CAN WE RESEARCH MAGIC?

While the science of psychedelics is similar in males and females, we focus on the impact specifically on female bodies. As has been discovered across clinical trials since the 1990s, when women were finally included, women are not “little men.” The psychology, symptomology, seasonality / cyclicality, and physicality of women are all different than that of their male counterparts. Some studies can be universally applied but across most humans, but others simply cannot.

We aim to collate and collect data to improve the current library of research available focused on women specifically. Some has already been conducted, some in progress, and some will be at a future date - we intend to be at the forefront.

Of special note when researching women’s bodies are patterns or illnesses completely unique to women, and the treatments surrounding them. Examples include: pregnancy, menstrual cycles, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and postpartum depression.

It is also important to pay attention to conditions or situations that are more prevalent for women for various reasons, like chronic illnesses and fatigue, stress, sexual abuse, eating disorders, and generalized anxiety and depression.

We believe that ancient wisdom of plant medicines, combined with modern science, can create a potent combination. These medicines are extremely powerful if used correctly, but can be extremely misguided in the wrong hands. Like anything, the dose makes the poison and it is important to treat these compounds with respect, and to also note the uniqueness of all compounds and all people. Every person is an “n of 1” and no blanket protocol will work for everyone at all times. Not everything made in nature is meant for human consumption either, as one can observe if they have ever come across poison berries in the woods. Everything has spiritual and physical significance, but humans are not a part of every story.

We do want to be clear that we do NOT believe that these medicines are for everyone, and we also think a personalized approach will probably be necessary for certain situations. However, developing proven protocols will help to create a new standard of care outside of the current biopharma landscape. Importantly, those with serious imbalances or illnesses may not be good candidates yet, until we understand more deeply the pharmacology and physiology at play. There is so much about the human brain and its manifestations that modern science does not fully understand. When we look at energetic and spiritual explanations, there is a lot of wisdom to be gained but also a lot of demystifying to do.

We do not shame recreational use here and we see a place for plant medicines in many different facets of life - spiritual, energetic, medical, and many more. However, we will focus mostly on research studies here, and combine that information with these other elements where it makes sense to do so. Because of the origins of these plants, it is impossible to fully separate the science from other uses (although society will try).

We also do not advocate for big pharma to own these medicines - like many other areas in healthcare, it becomes messy when they get involved. We aim to work with policymakers and scientists, along with the spiritual community, to build a landscape where these medicines are widely available at low cost, in settings that make sense. Everything in life is nuanced, and this is no exception.