Sarah Brown
Medicinal mushroom tinctures are becoming increasingly popular, with over 700 species of mushroom known to contain bioactive compounds. The number of grams of mushrooms used to make a tincture varies depending on the desired potency and concentration. Typically, a ratio is used, such as 1:2 or 1:3, indicating one gram of dried mushrooms for every two or three millilitres of liquid. For example, a tincture with a ratio of 1:3 would be more potent and concentrated than one with a ratio of 1:6. Other factors that influence the number of grams of mushrooms used include the type of mushroom, the extraction method, and personal preference. Some recipes call for 50 grams of mushrooms, while others use up to 475 grams for a stronger tincture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common dose | 1 to 2 grams of dried mushrooms |
| Low dose | 0.5 to 1 gram |
| Medium dose | 2 to 3 grams |
| Classic psychedelic experience | 2.5 to 5 grams |
| Heroic dose | 5 grams or more |
| Microdose | 0.1 to 0.9 grams |
| Average psilocybin content | 1% psilocybin per 1 gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushroom |
| Cost | $5 per gram |
| Consumption methods | Eaten raw or dried, mixed with food or brewed into tea |
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What You'll Learn
- Microdosing: Consuming 0.1-0.9 grams of mushrooms for subtle effects without a full psychedelic experience
- Low dose: 0.5-1 gram of dried mushrooms, with noticeable effects
- Medium dose: 2-3 grams, likely to cause psychedelic effects but with some ability to function
- Classic psychedelic experience: 2.5-5 grams, causing kaleidoscope visuals, synesthesia, and ego dissolution
- Heroic dose: Over 5 grams of dried mushrooms, potentially causing a complete loss of the sense of self
Microdosing: Consuming 0.1-0.9 grams of mushrooms for subtle effects without a full psychedelic experience
Microdosing involves consuming small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin mushrooms, with the intention of enhancing mental health, creativity, and overall well-being without experiencing the full psychedelic effects. The standard psilocybin microdose is generally around 200 mg (0.2 grams), but it's important to note that this amount may vary depending on factors such as the potency of the mushrooms, individual body weight, and sensitivity. It is always recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to find the optimal dosage for your specific needs.
When it comes to consuming mushrooms, the effects can vary depending on the dosage. A dose of 0.5 to 1 gram of dried mushrooms, such as the common cubensis strain, is considered a low dose that can produce noticeable effects. However, it's important to distinguish this from a microdose, as they serve different purposes. A microdose is typically a smaller amount, falling within the range of 0.1 to 0.9 grams, and is intended to provide subtle effects without inducing a full psychedelic experience.
At higher doses, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms become more pronounced. A medium dose of 2 to 3 grams can lead to psychedelic effects while still allowing individuals to walk around and maintain their sense of self. Increasing the dose further, a range of 2.5 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms will induce classic psychedelic experiences with kaleidoscope visuals, sensory and perceptual changes, synesthesia, cognitive alterations, and even ego dissolution.
It is crucial to approach microdosing with caution and responsibility. While it is generally considered safe when practiced responsibly, it is essential to start with low doses, follow a structured microdosing schedule, and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing mental health conditions. Additionally, the legality of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on your location, so it is imperative to research and understand the local laws and regulations before considering microdosing.
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Low dose: 0.5-1 gram of dried mushrooms, with noticeable effects
A low dose of dried mushrooms typically falls in the range of 0.5 to 1 gram. At this dosage, you can expect noticeable effects without a full-blown psychedelic experience. The specific effects may vary depending on the mushroom strain and individual factors. However, you may experience enhanced sensory perception, such as seeing more vibrant colours, and a feeling of euphoria. This dosage range is often recommended as a starting point for those new to psychedelic mushrooms.
It's important to note that the effects of mushrooms can vary between individuals and depend on factors such as the mushroom species and its psilocybin content. Psilocybe cubensis, for example, typically contains around 0.5% to 1% psilocybin, which equates to about 1 mg of psilocybin per gram of dried mushrooms. However, the psilocybin content can vary not only between species but also between samples of the same species. Therefore, it's essential to be cautious and start with lower dosages to gauge the effects.
When measuring mushroom dosages, it's recommended to use a scale for accuracy. However, if a scale is not available, you can estimate the dosage using measuring spoons. One level teaspoon is approximately equivalent to 1 gram. It's worth mentioning that consuming mushrooms without a scale can be risky due to the potential for inaccurate dosing.
While a low dose of 0.5 to 1 gram may not induce intense psychedelic effects, it can still provide a noticeable shift in perception. At this dosage, you may experience enhanced sensory experiences, such as brighter colours and heightened sounds. Some individuals also report a sense of euphoria and a feeling of mushiness associated with the mushrooms. It's important to remember that the effects of mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as individual physiology, mindset, and the environment in which they are consumed.
As with any substance, it's crucial to approach mushroom consumption with caution and responsibility. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing, if desired, allows you to become familiar with the effects and minimize potential risks. Additionally, it's recommended to consume mushrooms in a safe and comfortable setting, preferably with someone to supervise or provide support if needed.
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Medium dose: 2-3 grams, likely to cause psychedelic effects but with some ability to function
A medium dose of magic mushrooms typically ranges from 2.0 to 3.0 grams. At this dosage, you will likely experience psychedelic effects while still maintaining some ability to function. You may find yourself able to walk around and hold a conversation, although your perception of your surroundings may be altered.
The effects of a medium dose can include sensory and perceptual changes, such as kaleidoscope visuals with eyes open or closed, and synesthesia, where the senses blend, allowing you to hear colours or taste sounds. You may also experience cognitive changes and ego dissolution, a partial loss of your sense of self. However, the intensity of these effects can vary depending on various factors, including the species and strain of mushrooms, the freshness of the fungi, and your individual mental state.
