Category: Blog

The Magic of Microdosing Mushrooms. Guide for the Psychonauts

The Magic of Microdosing Mushrooms. Guide for the Psychonauts 

There is a unique type of personality – that when they hear the word “psychedelic”, their ears perk up just a bit. For many of us, we are fully aware of the powerful introspective and immensely spiritual & healing power of these unique compounds. Some describe the psychedelic trip as tapping into the eternal consciousness of life as a whole, and viewing yourself and your ego objectively from this divine source.

However not all psychedelics are consumed for this reason and taken to this extent. Many are beginning to see the huge benefits associated with sub-perceptive doses of psilocybin mushrooms or lsd (not enough to cause a noticeable reaction but enough to create the neural chemistry for unique things to begin happening in your brain). This sub-perceptual dose is called a “Microdose”.

Microdosing refers to taking a small amount of a substance, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms), in order to stimulate the neural chemistry of its benefits without the noticeable “trip” or hallucinogenic effects.

What’s so great about microdosing is that it allows someone to experience the full benefits of a “trip” without actually having one. It essentially creates a bridge between taking a larger dose to feel the effects or not doing anything at all.

Typically, people use psychedelics on their own for self-analysis and self-reflection. A journey into your inner world with no judgment from outside forces, just you and your mind unadulterated by external stimuli. Microdosing can help with this sort of practice as well, but at much lower dosages in which there are “no hallucinations or mood swings.” This could be called more of an experiment than anything else where the doer/experimenter becomes aware of what goes on around them and within themselves at different levels of consciousness while maintaining some control over the situation.

There are many reasons to try microdosing with mushrooms (or other psychedelics) as either an adjunct to psychotherapy or instead of it entirely. Clinical research over decades, along with recent studies, has shown that active components in psychedelic substances like psilocybin have a variety of effects on the brain that may be helpful in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. The beneficial effects include: increased optimism, imaginativeness, spirituality/inner clarity, positive mood and openness to life experiences; decreased rates of depression, anxiety attenuated fear response. The substances also generally cause increases in creative output in both the arts and sciences among users – this increase offsets potential negative consequences such as mental confusion or difficulty concentrating which are common when first using entheogens due to psychodynamic factors.

Microdosing can be done in many different ways, but this guide will focus on psilocybin mushrooms, as that is what most psychonauts are looking to learn about.

Microdosing Mushrooms Dosage:

Recommended dosages range from anywhere between .1 gram to .5 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. A sub-perceptual dose doesn’t have a full-on trip, but still creates a difference in brain functioning. The higher the dose of mushrooms microdosed, the stronger the effects will be. Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms can be done every day at different times if needed. It is recommended to start with low doses and work your way up until you find what works for you.

Benefits of Microdosing Mushrooms:

– Increasing overall happiness and mood
– Reducing stress or anxiety
– Enhancing cognition and creativity
– Heightening introspection 
– Promoting mental clarity, producing a more grounded experience of the body. 
– Potentially increasing performance at various tasks.

Microdosing Mushrooms has been found to reduce stress, allow individuals to form better relationships, find more creative options for solving problems, have higher IQ levels (thinking quicker), and improve brain function overall.

The positives speak for themselves: less anxiety, better relationships, enhanced creativity, improved cognitive function…across the board it is usually a success story when one doses in moderation.

How does microdosing mushrooms improve mental healing?

Psychedelics work because they are able to access insights that are otherwise hidden by the confines of our egos. This is what makes them such invaluable tools of personal transformation and self-acceptance. Microdosing on psychedelics can also function under the same principle- just at much lower intensities so that one still has full awareness of their surroundings but with subtle shifts in perspective which can yield informative results when it comes to insightfully analyzing yourself or your behavior in certain areas.
This is primarily what makes microdosing on psychedelics such as LSD and Psilocybin Mushrooms so effective for healing and self-care.

How does microdosing mushrooms improve creativity?

Microdosing is believed to enhance creativity by causing a burst of new and different connections in the brain. It is thought to increase divergent thinking, or the ability to think of many possible solutions to one problem. Psychedelics may also increase the amount of time spent thinking about a problem, without actually solving it. This prolonged thought process is thought to create a greater number of possible solutions, which can ultimately lead to a more creative solution.

In a more technical aspect the enhancement of creativity is the believed to be due to increased neuroplasticity from serotonergic agonism in the prefrontal cortex.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways and change its structure. One of the main effects of psychedelics is to grow new connections between neurons. This is especially important in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an area of the brain associated with complex cognitive behavior, decision making, attention, and working memory. 

