While various protocols exist and it’s essential to find a routine that suits you, our top recommendation is the Stamets Stack. This protocol not only provides a more consistent daily routine but is also backed by scientific evidence, making it our preferred choice. That said, other methods can also be effective, and our recommendation may evolve as new research emerges. The field of microdosing is still in its early stages, and we are committed to staying informed about the latest developments.
Dosing
It’s important to find the right dose for you. Given that a microdose can be anywhere between 50mg and 300mg, there is a lot of room for error. We need to find the dose that’s not too much, not too little, but juuuuust riiiiiight. We call this the “Goldilocks Dose”. When you are ready to start your microdosing journey, we can help you determine your Goldilocks Dose.
The Science
Lion’s Mane on its own has many health benefits (depression, anxiety, immunity and more). There are actually many different herbs and supplements that offer similar benefits. Many retailers will just throw anything that looks helpful into their microdosing formulas… ginko, ashwagandha, rhodiola, green tea… the list goes on. However that is not the point. I am not negating the benefits of any of these supplements, but they don’t behave in the same way that lion’s mane does.
Let me explain:
The data that has been collected on microdosing is rather inconsistent and anecdotal. In fact, when I first started studying the scientific side of psychedelics I considered dropping microdosing. But somehow the scientific evidence just didn’t coincide with the success stories I was hearing… so I was compelled to hang in there…
Upon looking further, I discovered some very solid information presented by mycology expert Paul Stamets. Paul was also frustrated by the lack of scientific evidence supporting microdosing practices, and decided to perform some research of his own. When he examined the effects of various fungi on the body’s levels of TrkA (a protein that is directly linked to neurogenesis), his findings led him to a very effective protocol for microdosing.
What Paul found was that when psilocybin was combined with Lion’s Mane, the positive effects on TrkA were more than 2.5x the sum of psilocybin + Lion’s Mane.
I’d love to know what was going through his head when Paul Stamets stumbled across this one. Whatever it was, I am super thankful for it! When he added Niacin to the microdosing protocol, the effects on TrkA were more than 6x the sum.
Niacin is known for its ability to widen small blood vessels, thereby allow more blood to reach the tissues. When blood is high in psilocybin and lion’s mane, its deliverability is obviously increased.
The only drawback with Niacin is that it causes a ‘niacin flush’ – a harmless yet uncomfortable burning/itching/tingling sensation that can be felt all over the body. The reaction passes after about 10-40 minutes. Although there are certain forms of ‘flush-free’ niacin available, these do not facilitate the widening of the blood vessels that provides the desired result. Niacin is only taken for 4 weeks at a time. For microdosers who are not comfortable with this part of the protocol, it can be omitted. Please be sure to read more about Niacin prior to proceeding.
Schedule
This a 4-days-on/3-days-off schedule, and is typically combined with lion’s mane. Lion’s mane is gaining attention for its cognitive benefits.
There is also the recommendation to add niacin (vitamin B3), but this is not done from the get-go. Niacin produces a full-body flush, which is uncomfortable for about 10-40 minutes. The mechanism that causes this flush is basically an increase in blood flow to the capillaries; so it’s believed to help in the distribution of the mushroom compounds. Again, this will not be used initially, but it is an option to add later.
To summarize the schedule:
Day 1: Stacked Mushroom microdose + niacin (when ready)
Day 2: Stacked Mushroom microdose + niacin (when ready)
Day 3: Stacked Mushroom microdose + niacin (when ready)
Day 4: Stacked Mushroom microdose + niacin (when ready)
Day 5: Integration – no capsule
Day 6: Integration – no capsule
Day 7: Integration – no capsule
This schedule is usually maintained for a 6-8 week period, followed by a break for 2-4 weeks. The Lion’s mane can be continued during non microdosing periods if you wish. A full cycle can take 8-12 weeks. Many new microdosers prefer to wait one full cycle before incorporating the niacin into their practice. There is more detailed information on the benefits of Lion’s Mane and Niacin below.
You are the medicine
“Get smarter every day by listening to your intuition, looking at the world with the eye of your forehead. Jump, dance, sing, so that you live happier. Heal yourself, with beautiful love, and always remember…you are the medicine.”
Maria Sabina – Mexican Curandera and Poet
Psychetopia 