It is important to note that the psilocybin content in mushrooms can range from 0.5% to 2% per gram, so the potency of your mushrooms will influence the dosage required to achieve the desired effects. For example, with mushrooms containing 1% psilocybin, a dose of 2.5 grams would be considered a medium dose, providing 25 mg of psilocybin.
When consuming medium doses of magic mushrooms, it is recommended to start slowly and in a familiar environment with trusted people. This is because the experience can be intense, and your state of mind can significantly impact your journey. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that you obtain your mushrooms from a trusted source and are aware of the specific species and strain you are consuming.
While magic mushrooms have a favourable safety profile compared to other psychedelics, it is always important to exercise caution and start with lower doses to gauge your tolerance and comfort level before increasing the dosage.
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Classic psychedelic experience: 2.5-5 grams, causing kaleidoscope visuals, synesthesia, and ego dissolution
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms vary depending on the dosage, species, and strain. The average psilocybin content is around 1% per gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushroom. However, the psilocybin content between species and strains can range from 0.5% to 2% per gram. Therefore, the dosage required to achieve a desired effect may vary depending on the specific type of mushroom.
A classic psychedelic experience can be achieved by consuming 2.5 to 5 grams of dried mushrooms. At this dosage, individuals may experience kaleidoscope visuals with eyes closed or open, sensory and perceptual changes, synesthesia (such as hearing colours or tasting sounds), cognitive changes, and ego dissolution. Synesthesia blends the senses, resulting in experiences such as audio-visual synesthesia, where individuals may see colours or patterns when hearing sounds. This dosage may also induce a sense of unity, spiritual experience, blissful state, insightfulness, disembodiment, impaired control and cognition, anxiety, and complex or elementary imagery.
It is important to note that the effects of psychedelic mushrooms are not solely determined by dosage but also by individual factors. Each person's experience with psychedelic mushrooms is unique and can be influenced by their mental state, environment, and body's preparedness for the fungi. Additionally, the freshness of the fungi can also play a role in the intensity of the experience.
A "heroic dose," as coined by Terrence McKenna, refers to doses exceeding 5 grams of dried mushrooms or approximately 50 mg of psilocybin. This high dosage may result in a complete loss of the sense of self, often referred to as "ego dissolution" or "ego death," and the inability to think or make decisions. This level of cognitive impairment requires careful preparation and supervision to ensure the safety of the individual.
Before consuming psychedelic mushrooms, it is crucial to be in a comfortable, familiar, and safe setting. It is recommended to avoid media such as violent video games, news, pornography, and social media for a day or more before consuming mushrooms to ensure a positive mindset. Additionally, it is important to start with lower doses and gradually increase the dosage to find the ideal amount for your desired experience.
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Heroic dose: Over 5 grams of dried mushrooms, potentially causing a complete loss of the sense of self
A 'heroic dose' of mushrooms, as coined by Terence McKenna, refers to doses of over 5 grams of dried mushrooms, or roughly 50 mg of psilocybin. This is a huge dose that may cause a complete loss of the sense of self, also known as "ego dissolution" or "ego death", and the ability to think or make decisions. The psychedelic effects of a heroic dose may include kaleidoscope visuals, sensory and perceptual changes, synesthesia, cognitive changes, and a distorted perception of time.
The term 'heroic' may be misleading, as psychedelics are not without their dangers, and it is important to weigh the risks before taking such a large dose. While there is little research on the psychological impact of taking such a high dose of mushrooms, macrodoses of psilocybin (typically between 1 to 3.5 grams) have been associated with positive subjective effects, lessened anxiety, and a more positive outlook on life. These positive effects have been observed in healthy volunteers through the States of Consciousness Questionnaire (SOCQ) and the PEQ, a 143-item questionnaire that seeks information regarding changes in attitudes, mood, behaviour, relationships, and spiritual experiences.
It is important to note that the strength and effects of different mushroom species can vary. The active ingredients of magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, can range from 0.5% to 1% of the dry weight of dried mushrooms. Mushroom caps usually have higher psilocybin levels than stems. Additionally, the dosage of mushrooms is just one factor in how strong the effects will be. Other factors include the freshness of the fungi, the individual's current mental state, and their body's preparedness for the fungi.
Before consuming a heroic dose of mushrooms, careful preparation and supervision are necessary to ensure safety. It is recommended to choose a comfortable, familiar, and safe setting, as the environment and state of mind can significantly impact the experience. It is also advised to avoid using magic mushrooms if one is in a negative or stressful mindset.
While some individuals have reported positive experiences with heroic doses, such as resolving emotional issues and having a sense of being one part of a complete organism, it is important to approach such high doses with caution and to consider the potential risks involved.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the type of mushroom and its compounds. For example, a tincture made from lion's mane mushrooms will require a different amount of mushrooms than one made from chaga mushrooms. Additionally, the desired concentration of the tincture will also impact the amount of mushrooms needed. As a general guideline, a ratio of 1:2 or 1:4 of mushroom to liquid is often used, with the liquid being a combination of alcohol and water.
The amount of alcohol and water used in a mushroom tincture can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the desired concentration. A common practice is to dehydrate the mushroom fruiting bodies and soak them in alcohol for an extended period, typically around two weeks to one month. The ratio of alcohol to water can range from 1:2 to 3:1, depending on the solubility of the compounds being extracted. It is important to note that high-proof alcohol, typically around 190-proof to 200-proof, is used in tincture-making.
The soaking time for mushrooms in alcohol can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the desired potency of the tincture. A typical range is between two weeks and one month. It is important to note that longer soaking times may be required for certain mushrooms, especially those with non-water-soluble compounds like triterpenes and sterols, such as chaga and reishi mushrooms.
