Your bestie just popped in with a bag of mushrooms, thinking today’s an excellent day for an adventure. But you’re feeling somewhat sick, and it’s come on suddenly. However, what happens if you’re sick and considering taking shrooms? Is it safe to do so, or could it worsen your illness?
If you’re feeling under the weather and wondering whether or not it’s safe to take shrooms, you should keep a few things in mind.
While there is no definitive answer, there are some factors to consider that could impact your decision. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not you can do shrooms while sick and what you need to know before making a decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Taking shrooms while sick is not recommended due to the potential worsening of symptoms and complications.
- Mixing magic mushrooms with cold and flu medications can increase the risks of adverse effects and hallucinations.
- Being ill can impair the body’s ability to process shrooms, increasing the risk of a bad trip.
- Functional mushrooms like shiitake and reishi can boost the immune system and are beneficial when sick.
- It’s crucial to know your body and the stage of your illness before considering microdosing.
Taking shrooms while sick is generally not recommended, as the effects could worsen your symptoms or cause further complications.
Shrooms can also interfere with certain medications, so you must consult your doctor before using them if you are taking any medication.
While you’re sick, you may not be able to eat as much, and taking magic mushrooms on an empty stomach can intensify the effects in addition to symptoms from your illness.
Many types of shrooms vary in potency, ranging from mild to intense psychoactive experiences. In addition, there may be bacteria in fresh or dry shrooms, leading to further illness as your body can’t deal with it as it usually would.
Understanding Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms, are a fascinating type of fungi that contain psychoactive compounds, primarily psilocybin and psilocin. These substances can significantly alter perception, thought, and mood, leading to a range of effects from mild hallucinations to profound spiritual experiences. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, healing, or just a unique adventure, understanding these mushrooms is crucial.
What are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms belong to the genus Psilocybe, which includes over 200 species. Among the most commonly used for their psychoactive properties are Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cubensis, and Psilocybe cyanescens. These mushrooms can be found growing wild in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Their natural habitat and the ease with which they can be identified make them a popular choice for those seeking a psychedelic experience.
The effects of shrooms on the body and major depressive disorder
The effects of this can involve modifications in consciousness, hallucinations of a visual and auditory nature, alterations in perception, enhanced empathy, spiritual experiences, and other similar occurrences.
The use of psychedelics while ill carries potential risks. Although these substances can produce intriguing effects, they may also exacerbate the illness or pose more harm than benefit.
While shrooms can be an excellent tool for personal growth, healing, and spiritual exploration, they can also potentially cause harm.
Some risks associated with using shrooms include psychological distress, an increased risk of mental health issues, and physical reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The impact of sickness on shroom use
Tripping While Sick – How it can impact the effects of shrooms on the body and mind
While some people enjoy taking shrooms while sick, it is not always safe to do so, and the effects of shrooms can be magnified when taken while ill. It is also important to avoid dangerous mushrooms like fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), which can cause severe health consequences if ingested. Tripping while sick may be interesting, but the risk to your health might not be worth it.
It can cause hallucinations, and if someone is already feeling unwell, their body may not be able to handle the additional effects. The correct dose of shrooms can be helpful for anxiety, but tripping while sick may increase your anxiety and discomfort.
Using shrooms while experiencing illness may pose a potential risk and is not recommended.
Using shrooms while ill can be risky as the psychoactive properties may cause users to misinterpret their physical symptoms, potentially leading to underestimation or ignoring their sickness.
Shrooms and DayQuil (Or Similar)
Dayquil is primarily acetaminophen, a decongestant and an antihistamine. Even with Dayquil being non-drowsy, this will still impact how you feel. Always stick to the required dosage for any medication.
Mixing shrooms and Dayquil is your choice, but these two don’t have any known drug interactions.
Mixing cold and flu medications (such as ones with dextromethorphan) with magic mushrooms isn’t recommended and may lead to increased euphoria, hallucinations and other adverse effects.
Factors to consider when using shrooms while sick
When taking shrooms, it is essential to consider how your current physical condition may affect the effects of the drug. According to America’s Poison Centers, there has been an increase in reported illnesses related to mushroom consumption, highlighting the importance of caution. For example, if you are dealing with an illness, your body’s ability to process shrooms may be impaired, leading to an increased risk of adverse reactions, a bad trip or more.
Being sick might mean your body wants a break if you do shrooms often, so don’t think it will help you get better; you’re just doing it for the experience.
Knowing the appropriate dosage when consuming psychedelic drugs, such as shrooms. At the same time, beginning with a lower dose and gradually increasing the amount is recommended.
On the other hand, a positive mindset and surroundings when using shrooms, particularly when ill, could lead to enhanced euphoria and hallucinations. Ensure that trustworthy individuals are present to assist you in the event of any adverse reactions or challenges.