During a ‘trip’ or psychedelic experience one’s ordinary perceptual and emotional processes are disrupted, creating “temporary schisms in ordinary consciousness”. As a result, information is experienced in novel ways.

While these insights could potentially be induced by other means (including psychotherapy), psychedelics allow users to instinctively tap into their own brain chemistry through this “disruption of ordinary consciousness”. So while psychedelics can damage neurological pathways if abused or used incorrectly, they also first disrupt usually comfortable thought patterns and engender new ideas off of the existing neural network – subsequently building upon it through self-feedback mechanisms (i.e., selective neurotransmitter receptor sites).

This confluence affects perception and cognition which goes hand in hand with an enhanced sense of spiritual connection or insight as well as heightened tendency towards introspection even after these substances wear off – perhaps because such experiences call into question mundane modes of living plainly incompatible with high spiritual ideals for some people, despite how primally pleasurable those pathways may once have been programmed over thousands if not millions of years ago. During our evolution for survival based on reward circuitry (such as olfactory related sexual rewards). 

Studies have shown that psychedelics can increase the density of neuronal dendrites (the areas of the neuron that receive signals) and the number of synapses, (the connections between neurons). This means that neurons can communicate with each other more efficiently, and the brain becomes more flexible and creative.

The way psychedelics affect the brain’s filtering of information is less clear, but current theories suggest that psychedelics cause the brain to become less “noisy” and, therefore, allow weak signals to be perceived. This could explain why people often report having “aha” moments and insights under the influence of psychedelics. 

How does microdosing improve cognitive impairment?

Many individuals who have experienced a decline in cognitive functioning from a variety of causes, such as chronic stress, depression, or other medical conditions, have reported that microdosing has improved their cognitive functioning. This could be due to the fact that psychedelics are known to reduce activity in the default mode network (DMN), a network of brain regions that is significantly activated during rest and is associated with introspection and self-processing. The DMN is most active in the following brain regions: the posterior cingulate cortex, the medial prefrontal cortex, the lateral parietal cortices, and the temporoparietal junction. 

A more recent study found that microdosing significantly reduced DMN activity in both the posterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex. This finding supports the idea that psychedelics may be able to improve cognitive functioning by minimizing the brain’s tendency to get caught up in its own processing.

How does microdosing mushrooms improve the ability to focus?

Microdosing is believed to strengthen mental clarity and one’s ability to focus. The chemical psilocybin is the psychoactive ingredient in mushrooms; it has been shown to cause blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for focus and concentration. This is thought to be one of the reasons why psychedelics are often used to treat ADD and ADHD.

How does microdosing mushrooms improve empathy?

Microdosing is believed to increase empathy and promote compassion. It has been shown that psychedelics increase activity in the parts of the brain responsible for empathy, known as the temporal parietal junctures (TPJ), and the default mode network (DMN). The DMN is a network responsible for internal awareness, and it is activated when we daydream or think about ourselves. Psychedelics cause this network to become more active, which helps people understand their own thoughts and feelings. When combined with an understanding of others, this can lead to increased empathy.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning to microdose.

– For the best experience, plan to take your dose in the morning.
– Set & Setting is vital
– For most people, Microdosing works well with a healthy, balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
– It is also advisable to take the microdose on an empty stomach, before eating.
– Drink a lot of water while microdosing and stay hydrated.
– Do not combine microdosing with other substances unless well documented and researched (Check list of synergistic compounds below)

It is recommended that those who are new to microdosing start with a much smaller dose than they think they need. This is because it is very difficult to gauge the strength of the psilocybin mushrooms that one has purchased, and too much can lead to unpleasant side effects or a “bad trip”.

Best supplements or otherwise “enhancements” to the mushroom microdose experience.

1. Lions Mane Extract. Lions mane extract works synergistically with Psilocybin to promote Nerve Growth Factor which creates new healthy neurons from neural stem cells and protects existing neuronal connections.

2. Agaricus Blazei Extract: Studies have shown this mushroom has amazing neuro-protective properties and also potent anti-inflammatory effects. It protects the brain cells while they are making new connections throughout their natural production of Nerve Growth Factor.

3. Choline and other Brain Fuel Nutrients- Choline is Critical to the brain’s function because the liver converts it to Acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter that helps transmit signals from one brain cell to the next. This process is called synaptic transmission.

