Two small studies have indicated that the psychedelic drug found in the so-called “magic mushrooms” can effectively help treat symptoms like anxiety and depression in cancer patients.

The studies, involving less than three dozen patients, also suggested that the substance, known as psilocybin or shrooms, can treat symptoms quickly and the effect may last for months.

Dr. Craig Blinderman, of the Columbia University Medical Center/N.Y.-Presbyterian Hospital, said their studies showed “very impressive” results.

Dinah Bazer, a resident of New York who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010 at the age of 63, confirmed that the drug helped her in winning over anxiety.

When asked for a comment, Bazer said, “It really changed everything for me. And I still do not have anxiety about the cancer coming back.”

However, the researchers stressed that nobody should try the drug on his/her own as it could be risky. The drug is currently illegal in the United States, and if the government approves it the treatment, it would only be administered to patients in clinics by especially trained staff.

The researchers reported their findings in the most recent edition of the Journal of Psychotherapy.