Microdosing
Microdosing involves consuming extremely low doses of a substance with the intention of achieving mental, physical, and spiritual health benefits. In recent years, microdosing has garnered worldwide attention, emerging as a popular biohacking trend among entrepreneurs, students, managers, and creatives, and becoming a sought-after tool for those battling mental illness.
Initial research suggests that microdosing offers a variety of impressive benefits:
Mood
enhancement
Breaking of addictive behaviors
Heightened creativity
Allevating symptoms of trauma
Spiritual growth and inner connection
What constitutes a microdose can vary from person to person and is also dependent on the specific substance, but it generally falls within 5-10% of a typical psychoactive dose. The goal is to maintain a sub-perceptual level that produces effects below conscious awareness and does not hinder daily task performance. You should be able to notice a shift in your experience without exactly being able to pinpoint what the exact change is. Some common descriptions provided by microdosers include feeling more present in their body, a subtle enhancement of their senses, or a slight mood elevation.
The best effects of microdosing can be experienced when following a pre-defined schedule (known as a ‘protocol’). Protocols typically consist of the following three phases:
Microdosing
day(s)
Days when you take your microdose
Transition
Rest day to feel the after-effect
Integration
Off-days to let the experience sink in and set the intention for the next cycle
Microdosing
day(s)
Days when you take your microdose
Transition
Rest day to feel the after-effect
Integration
Off-days to let the experience sink in and set the intention for the next cycle
Psilocybin is the most common substance used in microdosing due to its effectiveness, high tolerability, lack of neurotoxicity, and natural origin. It is a psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of fungi, often casually referred to as 'magic mushrooms.' A typical microdose of dried psilocybin mushrooms ranges from 0.05 to 0.3 grams.
Microdosing can involve the use of the substance alone or in conjunction with non-psychoactive compounds, a practice known as 'stacking.' Stacking enhances the effects of the non-psychoactive compound, allowing the brain to more effectively reap its benefits. For instance, psilocybin can be stacked with the functional mushroom Reishi for mood enhancement, or with Lion's Mane - following the Paul Stamets protocol - and with various other compounds, depending on the desired outcome.
Paul Stamets Stacking Protocol
Formulated by the American mycologist Paul Stamets, this protocol involves a combination of psilocybin, Lion's Mane, and Vitamin B3 (niacin). The blend is believed to enhance neurogenesis, improve cognitive performance, and slow down neurodegenerative processes in the brain.
In this protocol you will take:
1. Lion’s Mane 1:10 concentrated organic extract: 0.5g per microdosing day
2. Lion's Mane organic powder: 0.4g per microdosing day
3. Psilocybin mushrooms: 0.1g per microdosing day
4. Niacin: 50mg per microdosing day (can be increased to 100mg)
One week = 4 microdosing days
Repeat for 4-8 weeks, then pause for 2-4 weeks
The protocol spans 4-8 weeks. Each week consists of four consecutive days of microdosing, followed by three days for transition and integration. Afterward, a rest period of 2-4 weeks, known as the 'off-cycle', ensures continued effectiveness and prevents tolerance build-up. This resting phase also stimulates the brain's natural neurotransmitter production and is responsible for the enduring effects of the practice.
Considering giving microdosing a try? Follow these guidelines to set up your journey appropriately:
1. Select your initial day: for the Stamets Stacking protocol, we suggest Monday as the starting day to easily track your schedule
2. Define your intention: what do you aspire to achieve through microdosing?
3. Choose the protocol that is aligned with your intention: while Omphoria currently provides the Stamets Stacking protocol to promote overall brain function, we are open to accommodating your specific needs
4. Allocate time for self-reflection and maintain a journal throughout your experience
Are you ready?
Omphoria Rise Package
What´s included?
- 4 weeks of Paul Stamets Stacking protocol (16 microdosing/lion's mane extract capsules + 16 niacin/lion's mane powder capsules + 16 extra 50mg niacin pills)
- 15-min entry consultation
- 15-min check-in after 2 weeks (optional)
- Online support during your program