Living as nature
We need to realise that the Earth is not just our environment. The Earth is not something outside of us. Breathing with mindfulness and contemplating your body, you realise that you are the Earth. You realise that your consciousness is also the consciousness of the Earth. Look around you – what you see is not your environment, it is you.
– Thich Nhat Hanh
The Fungi Kingdom has been here for over 3 billion years. To get an idea of how ancient they actually are: plants have been around for 500 million years, and humans oldest found remains are but 100.000 years old. We, as humans, are profoundly connected with fungi. When we take a close look at history, our spiritual and cultural relationships reveal a glimpse of the truly ancient symbiosis between the realm of the fungi and us humans. And now fungi are on the rise again!
As you might have noticed, we are invaded by documentaries and research on the use of psilocybin microdoses to address different attention and performance issues. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi. There is a substantial number of testimonials from patients who stopped psychiatric medications and switched to natural alternative therapies, which in most cases give better results. Isn’t that amazing?
It is important to clarify that each patient is different, the same as each pathology. The ideal is always to consult a doctor, either clinical, psychiatric, homeopathic or even a doctor of alternative therapies. Trying little by little, while keeping in mind that not all organisms work the same, is key to get good results through alternative therapies, such as microdosing.
This being said, microdosing is not only for people who consider themselves patients! Many users confirm that this alternative therapy helped them to boost their cognitive abilities and their performance in general. While high doses of LSD or psilocybin can cause trips due to their psychedelic qualities, microdoses of these same substances can enhance creative thinking and mood.
Scientific research supporting the medicinal uses of these substances is growing each year. The studies that have been done show an encouraging outlook for those who want to change their chemical medications for natural ones. The indigenous peoples of this earth, living in communion and reciprocity with their natural surroundings, have always known the medicinal power of entheogens.
What is a microdose?
When ingesting a microdose of a substance, the effect becomes subperceptive, meaning it operates below the strongest effect. In other words: it becomes barely perceptible.
Truffle microdoses vary per individual. Everyone has a different metabolism and sensitivity. A microdose of psilocybin truffles is mostly around 1 gram, depending on the user. The only way to know whether to increase or decrease the dose is through self-experimentation and follow-up. They call it finding your ‘sweet spot’.
There are no reports showing that individuals who microdosed with psilocybin have had problems in the social realm.
Benefits of microdosing truffles
While each experience is individual, research on the use of truffles administered in the form of microdosing agrees on some general benefits.
- Improves creative performance, especially in the morning. Greater power of concentration and a feeling of enjoyment when doing tasks that involve being focused.
- The energy in the afternoon usually increases. Coordination is often sharpened, as is concentration.
- Depressive symptoms or low moods are diluted, especially at night, when they usually appear.
- Increases the incentive to socialize and develop emotional bonds.
- Sensitivity may be heightened, but not in an unstable way.
- Our connection to nature might increase; this at least, is my personal experience.
The Remarkable Results of Microdosing: James Fadiman
How to microdose?
There are several popular protocols when it comes to microdosing truffles. A protocol is simply a specific schedule that states how often and when to take your microdose. As mentioned above, consulting with specialists it the way to go, especially if the individual is taking medication. Let’s explore the three different protocols Funkgi works with, plus a bonus one at the bottom.
BEGINNER PROTOCOL (The Fadiman Protocol)
The most well-known is the Fadiman Protocol (also known as the Beginners Protocol). It’s named after Dr. James Fadiman, who created it to observe the effects of microdosing by clearly distinguishing between microdosing days and non-microdosing days.
Dr. James Fadiman’s protocol is excellent for a first microdosing experiment. It assumes a 3-day cycle, which you follow for a period of two months. As you can see in the schedule above: you microdose on the first day, then 2 days you don’t, then the third day you microdose again. You follow this rhythm for two months straight. The effect and its benefits can be seen more clearly the day after consumption. After 2 months, take 2 to 4 weeks of rest to let your body and mind reset. The effects can still be felt in that time after.
