There is a lot of buzz going on around the term microdosing. As more and more people explore the wonderful world of mushrooms and cannabis, we’re finding new ways to take care of our minds and bodies that we didn’t have before.
Microdosing means taking small amounts of a substance to experience its effects while avoiding unwanted side effects. This approach allows you the opportunity to have a more manageable experience that you can enjoy throughout the day.
Getting Started with Microdosing: Simple Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to microdosing, it’s best to start on a day when you have no plans. Begin with a very small dose to see how your body reacts.
For example, you might start with one gummy or even half of one, depending on your past experience and tolerance. This approach helps you gauge the effects without overdoing it. Pay attention to serving sizes—lower milligram amounts are considered a more true ‘microdose’ and can be more manageable.
Many mushroom edibles have dosing guides on their packaging, which can help you understand how different amounts may affect you. You can always increase your dose over time, adjusting to what feels right.
Remember to wait at least 60-90 minutes after taking an edible/gummy before consuming more. The body needs time to digest the edible/gummy, and taking more too soon can lead to discomfort. A common mistake is thinking the edible isn’t working and then taking more. This can cause a lot of the ingredients building up in your system. This can lead to the effects hitting you all at once, which may provide a less enjoyable experience.
Functional Mushrooms vs. Psychedelic Mushrooms: Know the Difference
- Functional Mushrooms: Varieties like Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Chaga are known for their health benefits, such as immune support and reduced inflammation.
- Psychedelic Mushrooms: Usually contain psilocybin, which affects perception and mood. Research is ongoing for both their therapeutic potential and psychological effects.
Asheville Dispensary products focus on functional mushrooms, which are legal and can enhance brain function and mood without the psychoactive effects of psilocybin. You may also find you enjoy products that contain some psychoactive mushroom ingredients such as muscimol.
Muscimol: A Psychoactive Calming Compound in Mushrooms
“Muscimol is the main compound in Amanita mushrooms that gives them their psychoactive and therapeutic effects. It activates GABA, a brain neurotransmitter known for its calming effects.”
This activation helps regulate functions like mood, anxiety, and sleep. Microdosing muscimol can help you achieve desired effects while managing its psychoactive properties.
A microdose might be as small as 1-2mg for some individuals, with even lower doses for others. Muscimol can help you relax, feel euphoric, and may aid in pain relief and meditation.
It’s important to remember that research on microdosing and the benefits of mushrooms and cannabinoids is ongoing. I recommend doing your own research and talking to a healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking other medications. The goal is to create a safe and enjoyable experience. Be aware that some ingredients may have side effects not listed here.
What Are Nootropics? A Basic Overview
Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi, when combined with vitamins and other compounds, can positively affect your mood and support brain function. Manufacturers often use nootropic blends to provide a stimulating and mood enhancing experience.
Understanding Nootropics: How They Work
“Nootropics are a group of substances (natural or pharmaceutical) suggested to improve memory, enhance cognition, support motivation, and drive creative capacity.”
For example, Trehouse magic mushroom gummies include a blend of Lion’s Mane, Rhodiola Rosea, Mimosa Hostilis Root, 5-HTP, B12, and Phenylethylamine Hydrochloride. These products claim to “activate the same receptors in the brain as traditional psychedelic mushrooms.” This is why we are seeing a lot of legal mushroom products being marketed as “magic mushrooms.”
Asheville Dispensary also offers products such as Koi mushroom gummies, which contain some of these same ingredients. These gummies also include muscimol which we discussed earlier in the blog.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these ingredients and their benefits.
Lion’s Mane: A Brain-Boosting Mushroom
Lion’s Mane is a mushroom with many benefits supported by research. It helps with brain health, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, while protecting the gut.
It may also help boost energy levels, combat fatigue, and alleviate depression. Lion’s Mane could be an alternative treatment for depression, as highlighted in a 2020 study.
The study suggests that Lion’s Mane may ease depression symptoms by:
- Ensuring sufficient neurotransmitter levels
- Reducing the loss of nerve growth due to stress
- Minimizing inflammation linked to depression.
Rhodiola Rosea: A Natural Stress Reliever
Rhodiola Rosea is a plant found in the mountains of Europe, Asia, and North America. It’s known as an adaptogen, meaning it helps reduce stress.
“Traditional medicine systems in Europe and Asia have used Rhodiola to increase endurance, improve work performance, help people adjust to high altitudes, and combat fatigue and weakness. Today, it’s promoted for stress management, cognitive function, energy, athletic performance, and managing depression and anxiety.”
Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark: An Ancient Remedy
Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark is a tree or shrub found in Northeastern Brazil and Southern Mexico. It’s rich in tannins and has been used in traditional medicine to improve skin health due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has psychoactive components that can induce a bright happiness and relieve anxiety.
B12: An Essential Energy Vitamin
B12 is a vitamin crucial for producing red blood cells, which deliver oxygen throughout the body. It’s also known for boosting energy levels, especially in people deficient in B12.
A lack of B12 can lead to weakness or fatigue. When combined with other ingredients, B12 could provide a sustained, energizing experience throughout the day.
5-HTP: A Natural Mood Booster
5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a supplement known for its role in producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, cognition, learning, memory, sleep, and more. 5-HTP is a product of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin.
This interaction may help improve serotonin levels, which in turn can positively influence mood, sleep, and overall well-being. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using products containing 5-HTP, especially if you’re taking antidepressants or other medications.
Phenylethylamine Hydrochloride: Enhancing Mood and Focus
Phenylethylamine, or PEA, is a compound naturally found in the human body. It acts as a central nervous stimulant and helps stabilize mood by aiding the body in creating certain chemicals.
Research suggests that PEA produces effects similar to those of amphetamines, like Adderall. Microdosing PEA can reduce the risk of taking too much and experiencing uncomfortable side effects.
Some describe the feeling produced by PEA as similar to a “runner’s high.” PEA may help enhance mood, libido, concentration, and focus.
Finding Your Ideal Microdose: A Simple Guide
Finding the right products for you can be a journey. Starting with low doses of cannabis, muscimol, or nootropic blends can help you find what works best and reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed.
It can be intimidating for first-time users, but understanding how these ingredients interact with your brain and body can help ease those worries. While trying different products can be costly, finding the one that works for you can make a big difference in your daily life.
In my experience, it’s well worth the investment.
References
1. ACS Lab. “Exploring Muscimol: Amanita Muscaria’s Most Prevalent Psychoactive Compound.” ACS Lab. www.acslab.com/mushrooms/exploring-muscimol-amanita-muscarias-most-prevalent-psychoactive-compound#2. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
2. CIL Alternatives. “Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark: A Natural Source of DMT with Diverse Applications.” CIL Alternatives. www.cil-alternatives.com/blog/mimosa-hostilis-root-bark-a-natural-source-of-dmt-with-diverse-applications. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
3. Cleveland Clinic. “What Are Adaptogens and What Do They Do?” Cleveland Clinic, 22 July 2023. www.health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-adaptogens-and-what-do-they-do. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
4. Cleveland Clinic. “What Is Ashwagandha? Uses, Benefits, and Risks.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Sept. 2023. www.health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ashwagandha. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
5. Cleveland Clinic. “Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Benefits, Uses, and More.” Cleveland Clinic, 21 May 2024. www.health.clevelandclinic.org/lions-mane-mushrooms-benefits. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
6. Cleveland Clinic. “Vitamin B12: Benefits, Deficiency, and More.” Cleveland Clinic, 6 Dec. 2023. www.health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-b12. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
7. Dr. Axe. Axe, Josh. “Phenylethylamine: Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects.” Dr. Axe. www.draxe.com/nutrition/phenylethylamine. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
8. Seattle Met. “Exploring Functional and Psychedelic Mushrooms.” Seattle Met, 30 Aug. 2024. www.seattlemet.com/discover/magic-mushrooms/functional-mushrooms-vs-psychedelic-mushrooms. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
9. Forbes. “Best Nootropics: Top Picks for Cognitive Enhancement.” Forbes. www.forbes.com/health/supplements/best-nootropics. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
10. Forbes. “Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms.” Forbes. www.forbes.com/health/supplements/health-benefits-of-lions-mane. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
11. Forbes. “Rhodiola: Benefits, Uses, and Dosage.” Forbes. www.forbes.com/health/supplements/rhodiola. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
12. Mayo Clinic. “Natural Remedies for Depression.” Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/natural-remedies-for-depression/faq-20058026. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
13. Mimosa Root. “Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark: Health Benefits and Uses.” Mimosa Root. www.mimosaroot.com/blog/mimosa-hostilis-root-bark-health-benefits-and-uses. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
14. NCBI. “Natural Remedies for Depression: A Review.” National Institutes of Health, 2020. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7796270. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
15. NCBI. “Rhodiola Rosea and Its Effects on Mental Performance and Mood.” National Institutes of Health, 2014. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904499. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.
