Study Breakdown:
Can Mushrooms Soothe Migraines & Cluster Headaches?
Migraines and cluster headaches can turn even the brightest day into a struggle.
Sure, you can try getting by with a Tylenol and gritted teeth…
But what if there was a better way?
Enter psilocybin ‘shrooms.
Famous for their ability to spark psychedelic trips, these magic mushrooms are now being studied as potential allies in the fight against these debilitating conditions.
We’ll dig into a recent Yale study as well as
We’ll also examine the “why” behind this groovy alternative treatment’s newfound popularity.
Without further ado…
A Closer Look at Cluster Headaches & Migraines
If you’re lucky enough not to know first-hand, here’s a quick summary of their impact.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches, often referred to as “suicide headaches” due to their extreme pain, are characterized by sudden, severe attacks on one side of the head, often around the eye.
These headaches occur in clusters, with individuals experiencing daily attacks during a cluster period, which can last weeks to months.
University of West Georgia psychologist Larry Schor vividly describes the intensity:
“The pain is so intense that I’ve had some seemingly psychotic thoughts during attacks. Like maybe if I could take pliers and start pulling out molars, or if I hammered in the smallest drill bit near my eye, that could relieve the pressure.”
Migraines
Migraines, on the other hand, are typically characterized by throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- And sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines can last from a few hours to several days. Migraines can also spark worrisome sensory warning signs like flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in the limbs.
Migraine sufferers often experience recurring episodes that can significantly impact their quality of life.
How Psilocybin Helps
Psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain—the same ones targeted by conventional headache medications.
This connection suggests that psilocybin may influence the neurological pathways involved in headache disorders.
Interestingly, the relief reported wasn’t tied to the intensity of the psychedelic experience, hinting at a unique mechanism at play beyond the typical trip.
Study Breakdown: The Science Behind the 'Shrooms
Dr. Emmanuelle Schindler at Yale School of Medicine spearheaded a groundbreaking study on the effects of psilocybin on cluster headaches.
This randomized controlled trial, the first of its kind, marks a significant milestone in the clinical investigation of psilocybin’s therapeutic potential for severe headache disorders.
Here’s your breakdown:
The Study 🔬
1. Participant Selection
Participants were carefully screened and selected based on their history of severe and chronic headache episodes.
2. Dosing Regimen
Participants received low doses of psilocybin three times over two weeks under controlled conditions.
3. Blinding and Control
To maintain the integrity of the study, a double-blind placebo-controlled method was employed.
Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received psilocybin and who received a placebo.
The Results 📖
1. Headache Frequency and Intensity
Many participants reported a significant reduction in both the frequency and intensity of their cluster headaches.
Some individuals experienced complete remission of symptoms during the dosing period.
2. Response Rate
While the therapeutic effects were not universal, a substantial number of participants showed marked improvement.
The outcome variability reinforces the need for personalized approaches and further investigation into optimal dosing.
3. Safety and Side Effects
The low doses of psilocybin were generally well-tolerated.
Most participants experienced mild and manageable side effects, such as transient changes in perception and mood, which did not detract from the overall benefits observed.
Final Thoughts
With every new study, we edge closer to a future where psilocybin could transform how we approach headache management, offering relief where there was once only pain.
In the meantime:
- Stay hopeful
- Stay informed
- And keep an eye on the horizon for more updates!
The journey to understanding and harnessing the full potential of psilocybin mushrooms is just beginning.
We’re thrilled to be on this path with you!
Until next time,
Ready to Learn More?
Check out:
"Magic Mushrooms?
What You Need to Know About Psychedelics for Migraine"
by Dr. Peter McAllister
