Microdosing? Thinking about getting started? Or are you already using and want to significantly improve its performance? Below we will dissect the protocol that mycological guru Paul Stamets created – a figure who seems to be the epitome of half man, half fungus 😉 A great researcher, scientist and prospector who has set himself the goal of saving our planet.
photo: Freepick/DCStudio
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is a way of administering small doses of drugs, with concentrations so low that the effects of the drug are unlikely to be felt throughout the body, but high enough to get the body’s cells to respond to them. The subject of this article is the microdosing of psilocybin, a substance in which magic mushrooms are rich.
Microdosing – history
The method of studying the effects of microdosing on the human mind was pioneered by Dr. James Fadiman, a psychologist who has worked on psychedelics since the 1960s. Unfortunately, his research was discontinued due to the banning of psychoactive substances, putting an end to many positive aspects in the field of psychopharmacology. However, Fadiman managed to carry out some of his experiments, including with the participation of numerous Silicon Valley employees, studying the microdosing of LSD. And in 2011 he even published a book called “The Psychedelic Traveler’s Guide” .
But microdosing was the object of more than just his interest. The issue was also studied by Paul Stamets, a famous mycologist and intellectual, whom we will introduce in a moment.
Currently, we have five protocols, or ways of microdosing + a sixth – intuitive. If you want to become more familiar with their topic check out our article Microdosing psilocybin – what you need to know about microdosing
Paul Stamets
A man with a big heart for planet Earth. This is Paul Stamets. A famous mycologist, researcher and leader among the mushroom industry. He is the founder and owner of Fungi Perfecti. He gives lectures around the world on the medicinal value of mushrooms, their habitat and production, and teaches about Mother Earth’s oldest creatures in full respect for them. In addition, Paul discovered a great many new species of psilocybin fungi. As a speaker, he seeks to let the world know how closely we are evolutionarily connected to fungi, and the powerful impact they have on our health and immunity.
Paul Stamets is a traveler and explorer. He has set himself the goal of protecting the extinct species of virgin forest fungi, which are essential in serving the ecosystem around the world. He is a pioneer because of the paradigm shift regarding saving the planet from human devastation. He co-designs projects with many organizations and scientific institutes, such as at Washington State University. Stamets has several books on his cat, and all of his work has entered mainstream pop culture. The new series Star Trek: Discovery features Lieutenant Paul Stamets, a science officer and astromycologist. It is certainly an uncommon personality worthy of interest. You can follow more about his activities here.
Microdosing protocol – Stamets protocol
Stamets’ protocol, is his original “arrangement” of the concept of taking two types of substances: non-psychoactive and psychoactive (psilocybin – contained in mushrooms) in amounts referred to as microdosing. Stamets suggests that the best results for our brain can be achieved by doing three things:
- Lion’s Mane – Lion’s mane – otherwise known as Hedgehog’s soplum – a type of functional fungus
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- psilocybin in the form of mushrooms or truffles
This combination is said to promote neurogenerative and neuroregenerative properties, that is, the formation of new neurons, as well as repairing damaged ones.
Lion’s Mane – properties
Lion’s Mane is so named because its appearance just resembles a lion’s mane. The Polish name is coneflower soplolly. The mushroom is classified as a health-promoting fungus, and many studies have confirmed its extensive medical use. It has been revered for thousands of years as a means of strengthening and regenerating the nervous system. It has strong anti-cancer, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. It is a supplement used for diabetes and hypertension. Supports immunity and wound healing. In addition:
- Improves the quality of sleep and recovery,
- Has the effect of reducing anxiety
- improves memory
- positively affects mood
- Has a therapeutic effect on inflammation in the body
- supports the digestive system
- stabilizes blood sugar levels
- increases immunity
Nicinine – role in the body
Niacin is otherwise known as vitamin B3, which affects all our body functions. It can be found in fish, turkey, liver, avocados, yeast and products rich in whole grains. Its main role in the body is to create biochemical processes that obtain energy from food. Other nicin tasks:
- increasing brain function
- stabilizing blood fat levels
- lowers blood pressure
- stabilizes blood sugar levels
- improve skin appearance and health
Nicinine is excellent at dilating blood vessels and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it great for delivering psilocybin and lion’s mane to nerve endings in the brain.
Side effects of nicin use.
The daily dose of nicin recommended by doctors is 14-16 milligrams, but the Stamets protocol recommends 100-200 mg, which is a very large excess. Due to this overdose, a redness effect appears on the skin. Observations and studies show that this is the only adverse effect of taking a higher dose. Changes in skin color may be accompanied by a tingling, itching sensation of warmth, which may not necessarily be pleasant. Fortunately, the side effects subside after 10-30 minutes. Nevertheless, doctors and also Paul Stamets recommend that people taking more than 500 mg of niacin a day must do so under the care of a health professional
Psylocybin – properties
Well… if you’ve landed on this page, it’s possible that you already know the substance. In a nutshell, psilocybin is formed during the growth of psilocybin mushrooms, which is why they got the nickname MAGICAL Fungi. The most popular variety is Golden Teacher, available for purchase on our website. Psylocybin has remarkable properties, it is a psychedelic substance, increasingly used, as an alternative form of psychotherapy and psychiatry. We are currently experiencing a psychedelic renaissance – scientists have once again decided to look into its medicinal properties. Why the Renaissance? – Because once already psilocybin and LSD (similar in effect and synthesized from ergot grain) were used on a large scale in the 1960s, but they were drastically banned because the flower children didn’t feel like going to war. But to the point, below are some properties of psilocybin, you can find more information here.
- Reduction of anxiety, PTSD and depression (Psychedelics for the treatment of depression)
- Assistance in the treatment of eating disorders
- trauma treatment
- support for palliative treatment
- Supporting the treatment of diseases such as, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,
- Help with cluster headache treatment
- addiction treatment
However, remember that taking psilocybin should be done under medical supervision.
Stamets dosage and protocol (microdosing)
- psilocybin mushroom powder = 100 mg – 200 mg (depending on weight and individual tolerance)
- Lion’s Mane – coneflower = 50 – 100 mg.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) = 100 – 200 mg.
Microdosing is used for 4 consecutive days, followed by a 3-day break (without microdosing). Such a cycle can be continued for 4 weeks, and then stop taking substances for 2 weeks. A break is necessary because the body gets used to the mushrooms very quickly and their effects are disrupted. The protocol can be used repeatedly or even continuously. It is important to take 2-week breaks.
However, microdosing in this form may not work for everyone, so you should also look at other solutions and find the best one for you. Before deciding to take the above supplementation – always consult your doctor.
Footnotes:
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/substances/lions-mane-stacking/
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/james-fadiman/
https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/how-to-use-the-stamets-stack-to-optimize-microdosing