4.  High quality Fish Oil or Krill Oil- Omega 3 essential fatty acids  are essential for this to work correctly. Make sure they are high molecular weight and from a highly rated fish oil company like Nordic Naturals.

5. Mushroom Antioxidants – I use Shilajit Extract combined with Boswellia Extract, these herbs have potent antioxidant properties that also zero in on adenosine receptors increasing memory consolidation and other healthy brain aging effects.

6. A Magnesium Supplement (Magnesium Glycinate) is very important because it helps improve neurotransmission in the brain by enhancing NMDA receptor activity, while inhibiting reuptake of GABA-A neurotransmitters which allows them to continue stimulating neurons and helping you relax deeply while microdosing mushrooms!  

7. Gratitude Exercise Journal – to note what you experience and how grateful you are for the things in your life.

8. Proper Rest- This is vitally important, abstain from microdosing during late into the evening if possible because sleep disturbs serotonin receptor sites often resulting in a short term serotonin syndrome causing anxiety, agitation, or other very undesired side effects.

9. Optional (But I do this) – Zinc Citrate Powder daily 50mg-1g to enhance memory ability. Take Probiotics daily to maintain healthy gut flora for better absorption of nutrients and greater well being overall.

10. EGCG from Green Tea can also be neuro-protective and help with anxiety and depression effects.

We hope you were able to gain some insight and value from this article and wish you warmth and prosperity on your journey into the world of microdosing!

Magic Mushrooms and the Psychedelic Renaissance

Recent studies suggest microdosing magic mushrooms can significantly boost creativity and improve cognitive function. What does this mean for mankind?

Could the psychedelic renaissance be upon us?

Psilocybe mushrooms have been used for thousands of years across the world, from ancient Mesoamerica to native Siberia. They are still in use today, with a worldwide market worth over $7 billion dollars. But long before the introduction of LSD, magic mushrooms were one of the most popular psychedelics in the world – now they’re coming back out of obscurity and proving themselves as one of our most innovative medicines once again.

Why are we seeing this renaissance of an ancient drug? Cognitive psychologist Dr. David Nichols, who was the lead author on a recent study about microdosing magic mushrooms and creativity, says he believes it’s down to people rediscovering their creativity and wanting that sense of flow back. He also believes that one of the reasons there is such a significant rise in young adults seeking psychedelic treatment is due to the way they’re living in today’s fast-paced world.

“We live in an interconnected, fast paced world and very often we are doing things with insane efficiency,” explains Nichols. “And so people feel like they need to do something very different. They feel like they don’t want to be in a world where their lives are dictated by efficiency and productivity and doing the most with the least. They want to take a step back and ask what’s important.”

Nichols explains that people are often looking for some kind of integration – or flow – with their life, and psychedelics provide it. But he doesn’t believe that their use is necessarily for recreational purposes; rather, he says, we need to consider them as one of the most important medicines today. After all, studies have shown microdosing can even help treat addiction.

“Magic mushrooms could be a much more important agent than modern antidepressants for providing an integrated process,” he told The Telegraph last year.

How do these mystical mushrooms effect our brain chemistry?

The greatest feature of psilocybin is its non-toxic nature and ability to combat depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that just one magic mushroom can effectively help a person suffering from anxiety – just as it benefits people struggling with depression. Aside from easing mental anguish, neurotransmitters in our brain are also released, helping the flow of information within the brain. This is why psychedelics have such a profound effect on our consciousness – they change how we think about life.

Recent studies also show that like mindfulness meditation, or transcendental meditation, psilocybin can help us become more aware of how we think and feel in a way that transcends time and space. For example, a group of researchers in Canada found in their 2015 study that people were able to better recognize and classify real-life experiences when under the influence of psilocybin.

“It is possible that psychedelics facilitate the flexible recategorization of memories, thereby enabling their behavioral reuse,” they wrote. Another study from 2014 also found this to be true, suggesting that psychedelics can help us see situations that we might normally not understand, in a new light.

“Our results confirm previous findings indicating an ease in difficult transitions following the use of classic hallucinogens,” the researchers noted. “This suggests a potential clinical relevance in addiction and other kinds of disorders marked by social withdrawal and inappropriate behavior.

What is mushrooms role in the psychedelic revolution of medicine?

Researcher and author Dr. Brian Normand, also known as NeuroSoup has been studying the effects of psychedelics on the brain for over a decade. He believes that how we use these fascinating medicines is what will truly determine their role in society.

