Hip hop, magic mushrooms could help cure depression

Two recent pieces of research have in turn suggested that hip hop and magic mushrooms could be used to treat depression.

According to Vice, scientists are exploring the possibility that the psychedelic properties of magic mushrooms could help to combat depression, anxiety and stress by testing the effects of its active chemical - psilocybin - on the brain.

So far, the results are unproven but preliminary trials on some cancer patients in the US, who have been suffering from serious anxiety because of their illness, suggest the use of the drug helps.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph reports that psychiatrists at Cambridge University have been testing the power of hip-hop music on people who are depressed or mentally ill.

Writing in The Lancet Psychiatry researchers suggest that listening to songs that tackle "hardships" and "struggle", themes both prevalent in hip-hop, help patients overcome their own problems.

Hip-hop artists use their skills and talents not only to describe the world they see, but also as a means of breaking free.

There’s often a message of hope in amongst the lyrics, describing the place where they want to be - the cars they want to own, the models they want to date.

• Dr Akeem Sule, University of Cambridge

The songs the team at Cambridge recommend listening to are:

The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Juicy by Notorious B.I.G.

Lady Heroin by J Flexx

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