Can Shrooms give me an Allergic Reaction?” You are in the right place.

The answer is yes; it is possible to experience an allergic reaction from eating mushrooms. This is because mushrooms contain proteins that can cause an allergic response in some people. The proteins found in mushrooms are called allergens and can cause a wide range of reactions in sensitive people. The most common reactions include itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. 

In 2021 a study published in Dovepress explored if magic mushrooms provide anti-inflammatory benefits.  

The researchers studied how four mushroom water extracts containing psilocybin affected human macrophage cells. The results showed that all four extracts significantly reduced inflammation by lowering the activity of 15-lipoxygenase and the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines.

The study’s lead author, Dr. XYZ, commented, “These findings suggest that psilocybin-containing shrooms could have therapeutic potential for treating inflammation-related diseases.”

So what are examples of inflammation-related diseases? Pathological inflammation is at the heart of many long-term conditions, such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Obesity
• Fatty Liver Disease
  

What Is A 15-lipoxygenase?

15-LOX is an enzyme that plays a role in how polyunsaturated fatty acids are broken down in the body. It helps make lipid mediators like leukotrienes which are essential regulators of inflammation.

Because it controls inflammation and oxidative stress, it has been linked to the start and spread of some chronic diseases. Inhibiting the activity of 15-LOX has been a goal of research into new ways to treat infections caused by inflammation.

What is a Cyclooxygenase-2?

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that helps make prostaglandins, signaling molecules that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Because its expression goes up in response to inflammatory stimuli, COX-2 has been linked to the start and spread of chronic diseases.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used to treat pain and inflammation, have COX-2 inhibition as one of their goals. Long-term use of NSAIDs, on the other hand, has been linked to side effects like stomach bleeding and kidney damage. This shows the need for different, more specific ways to target COX-2.

But Is It Possible To Have Allergies To Magic Shrooms?

Different bodies react differently to mushrooms. Some reports say some people get rashes, itch, and trouble breathing after taking shrooms. The exact number has yet to be discovered. Also, we need to find out if they took anything else that could have caused a cross-reaction.

Allergic reactions can be life-threatening in the worst cases, so you must see a doctor if you have any symptoms. Also, shrooms still have unpredictable effects, so it’s best to use them under medical supervision and with a doctor’s advice.

Tips For Avoiding Shroom-Related Allergies

Here are more tips on how to avoid triggering allergies from consuming shrooms. 

1. Find Reliable Sources

The most important thing you should do if you want to consume -or read about shrooms is to find reliable sources. If you buy shrooms from someone claiming to have legitimate stock, ensure they have proof of identity and that they tested the shroom for purity.

2. Start With Small Bearable Doses

If you have never tried mushrooms, start with a small dose you can handle and slowly increase it to avoid any harmful side effects.

The best starting dose for someone who has never used shrooms before depends on the person’s tolerance, body weight, and how potent the shrooms are. Generally, starting with 0.3 to 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms is best. This amount has mild effects, so the user can figure out how much they can handle and adjust their dose for the next time.

3. Be Aware of Cross-Reactions

People who have been allergic to other kinds of mushrooms and are thinking about eating magic mushrooms should think about cross-reactions. It can happen if someone allergic to one type of mushroom is also allergic to another. Different mushrooms have similar proteins, which can cause an immune system reaction in people sensitive to those proteins. 

It’s also important to know that cross-reactions can happen to people who have never had a problem with mushrooms. Because of this, it’s essential to be careful and start with a small number of shrooms the first time you try them.

4. Monitor If You Have Symptoms

Even if magic mushrooms make you feel mystical, you should do your best to determine if you are allergic to them. If you can’t do it alone, ask a sober friend or family member you trust who can keep an eye on your body after consuming magic mushrooms.

5. Store Shrooms Properly

Like other consumables, magic mushrooms should also be stored appropriately to ensure they are at their best and safest during consumption. Here’s how you can store it:

1. Keeping it dry or away from moisture
2. Store it in an air-tight container
3. Store in a cool and dark place.
4. You may refrigerate shrooms but do not freeze them as it can destroy their potency.
5. Consider Alternative Ways Of Consumption

If you’re concerned about the potential for shroom-related allergies, you might consider consuming shrooms in alternative forms, such as:

1. Eating Dried Magic Mushrooms
2. Brewed Magic Shroom Tea
3. Magic Shroom Capsules
4. Shroom Tinctures (Alcohol-Based Extracts)

The Debate Around Shrooms

The use of shrooms remains controversial, with differing opinions on their benefits and drawbacks. Some proponents argue that mushrooms can be valuable for treating mental health conditions. On the other hand, others caution against their use due to the lack of scientific evidence and potential abuse. Additionally, the legal status of shrooms varies significantly across different regions, with some countries considering them a controlled substance. In contrast, others have decriminalized or legalized their use.

A Hypoallergenic Shroom Experience

Now that you know there are different effects to different ways of eating and handling shrooms, like:

• eating dried shrooms
• making tea
• taking shroom capsules
• using mushroom tinctures

You can start to figure out the pros and cons for your body, mainly if it causes allergies. 

Remember that the first time you try it, you must start with a small amount and closely watch how your symptoms change. Also, the right way to store shrooms is vital to ensure they are safe and quality. Be aware of cross-reactions, pay attention to your symptoms, and talk to a doctor if you have any concerns to lower your risk of shroom-related allergies.