Mushrooms are everywhere you look these days, and we don't just mean on the forest floor. They are popping up in every type of health supplement imaginable, and people are swearing by both types—psychedelic and non-psychedelic—for a wide range of healing properties.
The magic of mushrooms has been known for centuries: they were prized by many ancient cultures. However, this latest surge of mushroom mania can be attributed to the fact that modern research and science have made mushrooms as a wellness tool more convincing than ever before.
Microdosing is one key element of the latest mushroom craze, and we will walk you through all you need to know about the best mushrooms for microdosing.
The Magic Benefits of Mushrooms
Regardless of the mushroom method—whether you eat them as they are, steep them in tea, eat them on a salad, or microdose the psychedelic variety—fungi are great at delivering health benefits.
Mushroom supplements are now available to help with everything from sleep to inflammation, and the negative connotations that were once common around magic mushrooms are starting to diminish, thanks to what we have learned about how psychedelics can be effective in treating mental health disorders.
Your garden variety mushrooms (pun intended) are known to offer these benefits:
- Support of a healthy immune system
- Vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption and reduces inflammation
- Neuroprotective properties that contribute to brain health
These are just a handful of ways our bodies benefit from regular, non-psychedelic mushrooms, and we also know that psychedelic mushrooms could offer these types of benefits and more.
Psychedelic mushrooms have come to the forefront of the mental health treatment discussion in that they are showing particular promise when it comes to treatment-resistant depression.
Psychedelic and psychoactive mushrooms could be used to treat everything from bipolar disorder to PTSD. Always refer to your physician or mental health care provider before using mushrooms in this way. Recreational mushrooms should not be used as a standalone substitute for the care and guidance of professionals.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is a term you may have heard associated with cannabis; however, the same concept can apply to mushrooms. And microdosing is indeed as straightforward as it sounds: it involves taking smaller doses to experience the benefits of mushrooms without the intensity of a full dose.
There is certainly a science when it comes to microdosing, but most experienced microdosers would also tell you there is an art to it as well. Just as you may find some distinct variations in cannabis strains—and they are not necessarily equal when it comes to microdosing—the same is true when it comes to mushrooms.
Not all strains work equally well for microdosing, and if you are inexperienced with mushrooms, you will want to do a little homework before you try them in a full dose, a microdose, or anything in between.
Full doses of psychedelic mushrooms can lead to extremely intense effects. In some cases, that kind of intensity is desired, but in other cases, it could be disruptive to other activities, interfere with work or other obligations, or just be unsettling to an inexperienced shroomer.
Microdosing is intended to offer some of the benefits of mushrooms without possible unwanted side effects or levels of intensity that make the experience unpleasant.
The Best Mushrooms for Microdosing
Mushroom strains vary just as cannabis strains vary, and much of it comes down to personal preference. For example, you might prefer one type of THC for pain management and another for improved sleep. Sometimes, it takes testing out different varieties of cannabis or mushrooms (or even combining them!) to achieve the desired results.
As the popularity of mushrooms continues to grow, we are learning more about which ones people seem to prefer for microdosing. The strains continually mentioned among the best for microdsosig are:
- Psilocybe Azurescens: this strain is among the strongest, so it is recommended for experienced shroomers and those with microdosing experience.
- Psilocybe Cubensis: You will find this strain used most often for mushroom products that can be microdosed, thanks to its mild effects. This is your safest bet if you are inexperienced and a great introduction to the world of microdosing.
- Psilocybe Cyanescens: If you are experienced and looking for a strain that packs a bigger punch, Psilocybe Cyanescens will be a good choice.
- Psilocybe Mexicana: Last but not least, this strain is another popular choice and is known for its euphoric effects.
Microdosing Mushrooms: Is It Safe for Everyone?
Many people enjoy both the health benefits of mushrooms as well as the incredible spiritual experience that can be enjoyed when using them recreationally. They are generally safe when consumed responsibly by adults, but some people should not microdose mushrooms.
- Anyone who is allergic to mushrooms should avoid mushroom gummies, capsules, or supplements of any kind. Mushroom allergies are somewhat rare, but they do exist and can cause hives, wheezing, and stomach cramps, among other symptoms. If you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction to mushrooms, seek medical attention.
- Some medications may have interactions with mushrooms, so you should avoid using them if you are on blood thinners or blood pressure medication. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about medicines you may be taking and how they might be affected by microdosing mushrooms.
- Minors should not microdose mushrooms; they should only be enjoyed responsibly by adults. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not microdose mushrooms as well.
As noted above, mushrooms are also showing great promise in the treatment of mental health disorders. However, if you plan to use them in this way, it should be done under the care of your mental health provider.
Otherwise, most healthy adults are able to enjoy recreational mushrooms. Microdosing will minimize the intense effects; however, if you choose to ingest full doses of mushrooms, consider these tips for the best possible experience:
- Have someone act as a trip sitter for you, a person who abstains from using mushrooms but is there to help you along if you become overwhelmed by the psychedelic effects.
- Stay hydrated! Be sure to drink plenty of water before you use mushrooms.
- Use mushrooms only in settings where you are free from obligations such as work or caring for family members. Do not operate a vehicle.
Is There an Alternative to Psilocybin?
The best mushrooms for microdosing are not limited to the strains listed above, and individual tastes and preferences will play a big role in this process. As you try different types of mushrooms, consider the fact that there is an alternative to psilocybin that could end up becoming one of your favorite ways to microdose.
The Amanita Muscaria mushroom does not contain psilocybin but can, in fact, lead to an uplifting and euphoric experience. Muscimol is the ingredient in these mushrooms that makes them psychoactive rather than psychedelic.
Amanita Muscaria mushroom gummies are legal for use in most places, whereas other psychedelic strains are classified as Schedule I drugs. They make a great addition to any adventure and are perfect for microdosing; plus, they come in delicious flavors and boast organic ingredients.
We are sure you will love Road Trip Gummies just as much as we do at Erth Wellness, whether you are a seasoned shroomer or completely new to microdosing.