Try this protocol to determine if microdosing truffles is right for you and experience what microdosing can do for you.
It’s important to find your dosage ’sweet spot’ since there is no set rule for microdosing. Your microdose ‘sweet spot’ refers to the dosage amount that gives you optimal benefits. As long as you haven’t found your ‘sweet spot’ yet, it’s better to avoid driving or operate vehicles and other equipment. Discover the sweet spot in microdosing in our blog.
ADVANCED PROTOCOL
The Advanced protocol is a great protocol for people who have microdosed before and want to increase its benefits.
As you can see in the schedule above, this protocol is based on a 2-day cycle over a period of 2 months. You microdose on the first day, the next day you don’t, then the third day you microdose again, the next day you don’t; and you follow this rhythm for two months.
After 2 months, take 2 to 4 weeks of rest to let your body and mind reset. The effects can still be felt in that time after.
EXPERT PROTOCOL
This protocol is for those who are familiar with microdosing, know how the body and mind reacts to it and want optimal results. Microdose 4 days in a row then take three rest days and start over again for a period of 2 months. Try this microdosing protocol for optimal results and take 2 to 4 weeks rest after 2 months to let your system reset.
STAMET’S STACK (Stamet’s Protocol)
With two simple add-ons, the Expert Protocol mentioned above can easily be adjusted to transform in what is known as Stamet’s Stack or Stamet’s Protocol. Paul Stamets, a world-renowned mycologist, author, and advocate for medicinal mushrooms – whom you might know from the movie Fantastic Fungi – developed this microdosing formula. It is obtained by adding niacin (vitamin B3), and the medicinal mushroom Lion’s Mane to the Expert Protocol. He invented the term “stacking” to describe the process of combining these substances.
This microdosing stacking method has a positive and lasting effect on the brain. The nootropic formula is said to improve cognitive functions and counteract neurodegeneration.
So what is the exact recipe of Stamet’s Stack? On microdosing days, you simply add to your truffle microdose:
- 50–200 mg of Lion’s Mane (in powder extract or an equal amount of liquid extract)
- 100–200 mg niacin (vitamin B3)
Prima Materia offers a wonderful hand extracted liquid Lion’s Mane, but there are many different Lion’s Mane products available, in capsuled, powdered or liquid forms. Although the mushroom is not poisonous, it can affect blood clotting (in people who are predisposed to it) and lower blood sugar.
Be aware that taking niacin in supplement form may cause a temporary tingling/itching sensation or skin rash. When using higher doses (2000 mg or more per day) more serious side effects can occur.
These are just a few examples of well-known protocols, but another way of microdosing is to do it entirely intuitively! There is just one key rule: you always leave at least one day between the days you take a microdose. It is always recommended to start with a low dose and building up until you find the dose that works for you.
People who have followed any kind of microdosing protocol for several cycles often switch to a more intuitive way of microdosing.
Pro microdosing tips
Perhaps the most important thing to do throughout the process of microdosing truffles is to take notes. Starting a journal is a good way to keep track of how you feel throughout the experience and if you feel improvements in your daily routine. This way we’ll be able to understand if the dose we are consuming is adequate or if it should be reduced or increased. The only ones who can understand how we feel are ourselves. Therefore, pay special attention to how you feel and write everything down.
Another great piece of advice is writing down an intention prior to starting a protocol. What would you like to achieve with the help from your truffle friends? Why are you seeking this practice, what do you wish to gain, or in which areas of life would you like to grow? Having an intention/phrase that we can come back to really helps us moving though the protocol with a clear and positive aim. You could even place the written intention somewhere in your house where you can read it every day.
And now from a more spiritual perspective, psilocybin truffles are often described as teachers. That is definitely how I personally perceive them! They have taught me a great deal of things and I’m extremely grateful for the presence of psilocybin in my life. At the moment of consumption, take a little moment of reverence, think of your intention and just simply thank the truffles for sharing their wisdom with you.
Happy microdosing!
