What is psilocybin?

An article about the active ingredient in truffles

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. These mushrooms are often referred to as “magic truffles“, or “magic mushrooms”. Truffles are not officially and legally classified as mushrooms. The truffles (sclerotia) are therefore still legal in the Netherlands, in contrast to the “mushrooms” or magic mushrooms, which have been illegal and banned since 2007.

Psilocybin mushrooms have long been used in spiritual and religious rituals in Mesoamerica and are currently one of the most popular recreational psychedelic drugs in North America and Europe. Magic mushrooms are increasingly used in therapeutic institutions to treat a variety of diseases. These include cluster headaches or migraines, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, and addictions.

Psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a controlled substance, meaning they fall under the category of psychedelics but are legal. Human trials have been approved for their potential use in medical and psychiatric settings at prominent institutions, albeit under strict oversight. 

How does psilocybin work?

More than 180 species of “magic mushrooms” produce the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When you ingest psilocybin, it is converted into another chemical called psilocin in your gut. Psilocin causes changes in the brain. It increases activity in the visual cortex, leading to changes in perception. Psilocin decreases network activity in the “Default Mode Network” which stimulates the experience of ego loss. In addition, psilocin increases connectivity between different brain areas. Researchers believe it is the combination of these effects that make psilocybin a useful tool in combating depression and addiction. This is confirmed by scientific research. 

One of the main effects is that it stimulates a serotonin receptor called “5-HT2A” in the prefrontal cortex. Psychedelics work very directly in this way, mimicking the action of serotonin in the brain. 

Stimulating the 5-HT2A receptor produces two important results:

  • The production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is like growth medium for your brain. It stimulates growth, connections and activity. [1]
  • The increased transmission of “glutamate,” the neurotransmitter responsible for brain functions such as cognition, learning, and memory. [2]

The interaction of glutamate and BDNF has not yet been fully elucidated. However, it has been shown that higher levels of these compounds lead to many of the benefits sought by “microdosers”. [3]

Psychedelics also cause parts of the brain that don’t normally communicate with each other to communicate with each other! These unique connections are created by dampening the activity of an often-overworked part of our brain called the Default Mode Network (DMN). [4]

The DMN is responsible for a number of different mental activities, including daydreaming, self-reflection, and reflecting on the past and future. Some research suggests that depression is linked to overactive DMN. [5] It is possible that a very active DMN causes us to think or brood a lot. We analyze ourselves too much. Instead of living in the moment and enjoying the here and now, we spend a lot of time questioning the past and dreaming about the future. 

This explains why these drugs can be used to combat depression and anxiety. As a side effect, insights and creative perspectives can be gained that would otherwise have been unattainable for us.

– Source [1-5]: from Science Insider and The Third Wave

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is the consumption of amounts of psychedelics like psilocybin, the effects of which are imperceptible. Subliminal means the effects are subtle or barely noticeable, but can have a noticeable impact on your life. A microdose is usually one-tenth or one-twentieth of a fully effective dose, which is between 50 milligrams and 200 milligrams.

Microdosing involves the user incorporating subperceptive doses into their weekly routine. In contrast to recreational use of psychedelics, individuals who take microdoses use every 2-3 days. They experience no impairment of their normal functioning.

Read more about microdosing by clicking here .

What Are the Effects of Microdosing Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is often referred to as a nootropic, meaning that it has numerous functions in the brain that can improve hippocampal health. The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for learning and converting short-term memory to long-term memory.

Psilocybin can help the hippocampus make new cells, which in turn can lead to what scientists refer to as “cancellation of fear conditioning.” The conditioned fear response is typical of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • According to The Third Wave, the effects are a
  • Microdose of 50mg-250mg
  • Psilocybin: mood elevation
  • Less stress
  • emotional stability
  • Mindfulness, presence and stillness
  • openness and self-forgiveness
  • More empathy and sociability
  • Flowing conversations
  • Relief from stubborn ailments such as
  • Depression, Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, PTSD.
  • Increased motivation (e.g. for positive lifestyle changes)
  • Increased concentration and productivity
  • Elevated flow conditions
  • Smarter, more connected thinking
  • Improved memory
  • heightened senses
  • Greater appreciation for music, art and creativity
  • Increased creativity
  • spontaneity
  • Easier meditation
  • Greater enjoyment of physical activity and daily chores
  • Relaxation and improved body awareness
  • Improved athletic endurance
  • Increased energy in general (with no anxiety or subsequent crash)
  • Improvement in mood, positive or negative
  • Slight sedative effect

Click here to watch a video on how psilocybin affects your brain.

What Are the Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin?

Psilocybin can help overcome anxiety reactions, depression, anxiety, and the symptoms of mental illness while enhancing cognitive ability and creativity. The Third Wave states that the incidence and intensity of various forms of mental illness is reduced by microdosing psilocybin psychedelics. This includes: 

  • depression
  • anxiety/ grinding
  • ADD/ADHD
  • mood disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
  • Seeks

Some mental states are actually experienced as positive and can be boosted by consuming microdoses of truffles. As a result, these positive properties are reinforced. 

  • creativity
  • energy
  • Flow state (mental state in which you are completely absorbed in your activities)
  • productivity and focus
  • Better relationships and more empathy
  • Improved athletic coordination
  • Development of leadership qualities

    The benefits of microdosing include:

 

Improved Mood – Calmness, general well-being, serenity, happiness and a reduction in symptoms of depression. It also includes greater emotional attachment, a general sense of optimism, and a better outlook on life.

