For decades, psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD carried a heavy stigma, being categorized as illegal substances with no accepted medical use. However, a growing body of research is exploring the potential of psychedelics for supporting mental health and well-being.
At the forefront of this psychedelic exploration is Dr. Maya Shetreat, a neurologist, herbalist, author, and formulator of Quantum Drops. In a recent interview on the Root Cause Medicine podcast, Dr. Shetreat shared insights into how psychedelics may help support brain function and contribute to well-being.
[signup]
The Science of Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity
According to Dr. Shetreat, psychedelics have the potential to influence the brain's "critical periods of plasticity" - times of heightened neuroplasticity that may allow for changes in neural pathways. This process is likened to creating new paths that could support mental health.
"What psychedelics do is they may reopen those critical periods of plasticity. We talked about what happens, why the ages of zero to seven and even beyond, we have these window periods of plasticity in which things embed in a totally different way than they do most of the rest of our lives. Yes, there are ways that we can have imprinting experiences after that time, but it's less common. Psychedelics may reopen those critical periods of plasticity, and that gives us an opportunity, but it's not a guaranteed outcome." - Dr. Maya Shetreat.
Psychedelics may achieve this by temporarily affecting the brain's "default mode network" - a system that manages emotions, memories, and traumas to help us function in daily life.
"When you take the default mode network and adjust predictive coding for a period of time with psychedelics, it offers that opportunity to see many different paths available to us," explains Dr. Shetreat.
Supporting Well-being and Managing Stress
This potential of psychedelics makes them particularly interesting for supporting well-being in individuals with past trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Dr. Shetreat notes that such experiences can influence our cells, potentially affecting inflammation, hormonal balance, and overall health.
"Trauma now, actually influences the microbiome. It actually embeds in us. And just to be clear, our experiences and trauma itself, trauma is not what happens to us. It's how it embeds into us. That is cellular memory." - Dr. Maya Shetreat.
Applications in Supporting Mental Health
The potential applications of psychedelics extend beyond trauma-related conditions. Some studies are exploring their role in supporting individuals with addiction, with one trial showing a significant number of participants remaining abstinent from smoking a year after a psilocybin session with counseling support.
Psychedelics are also being studied for their potential in supporting individuals with major depressive disorder, a condition that can be challenging to manage with existing interventions. Clinical trials have found that psilocybin, combined with therapy, may contribute to improvements in mood.
For veterans and others experiencing post-traumatic stress, a condition with high rates of distress, psychedelics offer new avenues for exploration. Trials involving MDMA-assisted psychotherapy have shown promising results, with participants experiencing reductions in stress-related symptoms.
Beyond mental health, researchers are exploring the potential of psychedelics for supporting a wide array of physical conditions, including asthma, autoimmune responses, and cognitive health.
The Importance of Set, Setting, and Integration
While the potential of psychedelics is exciting, Dr. Shetreat emphasizes the importance of engaging with these substances in a responsible, well-supported manner.
"What psychedelics do is they may reopen those critical periods of plasticity, and that gives us an opportunity, but it's not a guaranteed outcome. And that's what's really important to know. Even my teachers that I learned from in the indigenous world were not saying, oh, master plants are good. And they didn't say master plants are bad. They said master plants are powerful." - Dr. Maya Shetreat.
Proper set (mindset) and setting (environment) are crucial for a safe and potentially beneficial psychedelic experience. Dr. Shetreat stresses the need for experienced guides, ceremonial containers, and integration support before, during, and after the experience.
"You always want to make sure that you have the right container, the right guide, the right set up, let alone how you're going to access these things, because that's important too, especially in this day and age. So you want to make sure all of that is being held so that you get the most out of the experience and have the kind of outcome that you may be hoping for." - Dr. Maya Shetreat.
Microdosing and Quantum Dosing
For those not ready or interested in a full psychedelic experience, Dr. Shetreat discusses the potential of microdosing - taking sub-psychedelic doses that may allow individuals to go about their daily lives while still experiencing subtle benefits like improved mood, focus, and creativity.
"I actually think microdosing is the way that psychedelics are going to have the biggest impact in our society, ultimately. I am not knocking the large experiences, and I think that for some people, they are not just appropriate, but life-enhancing." - Dr. Maya Shetreat.
For an even gentler introduction, Dr. Shetreat offers Quantum Drops, a vibrational medicine made from the "music" of psychedelic plants like psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and San Pedro cactus. These legal, non-psychoactive drops offer a way to build a relationship with these master plant teachers.
"Quantum Drops are also on my website or at quantumdrops.com," says Dr. Shetreat.
[signup]
The Future of Psychedelic Exploration
As the exploration of psychedelics continues to gain momentum, Dr. Shetreat remains optimistic about the future of these modalities while emphasizing the need for education, responsible use, and respect for the indigenous traditions from which much of this knowledge originates.
"I think it's going to unfold, hopefully in a really good way, but I think it's going to depend on people being educated, knowing how to engage, because things are always going to go a little sideways when something powerful comes into the modern medical model." - Dr. Maya Shetreat.
With researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders like Dr. Shetreat at the forefront, the exploration of psychedelics is poised to support countless lives and influence our approach to mental health, addiction, and a vast array of other conditions.
"It can be life-changing, and it can be life-enhancing if you come into it in the right way," affirms Dr. Shetreat.
For those seeking to explore the potential of psychedelic medicine, Dr. Shetreat's wisdom serves as an invaluable guide, reminding us to approach these ancient master plant teachers with reverence, preparation, and an open mind and heart.
%201.svg){kind=logo}
