Could Psychedelics Be the Answer to Long COVID?

The COVID-19 pandemic may be winding down, but for millions around the world, its effects continue in the form of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS), commonly known as Long COVID. This condition, which affects roughly 13-15% of those who recover from the acute infection, brings with it a host of frustrating and often debilitating symptoms, including persistent fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (aka "brain fog"), sleep disturbances, and even loss of smell. To date, no approved treatments exist for PCS, leaving many sufferers searching for answers.

However, emerging research points to an unexpected potential remedy: psychedelics.

?? Free E-Book: Extraordinary Entheogenics ??

Curious about the world of entheogens? Unlock a deeper understanding with my free e-book, Extraordinary Entheogenics!

This 80-page illustrated guide explores 18 powerful entheogens, their traditional and modern uses, and the effects reported by those who have journeyed with them.

Download your copy now by following this link and entering your email: https://raefbaard.com/psychedelics

?

The Serotonin Connection

Recent studies suggest that serotonin depletion plays a major role in the development and persistence of PCS. This crucial neurotransmitter, best known for its role in mood regulation, also affects cognition, immune function, and gut health. Researchers have found that people with PCS exhibit significantly lower serotonin levels than those who recover without lingering symptoms. The depletion appears to be caused by multiple factors, including reduced tryptophan absorption in the gut, platelet hyperactivation, and increased serotonin breakdown. Given this discovery, treatments that target the serotonergic system could hold promise for alleviating Long COVID symptoms.

Enter serotonergic psychedelics—substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, DMT, and mescaline. These compounds primarily act on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, leading to profound effects on the brain and body. While best known for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness, their potential therapeutic applications are becoming increasingly clear.

How Psychedelics May Help

So, what makes psychedelics a promising avenue for PCS treatment? Researchers have identified several key ways in which they might alleviate Long COVID symptoms:

1. Reducing Inflammation?– PCS has been linked to chronic inflammation, and psychedelics have shown anti-inflammatory properties in both animal and human studies. By modulating the immune system, they may help reduce the lingering inflammatory response seen in PCS.
2. Enhancing Neuroplasticity?– Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction are among the most troubling symptoms of Long COVID. Psychedelics have been shown to promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and repair itself. This could help restore cognitive function and mitigate neurological impairments caused by PCS.
3. Improving Sleep and Mood?– Psychedelics have demonstrated the ability to enhance sleep quality and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are commonly reported by PCS patients. By resetting disrupted serotonin pathways, these compounds may help regulate sleep cycles and improve overall mental health.
4. Restoring Olfactory Function?– Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may aid in the recovery of lost or impaired senses, including smell, by promoting neural regeneration in affected pathways. Given that anosmia (loss of smell) is a hallmark symptom of Long COVID, this could be a particularly exciting area for future research.
5. Supporting Gut Health?– Since most of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, disruptions in gut function may contribute to PCS symptoms. Psychedelics, through their interactions with serotonin receptors in the gastrointestinal system, may help restore gut balance and improve overall well-being.

The Road Ahead

While the theoretical groundwork for using psychedelics to treat PCS is compelling, more research is needed. To date, only a handful of case reports and small studies have explored this potential, and large-scale clinical trials are required to determine safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing. That said, preliminary data and past research on psychedelics for other conditions—such as depression, PTSD, and chronic inflammation—suggest a promising future.

As interest in psychedelic medicine continues to grow, it’s possible that these compounds could become a novel treatment for Long COVID, offering hope to those who have been struggling for far too long. For now, continued scientific inquiry and open-minded exploration will be key to unlocking their full potential.

Could psychedelics be the missing piece in the Long COVID puzzle? Only time and research will tell, but the initial signs are intriguing.

Have Questions About Psychedelics? Let’s Talk!

Are you curious about how psychedelics might support your journey toward healing or personal growth? Book a 45-minute session with me for just $48.00, and let’s explore your questions and concerns in a safe, supportive space. Click Here

?