Psilocybin may be effective treatment for anorexia nervosa

Hi there 🍄 

This week’s highlights include a guide to functional mushrooms and one book to put on your reading list before summer ends.

First psilocybin trial for anorexia nervosa shows successful results

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. There are no proven treatments to reverse the main symptoms or approved medications to treat the disorder. In a recent study, ten women with the condition were given a single dose of an investigational drug called COMP360, a pharmaceutical-grade synthetic psilocybin developed by COMPASS Pathways. Of the participants, 40% of the participants saw a clinically significant reduction in eating disorder psychopathology, and 90% felt more optimistic about their life endeavors. — Seraiah Alexander

Read more about the study here.

The shroomer guide to functional mushrooms

In depictions of Chinese heaven, Reishi is seen growing at the gates. Known as the mushroom of immortality, this is just one variety that’s historically revered for its health benefits. Functional mushrooms may not be the life of the party like their psychedelic cousins, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on adding these to your wellness routine. Chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail are just a few of the ancient mushrooms that have been used for centuries to restore balance to the body.

Read more about functional mushrooms in our guide.

Around the web

• Alexa Jesse covered the emergence of mushrooms in our generation in “We’re in Our Mushroom Era.” From functional to psychedelic, she traces the trend across areas of life like home decor, health foods, and medicine.

• “The real risks of psychedelics, explained by an expert” with John Hopkins professor Dr. Matthew Johnson is a brilliant video on the dangers of psychedelics compared to other psychoactive substances.

• Soak in the last month of summer with The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing. She explores the history of the matsutake, the most valuable mushroom in the world, through the lens of the damaged landscapes where it thrives.

Community spotlight

Lauren Taus is a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in psychedelic education. Her Instagram is full of insights that range from living a holistic, balanced life to embracing the unpleasant side of psychedelic experiences.

Thanks for reading! If you liked what you read, share your link below! We’ll track how many friends sign up, and you’ll be the first to know about things like swag (coming soon 👀 )…