16 Natural Supplements That Can Help Support Psychedelic Therapy

• By Karla Tafra
• January 19, 2024January 19, 2024
• natural psychedelics psychedelic therapy psychedelics psychedelics treatment
• With 1 comment

OK, so you’re giving psychedelic therapy a go, congratulations on taking the leap. Before diving in, though, there’s a lot of prep necessary, and things to do to prepare your mind and body. From which ones to choose and what type of treatment works best, to potential psychedelics side effects and downtime. And that’s only a few things worth noting, especially when it comes to natural supplements.

But did you know there are natural supplements that not only support psychedelic therapy, but also help deal with the side effects? Seriously. Plus, some of these help with potential anxiety over whether or not therapy will work.

So what natural supplements could be helpful before trying psychedelics therapy? Below are 23 to consider.

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1. Lion’s Mane

One of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms, the lion’s mane mushroom is a gorgeous looking big ball of white fluff that got worldwide attention for its incredible impact on brain health and the effect on the overall nervous system.

Containing not one, but two nerve growth factors (hericenones and erinacines), lion’s mane stimulates regeneration and remyelination (by producing more myelin – a compound which coats and protects our nerves) of the nerves. This makes it a promising tool against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, nerve damage, anxiety and depression.

Studies show its incredible impact on dealing with anxiety and depression, which is one of the main reasons why lion’s mane is so important when it comes to psychedelic therapy. Some even suggest combining it with psilocybin and niacin or vitamin B3 to “allow your brain to make new connections, get a healthier brain and mentally ‘clean up’ yourself.”

It’s easy to find in most drugstores in the form of a pill, but also comes as a powder to add to smoothies, adaptogenic drinks, coffee, and even bone broth. Specialty stores or the farmer’s market are often good places to purchase.

Did You Know? Psychedelics Have Been Show To Help Smoking Addiction?

2. Cod Liver Oil

Known for centuries and used to help treat rheumatism, aching joints, and stiff muscles, as well as protect from the cold, cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it an amazing natural supplement that can be a great daily addition to anyone’s diet.

Cod liver oil has been linked with decreasing anxiety and depression. This makes it a perfect ally combat mental health issues often associated with psychedelic therapy. When taken in conjunction with a psychedelic, it can potentially have a greater impact and give you better results. It is available in both pill form or even in pure oil.

3. Green Tea

Loaded with antioxidants, green tea helps fight free radicals, lowers overall inflammation, and protects against oxidative damage. It also contains high levels of caffeine and L-theanine, both of which stimulate dopamine. These also increase the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects.

When combined together, caffeine and L-theanine have powerful effects in improving brain function, and are therefore amazing additions to psychedelic therapy, nourishing the brain while in treatment.

When choosing green tea, look for the source and always try to get loose leaf versions. This helps avoid any unnecessary additives and potential toxins. Additionally, it is available in pill form — which is better for larger doses.

4. Vitamin D

Also called the “sun vitamin”, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is typically obtained from the sun’s UV rays. This triggers vitamin D synthesis to penetrate the skin’s barrier. It’s also present in some foods, but in very small quantities which are hard to absorb by our bodies.

Due to indoor lifestyles and changing seasons, more people are becoming deficient in vitamin D. That’s why so many recommend some sort of natural supplement. The actual dosage that an individual needs can be tested through specific vitamin D tests. These are often available over-the-counter.

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and it’s crucial for bone growth and bone remodeling. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. It also reduces inflammation as well as promotes cell growth, improves neuromuscular and immune function, and helps manage glucose metabolism.

Since deficiency can lead to depression and anxiety, adding it to your psychedelic treatment can help you go through the session with ease and support potential side effects.

It often comes as a supplement in pill form, and uses IU (international units) for measurement. The number of IUs one needs comes after taking the vitamin D deficiency test.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics are extremely important supplements. They help nourish the gut flora and feed microbiome by replenishing it with good bacteria, eliminating the bad bacteria.

They usually contain high doses of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, the most common bacteria which reside in our gut. These all may have a different impact on the body. While some may help absorb or digest a certain food, others coat the gut lining or prevent from a specific illness. That’s why all probiotic supplements contain many different strains which when working together yield the best results.

Many consider the gut to be a “second brain”, with the connection to our actual brain much stronger than we think. It nourishes it with healthy microorganisms and keeps it thriving for our mental health. This is especially true for levels of dopamine and serotonin.

