The Benefits of Microdosing Medicinal and Psychedelic Mushrooms: A Path to Personal Development and Growth
I am a big proponent for microdosing both medicinal and psychedelic (psilocybin) mushrooms for a number of reasons. For the purposes of clarity, I will refer to medicinal and psychedelic mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms without psilocybin (the hallucinogenic compound in “Magic Mushrooms“). They may also be referred to as “adaptogenic”. Adaptogens are active compounds in some plants and mushrooms that can have an affect in the body’s ability to deal with stress, fatigue, anxiety, or help to maintain healthy balance of homeostasis. Adaptogenic mushrooms examples: Reishi, Caga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Ashwaghada, Shiitake and Maitake.
By comparison, Entheogenic or Magic Mushrooms typically contain psilocybin. Entheogens are described as plant-based compounds that will induce a Non ordinary state or consciousness and are traditionally used in religious or spiritual ceremonies. These are sometimes called “Magic Mushrooms” and evoke the images of hippies, tyedye and Tripping while watching the Grateful Dead.
Microdosing has helped me with improving my health through better decision making and awareness. It has improved my business with creativity, clarity and purpose. And finally, it promotes a deep sense of wellbeing and centeredness within my own body. It is a practice that will use sporadically throughout the year, as needed. When combined with a regular practice, ie. movement, meditation, breath work, journaling, artwork or some other intention activity, it become significantly more affective and transformative. It is something I would suggest to most people that are interested in self-improvement, emotional self-regulation, improving neuroplasticity, and many other positive growth paths.
In recent years, microdosing medicinal and psychedelic mushrooms has gained significant attention for its potential benefits in personal development, mental health, and professional growth. While traditionally associated with counterculture, the practice of microdosing—taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances or natural medicinal plants—has emerged as a mainstream approach to enhancing creativity, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. This blog explores the benefits of microdosing, the scientific research behind it, and how professionals are harnessing this practice for personal and professional development.
What is Microdosing?
In order to understand the what, you must understand the why. Neuroplasticity is defined on WikiPedia:
“also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.[1] These changes range from individual neuron pathways making new connections, to systematic adjustments like cortical remapping or neural oscillation. Other forms of neuroplasticity include homologous area adaptation, cross modal reassignment, map expansion, and compensatory masquerade.[2] Examples of neuroplasticity include circuit and network changes that result from learning a new ability, information acquisition,[3] environmental influences,[4] pregnancy,[5] caloric intake,[6] practice/training,[7] and psychological stress.[8]“
The small dose of the psychedelic compounds causes your brain to create new pathways for information to travel and essentially rewiring your brain. It is literally changing how you think.
In its application, microdosing involves consuming very small amounts of psychedelic substances, typically around 1/10th to 1/20th of a recreational dose. At these levels, the effects are subtle and usually imperceptible, allowing individuals to go about their daily activities without experiencing a full-blown psychedelic “trip” or experience. The most common substances used for microdosing include psilocybin (found in “magic” mushrooms) and LSD. I have heard of people that microdose with Ayahuasca or Mescaline (San Pedro/Huachuma or Peyote). This practice is often done on a schedule, such as one day on and two days off, or following the Fadiman protocol, which suggests microdosing every three days.
The Benefits of Microdosing
- Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Microdosing is reported to boost creativity and improve problem-solving abilities. Many professionals, including writers, artists, and entrepreneurs, have turned to microdosing to enhance their creative output. A study published in Psychopharmacology found that microdosing psilocybin led to increased convergent and divergent thinking, both essential components of creativity.
- Improved Focus and Productivity: For professionals looking to improve their focus and productivity, microdosing offers a compelling solution. By reducing mental clutter and enhancing concentration, microdosing can help individuals tackle complex tasks with greater ease. Research shows that microdosing can help people enter a flow state more readily, where they experience peak performance and productivity.
- Emotional Resilience and Mental Health: One of the most promising areas of microdosing research is its potential to improve mental health. Users report reduced anxiety, depression, and stress levels when microdosing. Some studies suggest that psychedelics like psilocybin may promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections—which could explain these mental health benefits. Additionally, microdosing may help individuals break free from negative thought patterns, promoting a more positive outlook on life.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Microdosing can facilitate personal growth by encouraging introspection and self-awareness. Professionals who microdose often report greater clarity in their values and decision-making processes. This heightened self-awareness can lead to more authentic leadership, improved interpersonal relationships, and a stronger alignment between personal and professional goals.
The Research Behind Microdosing
While anecdotal evidence and testimonials have driven much of the interest in microdosing, scientific research is beginning to catch up. Several studies have explored the effects of microdosing. For instance, a study conducted by the Beckley Foundation found that microdosing psilocybin improved psychological well-being and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants. Another study published in Nature reported that microdosing led to enhanced cognitive flexibility and creativity.
However, it’s important to note that microdosing is still a relatively new field of study, and long-term effects remain largely unknown. As research continues, we can expect to learn more about the potential benefits and risks associated with this practice.
Professionals Are Using Microdosing: It’s not as weird as you may think.
Professionals across various industries are turning to microdosing as a tool for personal and professional development. In the tech industry, for example, microdosing has become popular among software developers and engineers looking to boost their cognitive performance and creativity. Entrepreneurs use microdosing to overcome mental blocks and generate innovative ideas, while executives use it to improve their leadership skills and decision-making abilities.
In addition to enhancing professional performance, microdosing can also support personal growth. By promoting introspection and emotional resilience, microdosing helps individuals align their personal values with their professional goals, leading to more fulfilling and purpose-driven careers.
Safety and Precautions
While microdosing is generally considered safe when done correctly, there are important precautions to consider:
- Know Your Substance: Ensure that the substance you are microdosing is pure and accurately dosed. Contaminants or incorrect dosages can lead to adverse effects.
- Start Small: Begin with a very small dose to gauge your body’s response. Everyone’s sensitivity to psychedelics is different, so it’s important to find the right dosage for you.
- Maintain a Schedule: Stick to a consistent microdosing schedule, such as the Fadiman protocol, to avoid building tolerance or experiencing unwanted effects.
- Consider Your Mental Health: If you have a history of mental health conditions, particularly psychosis, microdosing may not be suitable for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting.
- Be Mindful of Legal Status: Psychedelics are illegal in many parts of the world, so be aware of the legal implications of microdosing in your area.
Microdosing Practices
If you’re interested in exploring microdosing, here are some common practices:
- The Fadiman Protocol: Microdose every three days. For example, dose on Monday, skip Tuesday and Wednesday, and dose again on Thursday.
- One Day On, Two Days Off: This schedule involves microdosing one day, taking two days off, and then microdosing again.
- Journaling: Keep a journal to track your experiences, thoughts, and any changes in your mood, creativity, or productivity. This can help you refine your approach and better understand the effects of microdosing.
Take Away and More Information.
Daily small doses of medicinal and psychedelic mushrooms offer a range of potential benefits, from enhanced creativity and focus to improved mental health and personal growth. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and risks, many professionals are already using microdosing as a tool for self-improvement and professional development. By approaching microdosing with caution and mindfulness, individuals can unlock new levels of clarity, creativity, and emotional resilience in their personal and professional lives.
If you are interested in microdosing, Mycrodrops.com has an incredible selection of adaptogenic blends. If you are interested in building a microdosing practice in your life or have questions, set up a time to speak with me.
