Paul Stamets Cited in Nature

Hello,

This week in The Microverse, we’re rolling out a fresh, microdose-inspired format!

We took one of the most exciting, talked-about studies on microdosing, and rather than serve it to you as a macrodose; we broke it down into simple, practical insights, small enough for you to digest in 2 minutes without getting overwhelmed or lost in the details.

This 2022 research published in the prestigious academic journal Nature, featuring Dr. Pamela Kryskow and mycologist Paul Stamets, explores how microdosing psilocybin may impact mood, mental health, and coordination. 

Curious how to get the most out of microdosing? Integrate these takeaways and insights into your microdosing routine!

Mood and Mental Health Boost:

Microdosers experienced noticeable reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress over 30 days, compared to non-microdosers.

Benefits for Older Adults:

Older participants not only saw mood improvements but also gains in psychomotor skills—helpful for activities requiring coordination and quick reflexes.

Stacking Supplements: 

While “stacking” psilocybin with Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) and vitamin B3 is a popular approach, the study found no extra mental health benefits for most people compared to using psilocybin alone.

However, older adults saw significant improvements in coordination and reflexes when combining all three, suggesting that the benefits may depend on both age and the use of the full stack. Though these findings are still considered preliminary, they support anecdotal reports that the combination of psilocybin, lion’s mane, and B3 can enhance psychomotor skills.

More About Stacking: 

The combination of psilocybin with lion’s mane, a mushroom known for its potential to support nerve growth and cognitive function, and vitamin B3 (niacin), which may enhance nutrient delivery to cells, aims to maximize the potential neuroprotective and nootropic effects of microdosing.

If you're considering microdosing, the study suggests it may help with mood and mental health, particularly if you struggle with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Older adults may see additional benefits in coordination when combining psilocybin with lion’s mane and B3. While stacking may not improve mood outcomes for everyone, it appears to support better movement and reflexes for older individuals.

Tips for Your Practice:

Start small, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. For older adults, or those looking to enhance coordination, integrating Lionsmane and B3 into your regimen alongside psilocybin may offer added psychomotor benefits.

1. “As soon as I started microdosing, I noticed my focus was way better during long work days. It’s like my mind was sharpened. .” – Sarah M., USA

2. “I’ve been using 0.1g of dried mushrooms twice a week…I can’t deny something is happening. I’m on week 7, and I’m noticing less anxiety and more connection with others.” – Joshua L., Canada

3. “Microdosing has made my mornings less chaotic; it's like I’m choosing my experience; it’s not just happening to me. I am less attached to controlling everything and more accepting.” – Maria T., Mexico

We loved this episode, which Paul F. Austin recorded for ThirdWave, interviewing Paul and Pam just after the Nature study was published.

Learn all about it directly - what we know and don't know about microdosing!

Until next time, think of Microdosing as a tool…..tools don’t do the work…….they help us to do the work. Stay curious and embrace what you are capable of!

The Microdosing.com Team

_{In Crisis? If you’re having thoughts of self-harm please call 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. If you’re experiencing a difficult trip, or need help integrating one, consider contacting Fireside Project by calling or texting 62-FIRESIDE or visit firesideproject.org.}