Since it improves brain function and helps with anxiety or depression, it may be helpful to try with psychedelic therapy. That’s why taking them regularly while attending sessions may bring added benefits in the long run.

If giving psychedelic therapy a go, get all the tools available to support the journey along the way. The five natural supplements above are easy to encounter, easy to take, and may lead to a better psychedelic experience.

RELATED: Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum)

6. Maitake Mushroom (Grifola Frondosa)

The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is a polypore mushroom. This means it forms large fruiting bodies, which feature pores or tubes on the underside. It is native to China, Europe, and North America. ‘Maitake’ is the Japanese term for the mushroom, which means “dancing mushroom”. This is supposedly because when it was discovered, people danced with joy, owing to the mushroom’s healing properties.

Maitake mushrooms are rich in:

• Antioxidants
• Beta-glucans
• Vitamins B and C
• Copper
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Minerals
• Amino acids

These mushrooms are also:

• Fat-free
• Low in sodium
• Low in calories
• Cholesterol-free

These nutritional facts make maitake mushrooms extremely healthy. But they also offer a range of potential medical benefits, including:

• Anti-cancer properties
• Reductions in cholesterol levels and improvements in heart health
• The ability to manage type 2 diabetes
• Immune support (due to the presence of beta-glucans: constituents of the cell wall of fungi)

By improving your physical health with the use of this functional mushroom, you will feel better before embarking on a psychedelic journey.

If you have diabetes, you should consult with your doctor before using maitake mushrooms. This is because maitake may have an effect on your blood sugar. Also, it can lower blood pressure. So, if you have hypotension (low blood pressure), make sure you discuss any plans to use maitake with your doctor first.

7. Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes Versicolor)

The Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a common polypore mushroom found all over the world. Versicolor means “of several colors”, which accurately describes the appearance of Turkey Tail mushrooms. The mushroom has earned the name “Turkey Tail” because its shape and multiple colors resemble those of a wild turkey.

Turkey Tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which can offer a number of health benefits. Because of these benefits, T. versicolor is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as in the form of supplements.

Turkey Tail mushrooms can offer the following benefits:

• They contain an array of antioxidants, which help boost the immune system by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds.
• They contain immune-boosting polysaccharopeptides (protein-bound polysaccharides), which help protect your body against harmful substances like certain bacteria.
• The potential to improve immune function in people with certain cancers
• Enhancing the efficacy of certain cancer treatments
• Improvements to gut health

Turkey Tail mushrooms can strengthen your immune system. This is important if you’re preparing for a psychedelic experience and you want to feel as physically well as possible before going in. Using functional mushrooms can be one way to prevent you from catching any nasty viruses that may interfere with your plans to participate in psychedelic therapy.

Turkey Tail mushrooms are considered safe to consume. Researchers report few side effects in studies. Nonetheless, some individuals do experience digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and dark stools when consuming Turkey Tail mushrooms. You should, therefore, try consuming them on their own first. You certainly don’t want to experience unpleasant physical symptoms while you’re tripping.

8. Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula Edodes)

You will be familiar with the shiitake mushroom as a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine. But this savory mushroom has some surprising medicinal properties as well, which is why it is used in TCM, as well as in the form of supplements.

Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia, but they are now cultivated and consumed around the world. The mushroom’s Japanese name shiitake is made up of shii (for the tree Castanopsis cuspidata that provides the dead logs on which the mushroom is cultivated) and take (“mushroom”). In terms of the mushroom’s scientific name, edodes is the Latin word for “edible”.

Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories, yet they have an impressive nutritional profile:

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Riboflavin: 11 percent of the Daily Value (DV)
• Niacin: 11 percent of the DV
• Copper: 39 percent of the DV
• Vitamin B5: 33 percent of the DV
• Selenium: 10 percent of the DV
• Manganese: 9 percent of the DV
• Zinc: 8 percent of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 7 percent of the DV
• Folate: 6 percent of the DV
• Vitamin D: 6 percent of the DV

Shiitake mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, and lipids. Some of these may provide a number of beneficial effects, including:

• The prevention of an increase in blood pressure
• Improvements to the immune system
• Anti-cancer properties
• Antibacterial and antiviral effects
• Bone-strengthening effects

As with other functional mushrooms, consuming shiitake mushrooms can protect your overall immunity and physical health, which will prepare you physically and mentally for a psychedelic experience.

