Sarah Brown
Microdosing mushrooms, also known as psilocybin, has gained popularity in recent years. Proponents of microdosing mushrooms believe that it can enhance mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and empathy. It is often used to support the healing of physical and emotional conditions such as sadness, anger, envy, isolation, and agitation. However, there is limited scientific research on the practice, and the evidence from recent studies is mixed. While some people report positive effects on mental health, others experience challenging outcomes such as physiological discomfort and increased anxiety. Researchers caution that people who microdose mushrooms are experimenting on themselves. The exact parameters of what constitutes a microdose vary, and the potency of mushrooms can differ greatly, making it difficult to determine the appropriate dosage. Nonetheless, the growing interest in microdosing mushrooms has led to a resurgence of scientific research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Enhances mood | Improved mood, brighter world |
| Enhances creativity | |
| Enhances concentration | Improved focus |
| Enhances productivity | Increased energy |
| Enhances ability to empathize with others | Improved social skills |
| Improved mental health | Reduced anxiety, depression, and stress |
| Improved cognition | Improved cognitive function |
| Improved wellness | Improved health |
| Safer alternative | Less high-inducing than a glass of wine or beer |
| Easier to consume | Microdoses are so small that they barely register a buzz |
| Easier to obtain | Foraged from forests |
| Easier to administer | Mushroom-infused honey, mushroom powder in capsules, mushroom-chocolate |
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What You'll Learn
To improve mood and mental health
Microdosing is the practice of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a psychedelic substance, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. According to media reports, microdosing has grown in popularity, yet there is minimal research on this practice.
Microdosing with psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been anecdotally reported to improve mood and mental health. A recent clinical trial found that microdosing with dried psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin improved mood and reduced anxiety and depression. The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin has shown promise in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Observational research has identified that microdoses of psilocybin typically range from 0.1 to 0.3 g of dried mushrooms. Microdosers who use psilocybin often combine it with other substances such as Lion's Mane mushrooms, which may also possess therapeutic effects. There is some evidence to suggest that Lion's Mane mushrooms could alleviate symptoms of depression and mild cognitive impairment.
While the evidence from recent studies is mixed, some people microdose mushrooms to improve their mood and mental health. However, researchers caution that people microdosing are "experimenting on themselves".
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To reduce anxiety and depression
Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms has gained popularity as a way to reduce anxiety and depression. While the use of psilocybin remains controversial and mostly illegal, a growing number of people are turning to microdosing as a form of self-medication to alleviate their mental health symptoms.
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has shown promise in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Regular doses of psilocybin can produce hallucinogenic effects and may also lead to unpleasant experiences, often referred to as "bad trips". On the other hand, microdosing involves consuming small amounts of psilocybin (around 10% of a regular dose) that do not induce hallucinations.
Several studies have found that microdosing psilocybin can improve cognitive function and enhance mood. A large study showed that individuals who microdosed psilocybin experienced improved mood and a greater reduction in anxiety, depression, and stress over a one-month period compared to those who did not microdose. Another study of 410 people from various countries found that microdoses of psychedelics were considered less effective than full doses but more effective than prescription medications in treating anxiety.
The mechanism behind the potential benefits of psilocybin in reducing anxiety and depression may be related to its impact on the serotoninergic system in the brain. Low or imbalanced levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety and depression. By acting on this system, psilocybin may help restore serotonin balance, thereby improving mood and reducing anxiety.
It is important to note that while microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may offer potential benefits for some individuals, it is not a cure-all solution for mental health issues. As with any substance, there are potential risks and side effects associated with psilocybin use, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the legality of psilocybin varies across different regions, and it is important to be aware of the legal status in one's specific location.
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To enhance focus and cognitive function
Microdosing is the practice of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a psychedelic substance, such as LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. According to media reports, microdosing has grown in popularity, yet there is minimal research on this practice.
Some people microdose mushrooms to enhance their focus and cognitive function. A study by Harm Reduction Journal found that 14.8% of 278 microdosers reported improved focus. Another study by Medical News Today found that microdosers experienced improved cognitive function.