  • Improved Concentration – This includes skills such as the ability to focus or concentrate and improved self-awareness.
  • Creativity – Aside from a general feeling of increased creativity, this includes behaviors such as greater openness, increased curiosity, the ability to change perspectives, and divergent thinking.
  • Self-Efficacy – This refers to behaviors such as ambition, self-motivation, confidence, and a sense of having a choice. This also relates to improvements in mental health, including increased introspection, meditation practice, and other aspects of behavior related to self-care.
  • Enhanced Energy – In this case, “energy” refers to things like mental stimulation, alertness, and alertness.
  • Social Benefits – In addition to greater commitment to others, this category also includes greater empathy, a stronger sense of belonging, and more extraversion.
  • Cognitive Benefits – When microdosing, the user experiences increased mental clarity, better memory, and improved problem-solving skills.
  • Anxiety Reduction – This applies to both general and social anxiety reduction.
  • Physiological improvement – including improving visual acuity, cardiac endurance, reducing migraines and headaches, and improving sleep quality.

For people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, mood disorders, and/or addiction (to name a few), microdosing can bring many positive changes.

Clinical research has shown that higher doses of psychedelics are effective in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. A few examples show that regular microdosing can have healing effects for patients with various mental illnesses.

How do I start microdosing?

The average microdose of psilocybin is 0.50 to 1.00 grams.

Take 0.50 grams to 1.00 grams every other day to start microdosing. Some people find their perfect dosage with two days of microdosing, followed by a two-day break. You may need to experiment to find the dosing regimen that works best for you as it depends on the individual.

Once you’ve decided you’re ready to begin, plan to start your microdosing protocol on a day when you’re light and somewhere you feel comfortable. Although the amount of psilocybin ingested is imperceptible, it can trigger or enhance certain emotions or feelings. These emotions and feelings can be positive, but they can also be negative at first. For example, think about reducing stress or raising suppressed feelings. Therefore, it is best if you are in a comfortable, safe place where you can process these feelings in peace. Your environment can have a major impact on your experiences. Some people prefer to microdose at home, while others find solace in nature.

Microdose Bros advises taking the truffles on an empty stomach, preferably without consuming caffeine. Some microdosers find that the energy released by microdosing makes other energy-releasing stimulants like coffee or tea unnecessary. In other cases, it is said to reduce dependence on these types of stimulants. If you eat around the time of ingestion, the effect will not be completely reversed; however, if you eat a lot, it will take longer for the microdose to take effect.

Individuals taking SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are advised to maintain a buffer of at least three hours between a microdose and their medication.

Aside from the advice and recommendations above, you decide how you consume the truffles. Some people prefer to microdose in the morning, while others do it before bed. 

After the first few days of the microdosing protocol, your body will quickly develop a tolerance to the truffles and you will have a better idea of when to take them. Some people will find they need a higher dose after they develop a tolerance to the mushrooms. It can also happen that people become more sensitive to the effects of shrooms/truffles after developing a tolerance.

Listen to your body and keep a journal to note changes in your dose, when you take it, and the effects.

Once you become familiar with the microdosing protocol, you can safely incorporate microdosing into your daily routine.

What works for psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a powerful serotonin enhancer, so it should not be taken while taking medications that affect the serotonin system , such as: B. the SSRI antidepressants Prozac.

Psilocybin should not be mixed with tramadol as this can lead to serotonin syndrome. Also, be careful when mixing psilocybin with amphetamines or other recreational drugs, especially those that affect serotonin levels in the body. 

There are no known harmful interactions between cannabis and psilocybin; however, cannabis can enhance the effects of psilocybin.

A note from James Fadiman on microdosing precautions:

“We strongly discourage people with color blindness who are living with a diagnosis of psychotic disorders or who are on the autism spectrum from attempting microdosing. People with color blindness report permanent vision problems from microdosing. The literature suggests that psychedelics can be harmful to people with psychotic disorders. Experience shows that people with diagnoses along the autism spectrum appear to require much higher dosages than what is traditionally considered microdosing.”

TIP: Determine your intent

When someone decides to embark on a psychedelic experience or journey, it is incredibly helpful to have a clear and specific intention to create a positive framework for that journey. It’s important to know what you’re after: breaking a chronic addiction, recovering from a traumatic experience, finding your purpose in life, or connecting with nature.

In order to know if your microdosing experience will go as hoped, it is important to set a goal beforehand. This is also known as a “letter of intent”. An intention helps you remember your goal and use it as an anchor if unexpected things or feelings arise during the journey/experience. Post-experience, it helps you deconstruct the insights and challenges of your journey in the context of your set goals, rather than viewing them as random, stand-alone events.

For some people, it makes sense to determine their goals. Your goals can be spiritual in nature: you want to experience aspects of your tradition or another tradition directly, to overcome previous beliefs, or even to transcend belief itself. Perhaps you’re hoping for what’s called a “oneness experience,” where there’s no separation between your identity and everything else. But your goals can also be social: better relationships with your partner, children, brothers, sisters, parents, colleagues, friends, and spiritual and secular institutions. In addition, psychological goals can also be pursued: understanding neurotic patterns, phobias, unresolved anger or sadness. — James Fadiman

How can I buy the psilocybin truffles?

You can find everything you need for microdosing on our website. Check out our store.