You should be aware, however, that in rare cases, consumption of raw or slightly cooked shiitake mushrooms may cause an allergic reaction called “shiitake mushroom dermatitis”. This involves a rash occurring all over the body, including the face and scalp. This is thought to happen because of the presence of the polysaccharide lentinan. Cooking the mushroom thoroughly may eliminate this risk, nonetheless.

Furthermore, using powdered shiitake mushroom extract over a long period of time may cause other side effects, including stomach upset and sensitivity to light. You want to first know that you respond fine to shiitake mushrooms before using them to improve your overall health.

9. Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordyceps Sinensis)

The Cordyceps mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly known as Cordyceps sinensis) belongs to the genus Cordyceps, which includes some 600 species of fungi. This mushroom is an entomopathogenic fungus (a fungus that grows on insects), and belongs to the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. It is mainly found in meadows above 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) on the Tibetan Plateau in Southwest China and the Himalayan regions of Bhutan and Nepal.

The Cordyceps mushroom also goes by the name of caterpillar fungus. This mushroom may offer a range of benefits, including:

• Improved exercise performance
• Anti-aging effects
• Anti-tumor effects
• Reductions in complications associated with some cancer treatments
• Improved management of type 2 diabetes
• Heart health benefits
• Anti-inflammatory effects

Nonetheless, you should be aware that a lot of the research on the Cordyceps mushroom is limited to animal or lab studies. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the effects of this mushroom on people.

Using the Cordyceps mushroom alongside other functional mushrooms can help further improve your physical health. Again, looking after your physical health is important when preparing yourself for a psychedelic session.

There are no studies available on the safety of the Cordyceps mushroom in humans. However, the fungus has a long history of use in TCM.

10. Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus Obliquus)

The chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a fungus belonging to the family Hymenochaetaceae. It is parasitic on birch and other trees.

The sterile conk of the mushroom has an irregular shape and resembles burnt charcoal. This conk is not the fruiting body of the fungus but a sclerotium (mass of mycelium). It is mostly black to the high quantities of melanin present.

For centuries, people in Russia and Northern European countries have used chaga as a traditional medicine, mainly as a way to boost immunity and overall health. But its use as a medicinal supplement has spread all over the world.

It’s important to note that most studies on chaga are rodent or test-tube studies. So the results may not necessarily translate to human consumption of the mushroom. Nonetheless, research indicates that chaga extract may provide a number of health benefits, including:

• Reductions in long-term inflammation, which can be helpful for combating conditions like heart disease, arthritis, asthma, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and Alzheimer’s
• Strengthening the immune system
• Anti-cancer properties
• Reductions in blood sugar levels, which means chaga may help manage diabetes
• Lower cholesterol (and heart disease risk)

It’s important to look after your overall physical and mental health before embarking on a powerful psychedelic journey. Using chaga extract as a natural supplement can be helpful in this respect.

It is unlikely that you would experience any side effects after consuming chaga. However, if you have a general mushroom allergy, then you should obviously avoid it. And this applies to all the other functional mushrooms mentioned in this article.

Research in humans is still necessary, but animal research suggests that chaga extract may interfere with insulin, blood-sugar-lowering medication, and anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.

11. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum)

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), known as lingzhi in Chinese, has a long history of use for promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is a large, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture.

The mushroom grows in hot and humid locations. However, due to its irregular distribution in the wild and increasing demand for reishi, cultivation has become the major source of the mushroom.

Reishi mushrooms contain several molecules — including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans — that may be responsible for their health benefits. Research suggests that reishi can offer the following:

• Immune-boosting benefits
• Cancer-fighting properties
• Reductions in fatigue and improvements in well-being
• Improved heart health
• Blood sugar control

The potential of reishi mushrooms to reduce fatigue, irritability, and depression is important in the context of psychedelic therapy. This is because how you feel in the days leading up to a psychedelic experience — and on the day of the session — can affect the quality of the trip.

Of course, people with severe depression can have positive and euphoric experiences, despite going into their journey with depressed mood. However, if a natural supplement like reishi can help combat feelings of tiredness and irritability before a psychedelic session, this will make it even more likely that you will have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

You should be aware of the potential side effects of consuming reishi mushrooms, however. Research has revealed that those who consumed reishi for four months were nearly two times as likely to experience a side effect as those taking a placebo.

Nonetheless, side effects were minor and included a slightly increased risk of nausea and insomnia. You should be aware that many studies of reishi have not reported safety data, so there is limited information in this area overall.

