From pizza to serums to recreational drugs, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot the mushroom can't do. Actually, the benefits that mushrooms can bring to body, skin, hair and beyond are highly unappreciated, and, even worse, they are highly un-discussed. This is why the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) sought to teach everyone in the wellness community about how mushrooms can properly be used in the treatment room and everyday life.
The Science Behind Mushrooms
There are over 200 species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, which is a hallucinogenic alkaloid that was responsible for mind altering abilities (i.e. magic shrooms). However, recently research has started to build again with the hypothesis that the psilocybin found in mushrooms can be used positively to help with alcohol and nicotine addiction, OCD, depression and anxiety.
The 2017 Global Drug Survey found that magic mushrooms were the safest recreational drug to use, while other researchers, like Craig Blinderman, M.D., M.A., associate professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, discussed how even if the drug is confirmed in large, randomized studies, it should still be challenged whether it should be used as a Schedule 1 drug.
One of the main argument between the psilocybin found in mushrooms is that it is all natural versus being created in a lab. Pairing this natural drug with the proper dosage from a medical professional could lead to great strides with the research that has started to be conducted in 2018.
Fitting Shrooms Into the Spa
The wellness aspect of mushrooms is only growing, as the research and knowledge of its benefits continues. One perfect place that this magic fungus has started to be used is in wellness retreats around the world.
Apart from the mind-altering benefits, mushrooms are finally starting to expand into the food and beauty industry as well for their other marvelous benefits. Andrew Weil, M.D., keynote speaker for the Global Wellness Summit, mentioned how mushrooms contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that provide vitamin D, and they are now being incorporated into global beauty products as super-hydrators, antioxidants, collagen boosters and skin toners. For food, mushrooms are also being broken down into the form of tonics, powders, bottled drinks, snack bars, chocolates, coffees and much more.
The Future of Mushrooms
Scientists are continuing to study mushrooms' different abilities, and some have started to argue that mushrooms have the potential to clean up some of the earth's toxic waste and offset global warming. On a completely different spectrum, there are fashion designers who are working to make eco-friendly clothing out of fungi as well.
In the wellness community, the mushroom may become peoples saving grace. With so much of society suffering from anxiety, depression and digital overload, the question on whether mushrooms are the answer to it all is still floating in the air.Keep your eyes peeled for luxury wellness retreats popping up that use the positive benefits of mushrooms to help clients reset their brain.
