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How to microdose medicinal mushrooms depends on many factors.
It is important to consider what will best support you, so we suggest taking the time to plan and prepare, especially if you are microdosing for the first time. Our intention is to share information to support your well-being, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and to keep you safe. Nothing written in this post is intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional.
How to microdose will depend on you and your specific needs and goals. Every person on this planet has different body chemistry, state of mind and state of emotions. In this post, you will find a step by step outline to help you understand the what’s and why’s of microdosing in a specific way.
First, it is important to consult your medical professional, especially if you have any existing medical and/or mental health condition. Safety first, always!
Next, determine your desired outcome. Many people have shared that the intention set prior to microdosing impacts the outcome of their experience. Learn more about Intention and Microdosing here. Your intention could be as simple as stating that you want to feel a certain way.
After you determine your intention, consider what kind of protocol you would like to follow. There are a few ways to do this and how you microdose depends on why you are microdosing.
Microdosing Protocols
If, for example, you are microdosing more casually or recreationally, you may use medicinal mushroom microdosing on an as-needed basis, for example before a project is due or prior to attending a social event.
If your reason to microdose is to support a specific ailment, symptom, or condition, you will want to find a cyclical approach that works well for you. With the Grassroots Medicinal microdose capsules, here is a typical suggested protocol:
- 1 capsule can be taken per day for 4 consecutive days
- Follow this by taking the 3 following days off
- Repeat this cycle
After one full cycle is completed, you can determine how to adjust to best support your well-being, needs and desired outcomes. This type of cyclical approach is beneficial for several reasons:
- helps avoid building tolerance and/or dependence on the substance, which prevents the need to increase the dosage
- provides a full experience during which one experiences their body, mind, and emotions both with and without the psychoactive substance
- offers the opportunity to witness the difference in one’s symptoms and condition
Here are 2 other common microdosing protocols:
- Stamets 5 days on, 2 days off
- Fadiman 1 day on, 2 days off
Safety is of the utmost importance while microdosing medicinal mushrooms. Be sure to ask questions about the sources of mushrooms, both psychoactive and non-psychoactive. Whenever possible, be sure to use organically grown mushrooms. The Grassroots Medicinal sources organic medicinal mushrooms.
No psychedelic substance should ever be used when you are emotionally or physically distraught.
If you are in a negative period of your life and decide to turn to drugs for an escape, then the odds will not likely work in your favour. Hallucinogens, especially psychedelics, are powerful substances that typically force the user to face their problems. Some may experience increased anxiety and possibly even paranoia if medicinal mushrooms are consumed during especially trying times.
If you have any pre-existing mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, it is highly recommended that you refrain from using such substances. Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you’re outdoors or doing physical activity like dancing. Try sipping some honey ginger tea to counteract any possible nausea during the come-up. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery while microdosing.
Do not use if pregnant and do not mix with other drugs, especially alcohol. Again, always consult your health care specialist before microdosing medicinal mushrooms.
Tips to Enhance the Microdosing Experience
For your first (few) times, be sure to have time and space to experience what is happening. It can help to journal after microdosing as well, as keeping a log can help you more deeply understand the benefits of your experience. Notice your senses and if anything has shifted.
Some also believe that taking extreme care of your physical wellness in advance of taking a microdose is also beneficial. Rest, nutrition, movement and hydration are all ways to support the body regularly, so it makes sense that doing this prior to microdosing would prepare the body for an optimal experience.
What is the experience like?
While some people experience little to no noticeable effects, some experience contentment and joy. Some of our clients have reported feeling “light, as if the edge or the fog has been lifted.” Some who feel heavy emotions may feel happier. Colours may appear slightly brighter and one or more of your senses may be sharper.
Many report a sense of openness, which has many benefits, at home, work, and in relationships. Psychedelics such as psilocybin have the potential to create a sense of oneness, helping people to tap into the interconnectedness of everything described in many spiritual traditions. When people feel a sense of openness, they tend to have less anxiety, stress and fear.
Do your own research, talk to professionals – researchers, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, TCM, nutritionists, naturopaths – to learn more. There is growing information available that shares both anecdotal and scientific research. Because of the grey area of these substances when it comes to regulations, learn the risks and rules of where you live.
Knowledge is power, and understanding how to microdose effectively for yourself may just offer you what psilocybin researcher Rosalind Watts references as the key to access your own innate potential to heal.
Additional sources of information
- more about what microdosing is and gain an understanding of the terms used to describe it
- research and history of psychedelic medicine here
- download our complimentary guide
- the John Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research here