12. Banded Mottlegill Mushrooms (Panaeolus Cinctulus)

Panaeolus cinctulus (or the banded mottlegill mushroom) is a lesser-known species of psilocybin mushroom. This is despite the fact that it is widely distributed in the world. It is one species of psilocybin mushroom that — along with Panaeolus cyanescens (“blue meanies”) — is categorized under the genus Panaeolus.

Unlike the genus Psilocybe, Panaeolus includes many mushroom species that are non-psychedelic (meaning they don’t contain psilocybin and psilocin).

Banded mottlegill mushrooms can cause a variety of perceptual, emotional, physical, and mystical effects. Research has also shown that the psilocybin contained in these mushrooms can be helpful in the treatment of various mental health issues, including:

• Major depression
• Treatment-resistant depression
• End-of-life anxiety in patients with terminal cancer
• Smoking addiction
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Banded mottlegill mushrooms, like other psilocybin mushrooms, are not strictly considered ‘natural supplements’. Nevertheless, many people like to ‘supplement’ their psychedelic experiences with additional psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms. This is to modify, enhance, or intensify their trips.

However, one should be aware that, in the context of psychedelic therapy, combining psychedelic substances is not currently practiced, nor have clinical trials been published on it. The exception is a clinical trial underway looking at the effects of combining MDMA with LSD (known as “candy flipping”).

Also, in the past, the psychedelic chemist Sasha Shulgin recommended the combination of MDMA and 2C-B for therapeutic purposes.

It’s possible that supplementing compounds like MDMA, LSD, or DMT with banded mottlegill mushrooms may improve mental health outcomes, due to the way it enhances or intensifies psychedelic effects. There’s also a chance that this combination could lead to overwhelming, confusing, or challenging experiences.

13. Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus)

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), also known as hiratake or the pearl oyster mushroom, is a common edible mushroom. It is widespread in many temperate and subtropical forests throughout the world.

The oyster mushroom is a delicacy in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine. Many people also consume oyster mushrooms or supplements made from them for their medicinal benefits.

Oyster mushrooms are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. They’re also low in carbohydrates.

Here’s the nutritional content of one cup (86 g) of raw oyster mushrooms:

• Calories: 28
• Carbs: 5 g
• Protein 3 g
• Fat: < 1 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Niacin: 27 percent of the DV
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): 22 percent of the DV
• Folate: 8 percent of the DV
• Choline: 8 percent of the DV
• Potassium: 8 percent of the DV
• Iron: 6 percent of the DV
• Phosphorus: 8 percent of the DV
• Zinc: 6 percent of the DV

Research has shown that oyster mushrooms can provide the following:

• A great source of antioxidants, thereby helping reduce cellular damage in your body
• Heart health benefits, owing to the ability of oyster mushrooms to reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, blood pressure, and insulin levels
• Blood sugar regulation
• Immune system benefits
• Potential anti-tumor properties
• Gut health benefits
• Anti-inflammatory effects

Oyster mushrooms can be another great natural supplement to take when preparing for psychedelic therapy. The greater variety of functional mushrooms you take, the better you can maintain your overall physical health and well-being.

You should be aware that oyster mushrooms contain osterolysin, a toxic protein.

Animal studies have found that this protein may cause respiratory issues and increase arterial blood pressure. However, its effects on humans are unknown. Oyster mushrooms may also trigger symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammation of small airways in the lungs, resulting in fever, joint pain, and chills.

Consuming oyster mushrooms in large quantities could trigger stomach problems such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or stomach rumbling. Therefore, one should know how you react to oyster mushrooms and avoid consuming too many of them or supplements made from them. You obviously want to minimize your chances of experiencing physical discomfort during a psychedelic experience.

14. Puffball Mushroom (Calvatia Gigantea)

Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the giant puffball mushroom, grows in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests. It typically grows in late summer and autumn and is found in temperate areas throughout the world. The giant puffball mushroom can be used in cooking, as well as for its medicinal benefits.

A puffball mushroom is a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that bursts on impact, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores when mature. Calvatia comes from the Latin calvus, meaning “bald” while gigantea comes from the Greek gigantas, meaning “giant”.

Giant puffball mushrooms offer a range of benefits, including:

• Anti-diabetic properties
• Anti-microbial properties
• Anti-cancer effects, owing to the presence of the molecule calvacin (however, an extract is needed, as calvacin is only available in small quantities in the mushroom)
• Pro-styptic effects (this means the mushroom can help prevent bleeding and promote wound healing)

If you want to feel physically healthy before a psychedelic experience, then adding a giant puffball mushroom supplement to your daily routine can be beneficial. Also, since this mushroom can reduce blood sugar levels, this fungus may be especially helpful for people with diabetes who are preparing for psychedelic therapy.

