#89 - Sacred Medicine

There are more and more researches being done on topics of psychedelics. On their healing power to treat social anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, addictions, and many more...

I feel more competent writing about things since I have personal experience with, and tripping on psychedelics is not one of them. I personally never felt a deep need to take a high dose to get to the point of having an actual psychedelic experience.

I had quite some conversations with people who had their trips, and shared their experiences with me. Most of them said: "That was a unique, life-changing experience", They claim that it offered insights into themselves and life. Opening doors to the ultimate reality. Additionally, everybody was amazed about seeing geometric structures and other visuals.

This is more a short note, than a full article about sacred medicine. I will focus mostly on the topic of one of the micro-dosing of psychedelics, as I have personal experience with it and I did a lot of research before.

My experience of micro-dosing was with Icelandic Magic Mushrooms. It's funny to find all those gatherers, around late summer to early autumn.

It didn't bring any "visible" improvement, apart from improved visualization.

My body didn't really like the substance. The skin under the eyes became dry, red, and itchy. So after some time, I decided to stop the experiment. The skin returned to normal (healthy).

Everybody is different, therefore if it didn't work for me, it doesn't mean that it won't work for you.

*The content of this week's topic is for educational purposes only. It's not to convince you to take any illegal substances. Please, be mindful of your own choices.

You might have heard about Silicon Valley, as they admit use of substances like LSD, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms. I would say this topic is becoming more mainstream.

Why microdosing became more popular in occupations that need the ability for creativity and abstract thinking?

Some of the reported benefits of microdosing include:

• increased creativity;

• easier to get into FLOW state;

• increased energy and productivity;

• experiencing more happiness;

• lowering depression;

• improved ability to solve complex problems;

• the inner feeling of gratitude;

• increased life satisfaction;

• more motivation;

• excellent mood;

• improved focus during important tasks;

• improved memory;

• easier visualization;

• increased peace of mind;

• lowered anxiety;

• more empathy;

• easier to get into deep meditation;

• improved athletic performance;

There are both physical and emotional effects which were reported by many individual 'microdosers'.

If you are interested to find out more about benefits - you might like to search a phrase "Effects of psychedelics on the brain".

Microdosing is taking micro-doses of psychedelics. Taking active substances in sub-therapeutic amounts that do not produce the effects known from recreational doses.

There are two different strategies to microdose. One is as-needed (intuitive), and the other is fixed scheduled. The first one is based on self-observations in specific situations and based on that appropriate dosage is evaluated.

If it comes to fixed schedule approaches, the two most common are:

• The Fadiman Protocol;

• Stamets Stack Protocol;

When experimenting and researching, many microdosers come up with their own formulas, often adjusting protocols to their own needs.

There are plenty of different psychedelic substances, but the most popular are psilocybin that 'magic mushrooms' contain, and lysergic acid diethylamide. Other psychedelics such as DMT, mescaline are less common (for microdosing).

If you decide to try, make sure that the stuff you got is from a trusted source. It might be easier to evaluate the quality of magic mushrooms due to their raw form.

It is possible to purchase "Magic Mushrooms Growbox" for home breeding, which in many countries are legal (to purchase, not to breed). The first harvest should take place after approximately one month. Shrooms should be dried, grind and mix with other ingredients and in the right proportions encapsulate.

*In many countries having and growing magic mushrooms is illegal. Before you will decide on experiments, make sure that they are legal according to local law.

You want to find the perfect dose for you. Even the slightest sign of trip means that you are talking too much psilocybin. Start with the lowest spectrum of recommended dose spectrum and increase little by little. Until you will find a dose that you like. You will need a jewellery scale to measure it.

"A microdose is defined as beginning below the threshold of a sensorium effect."

It's a challenging task to find the perfect dosage based on other people's experiences. Everyone has a different body and that includes genetics, weight, lifestyle, health status, sensitivity. You can find that for most, micro-dosing is about 50 - 250 mg of dried mushrooms.

While microdosing you might like to do cognitive tests before, during, and regularly after a fixed amount of time to evaluate any changes. Additionally, keep on journaling and observe mental, emotional, and physical differences.

Many microdoses use gelatine capsules or simply mix it with food, or add it to a smoothie.

For some taking it on empty stomach brings nausea, for others, it works best as the food can slow down absorption.

Important is to rather focus on observations rather than intentional summoning of effects. Leave the expectations on how it should work for you as that can lead to disappointment and can stop the experiment.

It's not recommended to drive during the first day. Make sure also that you don't have any important responsibilities. You want to be able to relax.

For many people it increases energy levels, so it might be difficult to fall asleep, that's why it's recommended to take it at least 6-8 hours before you would want to fall asleep.

One of the most popular for microdosing is The Stamets’ Stack protocol of Paul Stamets. He is well-known as botany and mycology specialist.

The protocol involves psilocybin mushrooms with the lion's mane nootropic, and niacin in the form of nicotinic acid. He believes that this combination synergizes to promote neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons in the brain.

Lion's Mane Mushroom also known as Bearded Tooth Fungus, or Hedgehog Mushroom is one of truly effective nature's brain food. Its effectiveness has been confirmed in many clinical trials.

It has drawn attention thanks to its nerve-regenerative properties, acceleration of cognitive processes. It seems that it can regenerate damaged nerves and increase the ability to learn. I encourage you to read more about these fungi.

Niacin (nicotinic acid), also known as vitamin B3 or vitamin PP. Although similar names, it has nothing to do with tobacco. This substance stimulates the peripheral nervous system, therefore, extends the effects of nootropics to the entire body, instead of just the central nervous system. To not make it too complicated, it will support the whole formula, assisting deliverability throughout the body.

A high dose of Niacin can produce a flush effect that can last up to 30 minutes, but often less. It's characterized by redness and tingling sensations.

The formula for epigenetic neurogenesis: (based on a 70 kg weight).

• 50 mg - 100 mg - psilocybin mushrooms

• 50 - 200 mg - lion's mane mushrooms

• 101 to 200 mg - niacin

Cycle:

• 4 days ON

• 3 days OFF

or as some sources suggest:

• 5 days ON

• 2 days OFF

Continue the whole cycle for 4 weeks and then take 2-4 weeks of rest.

* it's possible that the exact suggested dosage varies from source to source.

Dr. Jim Fadiman brought the popularity of microdosing through his work and book The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, the publication which goes into detail about microdosing.

The microdosing protocol proposed by the researcher has become a model for thousands of microdozers around the world.

You want to find the perfect dose for you. Even the slightest sign of trip means that you are talking too much.

You can journal, as that will help you observe any changes. Energy levels, attitude, creativity, mood, appetite, quality of sleep, physical activity, and so on.

The Fadiman Protocol involves a 3-day cycle.

• Day 1: ON

• Day 2: OFF

• Day 3: OFF

• Day 4: ON

Dosage:

• 100 - 400 mg - psilocybin mushrooms (dried).

• 7 - 12 μg (micrograms) of LSD.

Continue with this cycle for 4-8 weeks. Then take a break for 2-4 weeks.

*it's possible that the exact suggested dosage varies from source to source.

There is still a lot to discover if it comes to the world of psychedelics, sacred medicine, and the evolution of the human psyche.

There are also other sacred medicine processes. You can look for phrases like:

• Ibogaine;

• Peyote:

• San Pedro;

• Ayahuasca;

• Kambo;

If you found this topic interesting you might like to watch Fantastic Fungi. Interesting documentary about the power of fungi, and read more about the therapeutical usage of psychedelics.

I would love to hear your stories, so feel free to share on MySpiritWay Forum. There is a pretty big Reddit community if you are interested to easily find other like-minded people.