Magic Mushrooms Could Be a Life Saving Insect Repellent
By Aaron Kesel, Natural Blaze
A team of scientists headed by Jason Slot at Ohio State University compared genomes of three different hallucinogenic mushrooms with three non-hallucinogenic relatives. The experiment identified the cluster of genes responsible for making psilocybin, New Scientist reported.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms are often found in areas rich in fungi-eating insects, so Slot suggests the chemical in magic mushrooms psilocybin might protect the fungi by repelling insects, potentially influencing their behavior in some way.
The specific purpose of many secondary metabolites is unknown, says Peter Spiteller at the University of Bremen, Germany. But that’s not to say they don’t have a use. “Secondary metabolites are not just produced for fun,” he told New Scientist.
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Another study on the effects of psilocybin on spiders building webs performed in 1962 showed that the hallucinogenic chemical changes the way that spiders build their webs.
The results revealed far more positive then negative results in the study’s 20 participants. The study, headed by Professor David Nutt and Amanda Feilding of the Beckley Foundation, found that LSD and the active ingredient in magic mushrooms called psilocybin could help depression, alcoholism and possibly even drug addictions in a way traditional methods of therapy can’t.
In fact, psilocybin is naturally occurring, and has been used as a medicine since ancient times, which may add to this appeal. In, 2011 a U.S. study found that psilocybin can help with end-of-life anxiety.
“I DON’T THINK IT’S GOT ANY EDGE IN TERMS OF ITS CLASSIC PSYCHEDELIC EFFECTS, BUT IN MY VIEW IT’S NO LESS A PSYCHEDELIC THAN LSD OR DMT, AYAHUASCA—IT’S VERY MUCH A CLASSIC PSYCHEDELIC,” Scientific Carhart-Harris said.
Indian tribes have been using psychedelics for years in ceremonies – such as the famous Ayahuasca tea, which is said to make you throw up hours after consumption and have a spiritual life-changing journey. Those that seek spiritual enlightenment can now pay to do so safely, at a retreat in Washington for $1,500. Cheaper than a Disney resort vacation and now it might also repel bugs away from you.
Ayahuasca translates to the vine of the dead, or soul. Those who take the leap are said to experience confronting their fear of death. With so many people pushing for legalization of marijuana – also considered to be a psychedelic – are we headed towards a push for legalization of psychedelics for medical purposes?
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DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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Aaron Kesel goes by AK writes for Natural Blaze & Activist Post, and is the Director of content for Coinivore. He is an independent journalist and researcher you can check out more of his work on Steemit. Find Aaron on Twitter.
