Today, people turn to mushrooms for their recreational value and the purported cognitive benefits, such as enhanced concentration and creativity.
And it is not necessary to take a large dose. Others are investigating the mental health benefits of microdosing, which involves taking minimal doses of psychedelic mushrooms. The benefits of microdosing Psilocybin appear to be endless: it may increase your energy, your creativity, your focus, your ability to connect with others on a deeper level, your mood, support for occasional stress, and so much more.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you’ve ever wanted to know about microdosing Psilocybin, including the benefits of magic mushrooms, how to dose Psilocybin properly, and the best microdosing techniques.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is the practice of ingesting extremely small quantities of psychoactive substances. A typical microdose involves administering less than one-tenth of the regular dose.
The purpose of microdosing is to test a substance without producing observable side effects. This makes microdosing a safe and non-threatening method for experiencing the benefits of a substance while avoiding its side effects. If microdosing results in positive and discernible benefits, the user can feel comfortable taking higher doses or using the substance more frequently.
Microdosing mushrooms have gained popularity for several reasons: they are safer, more cost-effective, and have fewer side effects.
Microdosing’s safety is one of the reasons for its rising popularity. It is not possible to overdose on a microdose of a substance, nor is it possible to sustain permanent health damage.
What are the Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin?
Microdosing Psilocybin can offer a wide range of benefits. These benefits range from increased creativity to improved focus and concentration. Psilocybin’s cognitive benefits are well-documented, and microdosing provides a way to experience these benefits without any negative side effects.
In addition to cognitive benefits, microdosing can also improve your mood and support stress relief. Magic mushrooms have shown to be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Mushroom microdose provides a way to experience the therapeutic benefits of Psilocybin without any of the negative side effects associated with traditional treatments, such as antidepressants.
What About ‘Macrodosing ‘?
A growing body of evidence suggests that a higher dose of mushrooms may significantly benefit treating anxiety.
This recent interest in mushrooms for mental health dates back to a small 2016 study exploring the benefits of Psilocybin for reducing anxiety and depression in cancer patients. After a single dose of Psilocybin, participants in the study exhibited significant improvements in:
- psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression
- feelings of despair and existential anguish
- Spiritual wellness
- standard of living
A research study in 2020 analyzed three studies that examined the relationship between depression and anxiety and life-threatening diseases such as cancer—these participants consumed between 0.2 and 0.4 milligrammes of synthetic Psilocybin per kilogramme of body weight.
The review authors found that Psilocybin appeared to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, enhance general well-being, and reduce death phobias.
Is it Risky? Is it Safe?
Psychedelics can be highly potent. Shroom microdose should not be combined with alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications.
Some professionals recommend avoiding all stimulants, including coffee. If you are taking prescription medications, wait three to four hours before microdosing. It is also essential for beginners to microdose in a comfortable environment. And maintain a positive attitude.
Existing evidence does not indicate that Psilocybin poses any significant risks. Due to their legal status, however, authentic psilocybin mushrooms are scarce. This motivates some individuals to gather them in the wild or purchase them from unfamiliar sources. Remember that some mushrooms are poisonous, and consuming them can result in severe illness or death.
Although psilocybin microdosing poses no significant health risks, there are a few potential side effects to consider:
- migraines or headaches
- dizziness
- pupil dilation
- nausea and vomiting
- increased sweating or body chills
- numbness
- overstimulation
- body tremors and muscle weakness
- irregular heart rate
- alterations in sleep, including increased fatigue and sleeping difficulties
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, psilocybin mushrooms are among the least toxic drugs, and severe physical side effects are extremely uncommon. In addition, they are unlikely to cause addiction because they affect serotonin rather than dopamine.
Microdoses of approximately 0.5 grammes and smaller macrodoses of roughly 2 to 3 grammes may be less likely to cause adverse side effects. There is no assurance that you will not experience adverse effects, as factors beyond the dosage you take can play a role.
These variables may include:
- previous use of mushrooms
- use of other substances or medications presently
- the strength of the mushrooms
- existing health concerns
In addition to physical side effects, specific individuals also experience paranoia or heightened anxiety. In conclusion, mushrooms may not necessarily be beneficial, and they may even make you feel worse.
Therefore, when trying mushrooms for anxiety, it is always advisable to work with a therapist who can monitor your mental health symptoms and treatment progress.
Even if you believe you no longer need prescription medication, you should seek professional advice before discontinuing it or adjusting your dosage.
The Bottom Line
Although experts have not yet concluded the benefits of mushrooms for anxiety, the available evidence is encouraging.
Keep in mind that psilocybin mushrooms are not effective for everyone. Even if they are effective, the results may not be permanent. Working with a therapist who has experience with psychedelic therapy and can help you explore anxiety triggers for longer-lasting relief is always the safest option.
