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Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
Added: Oct 6, 2026 • Published: Sep 28, 2026

Magic Mushrooms: Simple Look at Brain Effects

Magic mushrooms are a kind of fungus that can change how your brain works. They have a natural chemical called psilocybin. When you eat the mushroom, this chemical goes into your blood and reaches the brain.

Inside the brain, psilocybin talks to tiny cells called neurons. It makes the cells send signals in a different way. This changes the brain's connectivity, which is how parts of the brain talk to each other. It also affects the brain's neurotransmitter balance, which helps cells talk. Because of this, people may see hallucination like bright colors or strange sounds. Some feel very happy, while others feel scared. The feeling can be strong, but it usually lasts only a few hours. Scientists study these effects in a clinical setting, where they give a safe dose to volunteers. They want to see if the changes can help people with depression or PTSD. Early studies show that a careful therapy plan with psilocybin may lower sad feelings and help trauma memories. However, using the mushroom without help can be risky.

So, magic mushrooms can change brain signals and may help some mental illnesses, but they must be used carefully and only with professional guidance.

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