Television enters all living rooms, and therefore a good documentary can reach many people and provide them with information they did not already have. In recent years, more and more fine documentaries have been made about the effects and possibilities of psychedelics. This clearly shows that people with mental and psychosomatic disorders can benefit greatly from these resources.

So you can see in From shock to awe that Ayahuasca could help with PTSD, learn more about the wonderful world of fungi in Fantastic Fungi and learn more about different psychedelics and their uses in each episode of How to change your mind. We think it’s good for people to get a more open mind about psychedelics. If you too want to learn more, see if any of the following documentaries are for you.

1. Fantastic Fungi

Fungi are one of the most mysterious organisms on earth. In Fantastic Fungi, you are taken on a journey through the magical world of mushrooms. With beautiful images, the place of fungi in the world is made clear. Experts will be interviewed, such as noted mycologist Paul Stamets. He explains that mushrooms can do an enormous amount for humans: they can help clean up oil spills and cure mental illness. The healing powers of psilocybin are also discussed. Fantastic Fungi can be seen on Netflix.

2. From Shock to Awe

In this wonderful documentary about psychedelics, see the journey of two U.S. military veterans. They both suffer from depression and have been diagnosed with PTSD. They sought help in the mainstream, but to no avail. So now they will take a different path. The two men participate in an ayahuasca ceremony over a weekend. This remedy is widely used by people seeking healing and personal growth.

Ayahuasca is a drink that contains DMT. When you take it, you can have visions, your emotions are heightened and you can have spiritual experiences. The two soldiers go home after the weekend and try to integrate this special experience into their daily lives. Furthermore, this docu also discusses the futility of war and raises questions about the pharmaceutical industry.

From shock to awe is not currently showing in the Netherlands.

3. Neurons to Nirvana

Anyone interested in learning more about the legal, political and cultural aspects surrounding the use of mind-altering substances should watch this documentary on psychedelics. Neurons to Nirvana examines the history of five powerful substances: LSD, ayahuasca, MDMA, cannabis and psilocybin. Several influential scientists, writers and psychologists are interviewed in the film. They explain what they think about the potential of psychedelics in the treatment of mental and physical disorders.

Neurons to Nirvana is available on Google Play.

4. The Last Shaman

In The Last Shaman, you follow the journey of James Freeman, a young American man. He struggles with clinical depression. He has been in therapy for years and also takes medication. Now he has decided to go to a traditional shaman in South America. Here he takes part in an ayahuasca ceremony. His healing journey takes several months, during which he travels from shaman to shaman. He finds friendship and answers in the Peruvian jungle. The documentary also provides further insight into what to look for when looking for someone to do an ayahuasca ceremony.

The Last Shaman is unfortunately not currently showing in the Netherlands.

5. How To Change Your Mind

This documentary about psychedelics is based on Michael Pollan’s book of the same name. With this documentary, he delves into the history, research and effects of mind-altering drugs. He gives a clear, rational and reliable picture of what psychedelics actually are. Each episode (there are 4) deals with a drug: LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and mescaline. The documentary is very complete and explains what psychedelics can mean in terms of consciousness, addiction, depression, transcendence and dying.

You can watch How to change your mind on Netflix.

6. A New Understanding: The Science of Psilocybin

This documentary covers the science behind psilocybin and the research into its potential to treat serious conditions such as depression and anxiety. There are several doctors who have revived this research in the last 20 years, now that the restrictions surrounding this mind-altering substance have been lifted. The documentary follows two terminal cancer patients undergoing psilocybin assisted therapy. They explain what this has meant for their lives.

The Science of Psilocybin can be seen on Apple TV and YouTube.

Do you suffer from mental or emotional symptoms yourself? For severe symptoms, it is important to always seek help from a doctor or therapist. You can try taking mind-altering drugs (possibly under the guidance of a therapist). Check out our shop for options, we offer magic mushroom grow kits and magic truffles. Always be careful and keep a close eye on your own health.