More than 180 species of “magic” mushrooms produce the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When you ingest psilocybin, your gut converts it into another chemical called psilocin, which triggers changes in the brain. It increases activity in the visual cortex, leading to changes in perception; it decreases network activity in the “Default Mode Network,” driving the experience of ego loss; and it increases connectivity among different regions of the brain. Researchers believe it’s the combination of these effects that makes psilocybin an effective tool for combating depression and addiction, for which research shows support.
Psychedelics work more directly, by mimicking serotonin. This means that one of their main effects is to stimulate a serotonin receptor called “5-HT2A” located in the prefrontal cortex.
Stimulating the 5-HT2A receptor leads to two important results:
Psychedelics also cause parts of the brain that don’t usually communicate with one another… to communicate with one another! These unique connections are formed by dampening the activity of an often over-used part of our brain called the “Default Mode Network” (DMN). [4]
It’s possible that a highly active DMN causes us to ruminate, over-analyze ourselves, and constantly step out of the present moment to question the past and the future.
This helps explain why these substances could be used to combat depression and anxiety, and also lead to insights and creative perspectives that otherwise remain inaccessible to us.
– Content from Science Insider and The Third Wave
Microdosing is the act of consuming sub-perceptual – unnoticeable – amounts of a psychedelic substance. Many individuals who have integrated microdosing psilocybin mushrooms into their weekly routine report higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills. A microdose ranges from 50mg-200mg. Take a mushroom microdose on Day 1. Then do not take a microdose on Day 2 or Day 3. Then, take another mushroom microdose on Day 4.
The riskiest thing about microdosing is its potentially illegal nature. Always be aware of your local laws and don’t undertake any illegal activities.
The first ever controlled, double-blind study of microdosing LSD and psilocybin suggests that the practice is more effective than a placebo and that it is safe.
Still unknown, however, are the effects that frequent microdosing could have on the body. This is why we recommend microdosing for no longer than a few months at a time.
One thing is for certain – with microdosing, there is no risk of having a “bad trip” or experiencing intense psychedelic effects. Taking a microdose is the ideal way to be introduced to psychedelics safely and comfortably.
Psilocybin is often referred to as a premium nootropic, meaning it has numerous functions in the brain that can improve the health of the hippocampus, or the part of the brain that is responsible for learning and converting short-term memory to long-term memory.
Psilocybin can help the hippocampus form new cells, which can, in turn, lead to what scientists call “the extinction of trace fear conditioning”. Conditioned fear response is common in individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
By inducing courage and kindness in one’s self, psilocybin can help to overcome fear response, depression, anxiety, and the symptoms of other mental health conditions, while also improving cognition and creativity, and potentially regenerating neurons associated with vision and hearing.
As per The Third Wave:
To reduce the frequency and intensity of undesirable states caused by various forms of mental illness including:
or,
To increase the frequency and intensity of desirable states/outcomes:
Reported benefits of microdosing include:
For those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, mood disorders and/or addiction (to name a few), microdosing can create a number of positive changes.
Clinical research has shown that larger doses of psychedelics are effective at treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. Anecdotal evidence backs up the idea that a regular microdosing regimen can also have healing benefits for sufferers of various mental health conditions:
