Welcome to the magical world of nature’s organic healing!
Ancient Medicine
Ancient Egypt
Mushrooms were used in ancient Egypt and Rome for medicinal purposes, with records indicating their use for various health benefits. The Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical text dating back to around 1500 BCE, contains references to various medicinal uses of mushrooms.
Mushroom of Immortality
In ancient China, Reishi, known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” and the “Herb of Spiritual Potency,” has been celebrated for over 2,000 years. Its use is documented in the ancient “Shennong Ben Cao Jing,” an esteemed pharmacopeia from around 2700 BCE, establishing Reishi as one of the oldest and most revered medicinal mushrooms in Asian traditions.
Flesh of the Gods
The Aztecs, and other Mesoamerican cultures, in what is now modern-day Mexico and Central America, were known to have used psychedelic mushrooms known as “teonanácatl,” which translates to “flesh of the gods,” in religious and shamanic rituals, contributing to the development of their spiritual beliefs.
Mushroom Cultivation
The cultivation of the common white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, began in France during the 16th century, marking a significant moment in the history of mushroom farming.
Discovery of Penicillin
Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, a mold-derived antibiotic, revolutionized medicine and marked a milestone in the use of fungi for pharmaceutical purposes.
Maria Sabina and the Counterculture
In the early 1950s, American mycologist R. Gordon Wasson and his wife Valentina Pavlovna Wasson traveled to Mexico and participated in a psilocybin mushroom ceremony led by Maria Sabina. Their experiences were documented in a Life magazine article published in 1957, which played a significant role in introducing psychedelic mushrooms to a wider Western audience. This event is often regarded as a key moment in the popularization of psychedelic mushroom use in the United States and the broader Western world.
Save Our Planet
Pioneering work by Paul Stamets and others has explored how certain mushrooms can break down and absorb harmful substances, such as oil spills and toxic waste. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing environmental challenges. (Go watch the Ted Talk: 6 ways mushrooms can save the world by Paul Stamets).
Decrim USA
The first decriminalization of psilocybin-containing mushrooms in the United States occurred in Denver, Colorado. Denver became the first city in the US to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms on May 7, 2019.
John Hopkins University
The university’s School of Medicine launched its Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research in 2019, marking a significant milestone in the resurgence of scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, and other substances.
Mental Health
The state of Oregon passed the Psilocybin Services Act in November 2020, allowing for regulated medical and therapeutic use. Bendable Therapy, a new Bend mental health treatment facility opens as the first nonprofit clinic to legally use psilocybin to help patients treat mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Functional Mushroom Movement
The 21st century has witnessed a resurgence of interest in mushrooms, particularly for their functional and health-promoting properties. Products like mushroom supplements, mushroom coffees, and mushroom-based foods have gained popularity for their potential to enhance well-being and overall health.