The Evolutionary Process of Humanity Through Psilocybe

Abstract

Over the past two decades, a wide array of research has been conducted to elucidate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin on the human body and mind. One of the purposes of this article is to show no exclusive opposition between science and spirituality. For this purpose, it is important to reflect critically on the conceptual frameworks used (psychedelics, hallucinogens, entheogens, neurotropics, among others) but also on the role played by the psychoactive compounds involved in the evolutionary process, in this case, the psilocybin fungi. This research aims to inform, based on a bibliographic analysis, about the role that the fungi Psilocybe spp. have had in the evolution of humankind and to carry out a critical analysis of their cultural uses. One of the specific topics is to examine the role that the ritual and therapeutic uses of psilocybin mushrooms may have played in the development of language. For example, the cultural significance of songs, prayers, and incantations is expressed in the ritual and/or ceremonial use of language, which is seen as a means of contacting ancestors and sacred entities. This research aims to argue that the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms may have contributed to “expanding” the mind of our ancestors by exerting significant selective pressure on the evolution of human thought. Finally, we will explain some of the therapeutic potential that psilocybin has to treat various mental disorders through rituals, psychotherapies, and psychiatric treatments, among others.