In addition to enhancing focus and cognitive function, microdosing mushrooms have been reported to have other benefits. A study by Nature found that adults who microdose psychedelics report lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. The study also found that microdosers were more likely to report a history of mental health concerns. This is supported by a study by Harvard Health, which found that microdosers felt happier and more creative.
While there is some evidence to support the benefits of microdosing mushrooms, the research is limited and the experiences of microdosers have not been extensively categorized. Furthermore, the definition of microdosing varies, making consistent research difficult. For example, a medium-strength dose of psilocybin is 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms, while a microdose is typically around 0.3 grams. However, the exact parameters of what constitutes a microdose have yet to be firmly established.
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To increase energy and productivity
Microdosing with psilocybin-containing mushrooms has gained popularity for its supposed mental health benefits. Microdosing involves taking a fraction of a regular dose, typically between 5 to 10 percent of a full dose of a psychedelic substance. This means that the amount of psilocybin ingested does not produce hallucinogenic effects.
Some people who microdose mushrooms report that it helps them increase their energy and productivity. For example, a 30-year-old bartender from Seattle, Erin Royal, microdoses one or two times a week and claims that the drugs improve her mood, boost her creativity, and make the world seem brighter. She says, "It's akin to walking outside and the sun is suddenly out... It reminds you that you are a person who can feel positive things and notice things that are beautiful."
Stressed-out mothers have also formed a movement around microdosing mushrooms, claiming that it makes life easier and gives them more patience and ability to cope. They tout the mushrooms as safer and less high-inducing than a glass of wine or a beer.
There is some scientific evidence to support these claims. A clinical trial found that microdosing with dried psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin improved mood and reduced anxiety and depression. Another study of 4050 microdosers and 4653 non-microdosers found that among those with mental health concerns, microdosers exhibited lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress across gender.
However, the evidence on the benefits of microdosing is mixed. Some studies have found that the positive effects people experience may be a placebo effect or \"expectancy effect", where people feel happier and smarter simply because they expect to, regardless of what they have ingested. For example, in one randomized controlled study, participants who received psilocybin and those who received a placebo both reported feeling happier and more creative, with no objective evidence of improvements in creativity, well-being, and cognitive function.
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To ease conditions without inducing a high
Microdosing is the practice of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a psychedelic substance, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. It is typically defined by experts as taking 5 to 10 percent of a full dose of a psychedelic, usually LSD or psilocybin, as a way to get the supposed mental health benefits of the drug without the hallucinogenic high. The majority of people who microdose mushrooms do so to ease conditions including anxiety and depression, but not strong enough to induce a psychedelic condition.
A recent clinical trial found that microdosing with dried psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin improved mood and reduced anxiety and depression. Another study of 4050 microdosers and 4653 non-microdosers found that, among individuals reporting mental health concerns, microdosers exhibited lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress across gender.
The use of psychedelic substances at sub-sensorium ‘microdoses’ has gained popular academic interest for reported positive effects on wellness and cognition. However, the evidence from some recent studies is mixed. While there are some intriguing subjective effects (people felt happier and more creative), and even some changes in brain waves recorded on an EEG machine, they concluded that low-dose psilocybin mushrooms did not show objective evidence of improvements in creativity, well-being, and cognitive function.
Psilocybin is generally thought to be safe in low dosages and has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples. However, if one takes too large a dose, it can result in a terrifying—even traumatic—experience. Microdosers who use psilocybin often combine it with other substances such as the mushroom lion's mane, which may also possess therapeutic effects, and niacin, which is thought to improve the absorption of psilocybin.
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Frequently asked questions
People microdose mushrooms for their supposed mental health benefits, such as reduced anxiety and depression, without the hallucinogenic high.
Microdosing mushrooms are believed to improve mood, boost creativity, enhance focus, and reduce anxiety and depression.
The most commonly reported negative side effect of microdosing mushrooms is accidentally taking too much, which can cause inconvenience and physiological discomfort. Researchers also say that frequent repeated doses could stress the heart.
The typical dosage for microdosing mushrooms is between 0.1 and 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, with some people taking between 0.1 and 0.3 milligrams per dose.
The legality of microdosing mushrooms varies by jurisdiction. In some places, simple possession of mushrooms is still illegal, while in other places, it is unclear how much of a priority it is for law enforcement.