Most puffball mushrooms are not poisonous, including the giant puffball (even when eaten raw). However, it can resemble young poisonous mushrooms such as the death cap. So you need to ensure you’re able to identify mushrooms correctly in the wild.

Going foraging with an expert is a good idea if you’re nervous about picking a poisonous lookalike. Also, while puffball mushrooms are edible when immature, they can cause digestive upset if eaten when mature.

You can minimize the risks of consuming Calvatia gigantea, however, by using a high-quality extract instead of picking the mushrooms yourself.

15. CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis, of which there are hundreds. The most prevalent one is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the ‘high’ that smoking or consuming cannabis produces.

While CBD is an essential component of medical cannabis, it is derived directly from the hemp plant or manufactured in a laboratory. Hemp plants and cannabis plants are both the same species (Cannabis sativa). Hemp refers to any strain of Cannabis sativa that contains 0.3 percent THC or less.

In cannabis plants, CBD alters the effects of the THC high. In high doses, THC can induce paranoia and psychotic-like symptoms. The addition of CBD, however, helps to buffer these effects, often creating a more mellow and enjoyable experience. This occurs because CBD has antipsychotic effects.

The CBD industry is booming in many countries, with products including oils, tinctures, drinks, creams, gummies, and capsules. You can even buy CBD weed that looks and smells like normal weed. Like the other CBD products, however, this weed will contain less than 0.3 percent THC (or less than 0.2 percent THC, depending on the country).

The effects of CBD include increased relaxation, calmness, and sedation. These effects increase the higher the dose. There are animal and human studies indicating that CBD can offer the following benefits:

• Chronic pain relief
• Anti-anxiety effects
• Relief from insomnia
• Improved heart health
• Antipsychotic effects
• Reduced drug cravings

For those who don’t like to smoke cannabis while tripping (since it can intensify psychedelic effects or make the experience more negative), CBD can be a great alternative.

CBD may help minimize the negative effects of psychedelics, such as anxiety, psychotic-like symptoms, and difficulty sleeping. However, CBD is not typically used during psychedelic therapy, although you may find that using this compound beforehand or after may allow you to feel more relaxed.

Possible side effects of CBD can include nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, and reduced appetite. So you may want to limit your dose if combining CBD with psychedelics. Also, sometimes, the scientific evidence relating to CBD can fail to match the way that CBD products are marketed.

16. Enokitake Mushroom (Flammulina Filiformis)

The enokitake mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) is an agaric (gilled mushroom) species belonging to the family Physalacriaceae. The mushroom is well known for its use in Japanese cuisine (the name enokitake is the Japanese term for it).

These mushrooms are widely cultivated in East Asia. They are also known as “golden needle mushrooms”.

There is a difference in appearance between wild and cultivated enokitake mushrooms. Cultivated specimens are not exposed to light, which results in white or pallid fruit bodies with long stipes and small caps.

Flammulina filiformis is rich in a variety of nutrients. One cup (65 g) of raw enokitake mushrooms contains:

• Calories: 24
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbs: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Niacin: 29 percent of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 18 percent of the DV
• Thiamin: 12 percent of the DV
• Riboflavin: 10 percent of the DV
• Copper: 8 percent of the DV
• Folate: 8 percent of the DV
• Phosphorus: 6 percent of the DV

Enokitake mushrooms are rich in niacin (which promotes brain health), vitamin B5 (which helps synthesize fatty acids), and thiamine (which regulates the function of nerve cells).

Research has also found the following potential benefits of consuming enokitake:

• These mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which may help prevent many chronic conditions, including heart disease, different types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes
• Anti-cancer effects
• Heart health benefits
• Improved brain function
• Enhanced immunity

These wide-ranging benefits can help make you physically well and energized before psychedelic therapy.

Nonetheless, uou should be aware that enokitake mushrooms can carry some risks.

One study has suggested that enokitake consumption may cause increased activity of plasma creatine kinase. This can have damaging effects on both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Some people will have an allergic reaction to enokitake mushrooms.

In addition, there are reported cases of people experiencing anaphylaxis (severe hypotension, or low blood pressure) after consuming these mushrooms. However, this reaction is rare.