Can Psychedelics and Plant Medicines Help You Manage Pain and Inflammation?
Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelics and plant medicines can help with inflammation and pain management.
There is emerging evidence suggesting that psychedelics, particularly substances like psilocybin and LSD, may have anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially help combat inflammation. As the research in this area is still in its early stages, more studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of psychedelics in modulating inflammation.
Some of the preliminary evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics comes from both preclinical and clinical studies. For example, in animal models, researchers have observed that psychedelics can modulate the immune response and reduce markers of inflammation. These studies have shown that substances like psilocybin and LSD can influence the activity of immune cells and cytokines, which play key roles in the inflammatory process.
Some clinical studies have suggested that psychedelics may have anti-inflammatory effects in humans as well. For instance, a study published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” reported that psilocybin administration was associated with decreased levels of inflammatory markers in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. As per Lyes et al., “Psychedelic serotonergic agonists such as psilocybin have recently been shown to produce sustained benefit in refractory depression, end of life anxiety, and addiction when administered in hallucinogenic doses and coupled with psychotherapy” (2023). The potential of these substances cannot be overstated.
Emerging clinical research has also hinted at the potential of psychedelics to modulate inflammatory responses, although more rigorous studies are needed to further confirm and interpret these findings and the underlying mechanisms. This research is promising and particularly important as psychedelics and plant medicines tend to have lesser risks of addiction and potential for harm than classic pain relievers like opioids (Kooijman et al., 2023).
Cannabis has also been found to have both therapeutic and medicinal benefits for a variety of conditions, including providing support for depression, anxiety, headaches, and pain management. A study recently found that loneliness stresses our endocannabinoid systems, so even CBD, the non-psychoactive compound from cannabis, can help one regain a balanced system.
References:
Brugnatelli, V., Facco, E., & Zanette, G. (2021). Lifestyle Interventions Improving Cannabinoid Tone During COVID-19 Lockdowns May Enhance Compliance With Preventive Regulations and Decrease Psychophysical Health Complications. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 565633. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.565633
Frontiers. (2018, October 26). Sex, drugs and estradiol: Why cannabis affects women differently. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 20, 2023 from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181026102627.htm
Kooijman, N. I., Willegers, T., Reuser, A., Mulleners, W. M., Kramers, C., Vissers, K. C. P., & van der Wal, S. E. I. (2023). Are psychedelics the answer to chronic pain: A review of current literature. Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain, 23(4), 447 — 458. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.13203
Lyes, M., Yang, K. H., Castellanos, J., & Furnish, T. (2023). Microdosing psilocybin for chronic pain: a case series. Pain, 164(4), 698 — 702. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002778
Merry Jane. (2020). The CBD Solution: How Cannabis, CBD, and Other Plant Allies Can Change Your Everyday Life. Lauren Wilson, Ed. Chronicle Books.
Find my writing helpful or informative?
Support me and buy me a coffee!