“Psychedelics, like magic mushrooms, are a unique class of compounds that can dramatically expand our consciousness and our understanding of the universe around us,” says Normand. “They do this by allowing us to see things from new perspectives, much like a short vacation from the familiar constraints of day-to-day life. They are powerful medicines and researchers have learned how to harness them to produce far better healing, treatments, and self-exploration than has ever been possible before.”

Normand compares psychedelics to a surfboard on the ocean – you can ride it wherever you want. “There is no need for a particular destination but it’s the same with the waves,” he says. “If you ride it right, it will take you there. But if you sit there and fight the waves or try to keep yourself dry by holding tight to your board, then this is not the goal of this journey. It is the very opposite of it.”

This is a different approach to how we use medicine today, according to Normand. Rather than focusing on the destination, these medicines can help us get there in a different way – and more safely.

“The advantage of this approach is that we can make use of the profound insights and understanding that these compounds offer us without getting stuck in our own rigid beliefs,” says Normand. “This is something that conventional psychiatric treatment cannot offer. So it will be important for society to find ways to work with psychedelics that empower patients by allowing them to explore new possibilities.”

In Conclusion, Normand says that psychedelics are one of the most important tools we have for understanding the human mind, and they can help us better understand emotions and the way we view the world.

“As a result, we can make huge breakthroughs in medicine, science, technology, creativity, spirituality, learning and personal development,” says Normand. “This knowledge will ultimately transform our culture.”

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Dosage

Before we begin on the proper dosage for lions mane, and lions mane extract we’d like to point out that Mycrodose uses a nanoemulsified blend of highly potent extracted lions mane fruiting bodies. This means that the potency of our product is not only higher because it is an extract, but it increase even higher due to that extract going through nano emulsification which essentially allows it to increase the bioavailability by upwards of 5x.

Standardized non-extract lions mane capsule dosages:

For a standardized non-extract lions mane dosage take between 500-1,000 mg daily of lions mane capsules. The goal here is to look for a 500 mg to 1 gram dosage daily.

As far as the non-extracted version of lions mane goes, you can actually go up to about 5 grams per day as long as you are keeping it under a certain amount of bioactive amines and polysaccharides. But keep in mind the other compounds in non-extracted form can cause risks at these high dosages.

For extracted lions mane concentrate dosage:

For an extracted lions mane dosage, you will want to take anywhere from 50-200 mg daily.

It is important to note that this dosage does not include the hot water extractions of lions mane. This only goes for water and alcohol extracts. While it’s certainly possible to get some bioactive amines out of a hot water extraction, its pretty much impossible to get out antioxidants and polysaccarides in any sort of viable way from hot water extractions so we do not count this as a viable source of extractions for proper dosages.

Nano-emulsified Water-soluble Lions Mane Extract Dosage

This is by far the most potent and logical form of ingesting lions mane. The purpose of taking lions mane in this form is to take advantage of the super bioavailability and water solubility it possesses. Lions mane takes on the structure of a nanoemulsion where the particles are so small that they can be absorbed sublingually through the blood stream.

If you have ever taken a standard pill, you know how hard it is to take properly. With any pill, you have to make sure that it gets down your throat and chewed enough to dissolve. This is not an easy pill to swallow but with a nanoemulsified extract we have solved many issues in bio availability and absorption that would otherwise be problematic with standard pills or capsules.

With a nanoemulsified extract, you simply take one of our sublingual capsules and drop it under your tongue. Within a few minutes you can feel it dissolving and absorbing into your blood stream. Or conversely with our softgels you can take it like a standard easy-to-swallow pill and still reap the benefits of it’s superior absorbtion rate with higher bioavailability through the standard route.

This allows the body to more readily absorb and utilize this extract of lion’s mane to it’s highest potential and them being produced in softgels takes a lot of the guesswork out of the dosage amount. For an easily digestible, bioavailable Nanoemulsified watersoluble lions mane extract dosage you should take up to 3 softgels daily.

Also keep in mind that the extract for our product is water based so not only is this a very potent product, but it is extremely easy for your body to digest and absorb into your system.

As a dietary supplement take 3 softgels daily.

One other key component that should be mentioned is that Lions Mane Extract works synergistically with the other compounds found within Mycrodose. Our product is a proprietary blend of water and lipid soluble compounds that has been shown in studies to increase the bioavailability and absorption of both lions mane as well as other phytonutrients found in the 50:1 (10,000mg active ingredient) Mycrodose formula. In short, you are getting so much more than just lions mane extract when you take bioactive Mycrodose.

You are getting the power of a multitude of organic compounds working together with lions mane extract and all of them working towards supporting your brain health in some way shape or form.

