
A Basic Guide to Microdosing Mushrooms: Benefits, Protocols, and Dosage Recommendations
Microdosing mushrooms has gained significant attention for its potential to enhance mental well-being, creativity, and emotional balance. Unlike consuming full psychedelic doses, microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual amounts of psilocybin, meaning users experience subtle benefits without hallucinations or significant impairment.
Potential Benefits of Microdosing Mushrooms
While research on microdosing is still in its early stages, studies and anecdotal reports suggest several key benefits:
1. Enhanced Mood and Emotional Resilience
• A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that psilocybin can promote neuroplasticity, potentially aiding in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
2. Improved Focus and Creativity
• Microdosing has been linked to enhanced problem-solving and creativity, as shown in a 2021 study from Nature: Scientific Reports.
3. Reduction in Anxiety and Stress
• Users report feeling more emotionally grounded and less reactive to stress, possibly due to the calming effects of psilocybin on the brain’s default mode network.
4. Enhanced Social Connection
• Psilocybin has been noted to increase feelings of empathy and connectedness, which can improve relationships.
Microdosing has also been noted to have a wide range of anecdotal benefits that are still not fully understood, such as support with cluster headaches, pain management, menstrual cramps, flow state for artists, athlete performance, learning enhancement, and much more. New interesting use cases continue to emerge.
Popular Microdosing Protocols
Microdosing typically follows structured schedules to maximize benefits while minimizing tolerance buildup. Here are the most common protocols:
1. The Fadiman Protocol (what we usually recommend)
• Take a microdose every third day:
Dose Day → Rest Day → Rest Day.
• Created by psychologist Dr. James Fadiman, this protocol allows for observation of effects on the off days.
2. The Stamets Stack
• Mycologist Paul Stamets recommends combining psilocybin with lion’s mane mushroom (for neurogenesis) and niacin (to improve absorption).
• Protocol: Dose for 4 consecutive days, then take 3 days off.
• Some choose to not include niacin based on the discomfort the flushing effect has on some.
3. The 1:1 Protocol
• Take a microdose every other day.
• This schedule is simpler and effective for those who want a consistent rhythm.
>NOTE: The idea with any schedule is to give your receptors time to bounce back and reset, so including some sort of break between dosing is advised. Intuitive dosing is usually where most people end up after a while. Where you take a dose on day one and wait until your body feels it’s time for your next dose, opposed to a set regime. Most also choose to take breaks after a few weeks or months of microdosing to come back to baseline before deciding whether to embark on another round of microdosing.
Dosage Recommendations
A typical microdose of psilocybin mushrooms is around 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms. The exact dose depends on the mushroom strain and individual sensitivity:
• Beginner: Start with 0.1g to gauge your body’s reaction. Some whom are sensitive might even need less than this. On average 0.1-0.15 are where many people tend to gravitate towards for dosing.
• Moderate: Increase gradually to 0.2g if no effects are perceived.
• Tolerant: Some individuals go up to 0.3g, but higher doses may lead to mild perceptual changes.
Important Considerations
1. Legality: Psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal in many places. Check local laws before use as use of these mushrooms are at your own risk.
2. Health Risks: Consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing mental health conditions.
3. Intentional Use: Keep a journal to track dosage, effects, and emotional shifts. Some choose to create small rituals around their use with setting intentions or meditating for a short while. Keeping a journal helps you reflect back over passing weeks to notice any subtle and incremental shifts you might experience. Microdosing tends to show results gradually over time, opposed to deep journeys which are one powerful experience. It’s good to keep track so you can be more aware of the shifts as they happen.
Microdosing mushrooms is an emerging practice with promising potential for improving mental and emotional health. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its long-term effects. If you’re considering microdosing, start small, follow a structured protocol, and prioritize safety.
PsySocSA
Comments