| Could a Psychedelic Mushroom Soothe Your Gut? | | Dear e-Alert Reader,
There’s no shortage of miracle “gut cures” floating around the internet these days. From celery juice cleanses to charcoal detoxes, it seems like everyone has a secret fix for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
But if you’ve lived with IBS—or know someone who has—you understand that relief isn’t that simple.
Now, researchers are looking into an unexpected natural remedy that may offer help: psilocybin, the active compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms.”
Yes, really.
But before you start following social media advice or searching for underground treatments, let’s look at the science—and what this early research actually says.
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IBS is one of the most common digestive disorders in the U.S., yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. It causes bloating, pain, cramping, and unpredictable bowel habits. Often, there’s no clear cause, and many conventional treatments fail to help.
That’s where Dr. Erin Mauney comes in. During her work in gastroenterology, she noticed that early-life trauma and chronic stress were shockingly common in IBS patients. So she began looking beyond the gut—and into the brain.
Because here’s what many people don’t realize: your gut and brain are in constant communication. Some even call the gut the “second brain.” Emotions, trauma, and stress can directly affect gut function.
And psilocybin? It may help recalibrate that system.
Dr. Mauney is now leading the first clinical study of psilocybin for IBS—specifically for patients who haven’t found relief through diet, drugs, or even traditional talk therapy.
Here’s why she believes psilocybin could work: It may help reduce pain sensitivity in the gut by acting on serotonin receptors involved in IBS-related discomfort. It may improve mental health symptoms—like anxiety and rumination—that worsen gut function. It may reduce inflammation, another trigger of IBS symptoms. In this ongoing study, participants receive psilocybin in a carefully supervised setting, paired with psychotherapy. Sessions last 6–8 hours and include structured support before and after dosing. Some participants have already reported meaningful relief—not just physically, but emotionally, too.
Still, Dr. Mauney emphasizes: this is early research. It won’t work for everyone, and it’s not a DIY cure.
If you or someone you love suffers from IBS, it’s understandable to seek out every possible solution. But here’s the truth: not every natural treatment is helpful—or safe.
We’ve seen time and again how social media can mislead patients, especially when it comes to chronic conditions. Taking matters into your own hands without proper guidance can make symptoms worse—or delay effective treatment.
That’s why we believe so strongly in bringing you real, evidence-based natural medicine. Our mission is to help you explore effective alternatives—but only the ones backed by data and delivered with care.
The early findings on psilocybin and IBS are promising, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on this research. If future studies confirm these results, it could open the door to a new class of natural therapies that help both gut and mind.
But until then, stick with trusted sources. Not TikTok.
To being your trusted source,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Is this food causing your IBS?
Sources:
Newman, T. (2025, June 6). Could psilocybin help treat IBS? A new study investigates. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-psilocybin-help-treat-ibs-new-study-investigates
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