Taking Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy With a Cold
Taking shrooms with a mild cold shouldn’t have much or any negative impact; again, this depends on knowing yourself. There are many species of mushrooms, and while some are safe to consume, others can cause adverse reactions, especially when the immune system is compromised. You might not want to take magic mushrooms if the cold is advanced, as your bodily functions are suppressed, leading to an even more weakened immune system.
Although colds are generally respiratory, so as opposed to smoking cannabis or vaping DMT, eating shrooms won’t affect your respiratory system in an impactful way.
You should note that taking mushrooms with a cold does weaken your immunity.
Magic Mushrooms and the Flu
Doing magic mushrooms while you have the flu is not a great idea. While psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating major depressive disorder, it is not advisable to use magic mushrooms while suffering from the flu. The influenza virus is no joke and can be fatal even. Adding magic mushrooms into the mix will further weaken your immune system and could lead to other adverse reactions or make you even sicker.
If you have the flu, avoid taking magic mushrooms completely.
Can I Microdose While Sick?
Microdosing while sick is a bit of a different story; since the dose is so low, your body won’t be as impacted, and you may not even notice.
This is again tied to your physiology and how sick you are. If you are fighting a cold or feeling a bit rundown, microdosing shouldn’t cause any issues when done properly.
If you are quite sick or have the flu, you should wait until you feel better to continue your regimen to be safe.
Can Mushroom Toxins Make You Sick?
Yes, magic mushrooms can cause nausea and discomfort. While it is difficult to determine the exact number of cases, many reports indicate that consuming contaminated or misidentified mushrooms can lead to severe health issues. Fresh mushrooms that have gone bad or may have developed mould are likely to cause stomach upset or make you sick. Properly stored dried ones are unlikely to cause much or any stomach discomfort. Mouldy mushrooms can be particularly harmful, potentially leading to food poisoning symptoms.
Additionally, mistakenly consuming toxic varieties of wild mushrooms, thinking they are psilocybin-containing species, can lead to severe poisoning or even life-threatening situations.
Correctly identifying your mushrooms or obtaining them from a reliable source is crucial to avoid these risks.
Are Mushrooms Good When You’re Sick?
Certain non-psychoactive mushrooms, known as functional mushrooms, may be beneficial when sick. Varieties like shiitake, reishi, and turkey tail contain compounds that can support the immune system. These mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, and other bioactive compounds that may help boost immune defences and promote overall health.
While functional mushrooms can be a healthy addition to the diet, especially for their potential immune-enhancing benefits, psychoactive mushrooms like psilocybin are not recommended during illness, as they do not have immune-boosting properties, and the psychological effects can be intense and unpredictable.
Identifying Safe and Poisonous Mushrooms
When it comes to mushrooms, knowing how to identify safe and poisonous varieties is crucial. Accidental ingestion of toxic species can lead to severe health issues or even be life-threatening. While some mushrooms are edible and safe to consume, others can be deadly poisonous, making proper identification essential.
Edible Mushrooms vs. Poisonous Mushrooms
Edible mushrooms, such as morels, chanterelles, and oyster mushrooms, are safe to eat and can often be found in supermarkets. However, poisonous mushrooms like Amanita muscaria, Amanita pantherina, and Conocybe filaris can be deadly if ingested. It’s essential to exercise extreme caution when foraging for wild mushrooms, as some poisonous species can closely resemble edible ones. Proper mushroom identification is key to avoiding the dangers of mushroom toxins and ensuring a safe foraging experience.
The Law and Magic Mushrooms
The legal status of magic mushrooms varies significantly by country and region. In some places, these mushrooms are legal, while in others, they are strictly prohibited. Understanding the laws in your area is essential to ensure safety and avoid legal consequences.
Regulation and Safety
In the United States, magic mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, making them illegal to possess, sell, or distribute. However, some cities and states have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin-assisted therapy for therapeutic purposes. In the UK, magic mushrooms are classified as a Class A drug, and possession can result in up to 7 years in prison and an unlimited fine. Being aware of the laws and regulations regarding magic mushrooms in your area is crucial to ensure safety and avoid legal consequences.
Will You Do Magic Mushrooms While Sick?
The article explores the risks and benefits of taking psychedelic mushrooms while sick. Psychedelics can strongly affect the body, mind, and spirit, making it essential to consider all factors before taking them when ill.
The answer is no; using shrooms while sick is not necessarily a good idea. Recreational drug use should be avoided when the body is already stressed from an illness. In addition, shrooms can impair the immune system and cause physical side effects like nausea and dizziness.
Therefore, weighing the potential risks and benefits of shrooms when sick is crucial.
Using any psychoactive substance when the body is compromised can lead to adverse reactions and long-term health complications. Some report that shrooms can alleviate symptoms, but caution is advised.
