The Psilocybin Handbook for Women: How Magic Mushrooms, Psychedelic Therapy, and Microdosing Can Benefit Your Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health

by Jennifer Chesak

Check out the Benjamin Franklin Award-winning resource for women interested in harnessing the power of psilocybin, AKA magic mushrooms—from how to microdose and trip sit (yes, that's a thing) to understanding the latest psychedelic research—all in a decidedly bro-free format.

If you’re looking for mushroom mansplaining, you’ve come to the wrong book. The Psilocybin Handbook for Women is a resource for everyone, although it features information specific to those assigned female at birth—because psychedelics may have different effects and applications across the sexes.

This informative guidebook is packed full with everything you need to know about psilocybin, including its history, potential medicinal and recreational benefits, the latest evidence-based research, how to microdose and trip sit, and more. With The Psilocybin Handbook for Women, you’ll also get the answers to some of your most pressing questions,
Does psilocybin affect women differently? Does it matter where I am in my cycle when I use psilocybin? Can psilocybin help with menstrual migraines, endometriosis, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Will psilocybin boost my sex life? Do hormones have an impact on the entourage effect? What the heck is the entourage effect? And more!
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned psychonaut, this research-backed guide will help you successfully navigate the world of magic mushrooms.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Womens

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

Jennifer Chesak is an award-winning freelance science and medical journalist, editor, and fact-checker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Healthline, Verywell Health, Health, Better Homes and Gardens, Greatist, Parents, mindbodygreen, Levels, B*tch, Sleep.com, and more. Her coverage focuses on chronic health issues, medical rights, health care, harm reduction, and the scientific evidence around health and wellness trends, including cannabis and psychedelics.

Jennifer earned her master of science in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill. She currently teaches in the journalism and publishing programs at Belmont University, leads various workshops at the literary nonprofit The Porch, and serves as the managing editor for the literary magazine SHIFT. In her free time, Jennifer, who is originally from North Dakota, can be found covered in mud out on a trail run or in her garden. Find her work at jenniferchesak.com and follow her on socials @jenchesak.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interviewed for the making of this book and so was eager to read it to see if the book aligned with my values around psychedelic therapy, and am pleased to say that it did. While the book didn't provide me with any novel information, it is a great starter book for someone who knows little information about psilocybin. It is a short and easy read, and reads easily like a guide where you can skip to relevant sections and get the information you are seeking in an easy to digest form. The topics are briefly covered but the author points to where you can learn more if you are seeking further information. I also appreciate the author's various notes about safety concerns. It can be easy to write a book that glorifies psilocybin, because it really can be such a magical thing, but it's important to note the various potentials for harm with use of this substance, particularly by those who are in power and who control the population's access to the medication. While safety notes are always brief, they are frequently noted in relevant sections, and the book ends with an important reminder of why psychedelics should be used as "great unifiers and not meant for self-gain".

As explained by the author, the book is "for women" because it contains information related to women's health and with the intention of guiding females who are new to psychedelics into this first journey, however the information is relevant for all genders who are interested in learning more about psilocybin.

[Layna T]

I could imagine this being very helpful for first-time psychedelic users, but as a somewhat experienced user, it wasn’t super enlightening. it’s not the author’s fault, but a lot of the content of this book is “further research is needed.” but I’m glad this book exists and there’s a space for women + psychedelics. The last chapter on how JP Morgan’s VP was “the first white man” to try psychedelics by tricking indigenous people was probably the most interesting part for me. I’d like to read a book on that!

onward to a respectful + culturally aware psychedelic renaissance ☮️

[Karlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How women use and experience psychedelics is a worthy book topic, but this author was a bit too casual for my liking.

For someone who is presenting herself as a medical journalist discussing psychoactive substances that can have life-altering affects on people’s minds and bodies, she’s a bit too lackadaisical and silly with the tone she takes. At no point do I want anyone representing themselves as someone with medical knowledge to use the phrase “high AF” -not in the context of quoting someone, it’s a phrase she, the author, chose to use- and expect me to take them seriously. I recognize that she’s trying to keep the tone of the book a bit casual and friendly (it is for beginners after all) but she takes it too far. If you're trying to legitimize mushrooms and present them as a valid medical treatment, then the language used should reflect that. More medically-appropriate language would have done a lot to legitimize this as a potential treatment option and it would have given more weight to what the author was trying to say.

That said, I would recommend this to people curious about psychedelic substances. It does a great job combining current research with the lived experiences of women who have used psychedelics. There’s an entire chapter devoted to consent and sexuality, which is so important for women and newbies to mind-altering substances to consider so that their experience is safe.

[Jessie harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. I approached this book with little knowledge besides the clinical trials currently conducting for mushroom use in veterans with PTSD.

In a no-nonsense, fun, and straightforward way this medical journalist and fact-checker builds a case for psilocybin use.

Covering important topics such as consent, safety, current trials and individual experiences of psilocybin use for individuals assigned female at birth.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is meticulously researched and expertly presented, making the psilocybin world feel accessible to this newbie. I appreciated the book’s emphasis on the holistic approach to mental health and well-being. This is a great resource for women (and men!) seeking to understand the transformative potential of psilocybin.

[Lana Pribic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I wanted it to be: well researched, fun and accessible. Bravo! Great introduction to mushroom medicine but also engaging if you’re well versed.

[Janine R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer

I’m not advocating recreational drug use.

With that out of the way I would say that this book was a very intriguing read and has aroused curiosity on the therapeutic elements of psilocybin which could very well be pivotal in the treatment and management of many ailments.

There seems great benefit to self development also.

In America it seems that there a places where it is decriminalised to use it therapeutically but in the UK… I think it would be quite illegal although I’d have to check that out because I don’t know that much about psilocybin.

An intriguing book that I recommend if this subject matter interests you.

[Mallory Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and informative. I really appreciated the authors "chose your own adventure" choice for the book! I found myself not feeling guilty skipping past sections that really didn't apply to me (ie: parenting). I'd definitely recommend this to someone interested in scratching the surface of mushrooms!

[Nicki Pappas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Psilocybin Handbook for Women was engaging, informative, and accessible. Jennifer Chesak answered every question I could think of about the use of this particular form of plant medicine, as well as plenty of questions I didn’t even know I had. I have recommended it often, refer to it often, and will continue to do so.

[Natalie Petley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook
A really great book to go over the basics of Psilocybin use for women. I was hoping for more concrete information but as the author says, there's not enough research on womens health in general and even less on the effects of Psilocybin use on women. Still a really great book to go over the basics.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book unfortunately didn't have information I didn't already know. Like you and your research, I read everything I could get my hands on prior to my journey. Despite what the naysayers wish to put out there, it was the best decision I ever made in regards to my healing!

[Bell Of The Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're brand new to this path, this is the perfect starting point.
She's very informative, done lots of research, and has shared it all with us.
Some parts get a tad scientific, but you can skip around to areas of interest and not be lost.

[Polina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, a good introduction to what psilocybin is. I would say it’s good for anyone who wants to learn more about it and how to take it. Made me wanted to give it a try someday when I might have an opportunity

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great and informative read! I loved how it was laid out and encouraged to jump around if you desire.

[Gabrielle Jarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible primer on the benefits of micro dosing psilocybin. Yes written for women. Men can read and extrapolate (as women have for decades).
I am thrilled micro dosing is on the rise!

[Sadaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked how detailed and accessible this was to read.

[Sophie Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative but I was left wanting more, plus I was hoping for a lot more around microdosing! Still a great read though!

[Grace B · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not nearly as much information on microdosing as I wanted, very trip focused, lots that I already knew but I appreciated the facts+sources