What is microdosing
The premise of microdosing is simple. It involves administering very small doses of a psychoactive substance, such as psilocybin, the main psychoactive substance in mushrooms, or LSD. This allows you to experience the therapeutic benefits of the substance whilst avoiding any intense psychoactive effects.
Microdosing is believed to have first become popular around 2010. Under intense pressure in their jobs, Silicon Valley coders were looking for ways to increase productivity, focus and creativity in order to gain an advantage in their career.
They discovered the research of American posychologist James Fadiman, who had written extensively about microdosing. Fadiman theorized that by taking small quantities of psychoactive substances one could enhance creativity and productivity with minimal side effects. The coders began taking small amounts of LSD and found their productivity and focus increased dramatically. This didn’t go unnoticed and, before long, workers in a wide range of industries were reaping the benefits of microdosing.
However, the benefits of microdosing aren’t limited to the workplace. A number of recent studies have shown microdosing psilocybin is an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Some studies have even found that when compared to anti-depressants, microdosing psilocybin is equally as effective without exhibiting any of the nasty side effects.
Benefits of microdosing mushrooms
The effects vary depending on the individual, however most report:
- An increase in focus and energy
- Feeling more ‘in the moment’
- A feeling of increased empathy
- An increased sense of wellbeing
- Ease in weaning off and staying off anti-depressants or other medication
- Reduction in cravings
Lesser reported benefits include:
- Increased sex drive
- Decreased coffee consumption
- Relief in period pain