We hope that you have found this information regarding proper dosage to be helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by email or through our Contact Us.

Golden Teacher – A Magic Mushroom of Knowledge

History of the Golden Teacher Mushroom 

The story of the originator of the Golden Teacher strain dates back to the mid-90’s, in Amsterdam. A mycological researcher who was studying psilocybin mushrooms took a particular interest in the common Psilocybe cubensis mushroom and began to conduct a series of experiments with different substrates using various methods to grow these shrooms. The experimenter used many different substrates including aspen wood chips, rye grass seed, compost, coffee grinds, straw and even spent beer grains from microbreweries. After all these various experiments had been conducted over an extended period of time, his research eventually lead him to discover that the best substrate for growing this new potent mushroom was rye grass seed mixed with a high percentage of vermiculite or perlite.

After he had noticed more than once that his shrooms were turning out particularly potent he felt compelled to name it after his good friend Richard Shulgin who is known as “the godfather of MDMA” because he first synthesized it in 1965. This new species ended up being named Psilocybe Shulginenis which later became known as Psilocybe Cubensis Golden Teacher due to its potency and unique golden brown coloration on maturity. Since then there have been several other similar variants created such as B+, Cambodian Gold and just plain old Golden Teachers which are often sold under different names by vendors online without any consistency or documentation about their origins resulting in some confusion among growers who may not fully understand what they’re getting themselves into when buying them online without knowing how much psychoactive potential they might have or what kind of effects they’ll produce during consumption.

Golden Teacher Effects

The effects of a Golden Teacher mushroom are a lot like those from other psilocybe cubensis strains. The onset of effects typically occur between 20-30 minutes after ingestion and last anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on dosage and your tolerance level. There’s a wide range of psychoactive effects that you may feel, but most users tend to experience feelings of euphoria, introspection, intense visual experiences like closed eyed visuals or open eyed vision with colors intensified, and even some mild stimulation in some cases. 

It’s not uncommon for people to report feeling more talkative and interactive when taking psilocybe cubensis strains such as this one. Some people also experience an increase in general energy levels which can lead to increased physical activity when taken at higher doses which can help to promote even more vivid visual hallucinations. Some people who have tried this mushroom have also reported experiencing auditory hallucinations as well including hearing sounds like ringing bells, knocking on wood, or various other sound distortions which are often associated with shamanic rituals involving certain types of psychedelic plants and fungi. Many studies have shown that using psychedelic substances such as magic mushrooms is actually considered by researchers to be one of the most effective ways to induce spiritual epiphanies among different segments of society ranging from musicians, artists, writers and many others who use these mushrooms as part of their creative process. 

Growing Psilocybe Cubensis Golden Teachers 

Golden Teachers grow best in a temperature controlled environment around 70 degrees Fahrenheit but it’s important that they are kept slightly cooler than most shrooms because they tend to fruit much better around room temperature rather than warmer temperatures which can result in premature pinning if the temperature gets too hot during fruiting stages. You should try your best to keep humidity levels below 50% during fruiting stages for best results since high humidity levels usually tend to impede proper development in the fruiting chambers if they get too high during critical stages for optimal growth. 

Keep the substrate moist but never soggy throughout fruiting stages since constant drying out can hold back growth significantly resulting in less potent fruits than what you might see otherwise if conditions were optimal for growth early on. For optimal results try using a casing layer made from peat moss or coco coir since these substrates tend to be great at holding moisture while still allowing air circulation so all areas will remain free from mold and diseases that could potentially kill off your shrooms before they’ve had a chance to fully develop into ripe fruits ready for harvest!

What makes Golden Teachers so special? 

The original Golden Teacher strain is a very potent mushroom, with a high level of psilocybin and psilocin. The effects produced by the Golden Teacher are some of the most sought after psychoactive effects in the world. The active compounds within this mushroom can produce psychedelic effects which are often described as “mind blowing” and “life changing”. 

These types of experiences can allow people to get in touch with their feelings, emotions and mental states in a way that’s not possible for them otherwise. This experience can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from depression or anxiety because they’ve been shown to lead to increased happiness while also reducing overall levels of psychological distress brought on by these issues. This particular mushroom has an extremely short growth period which averages at around 5 days depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity levels, it also has an average fruiting period that lasts between 3-7 days depending on the strain, substrate type, growing methods used and overall conditions. 

Overall the Golden Teacher is one of the most sought after mushrooms for its potency, it’s easy to grow nature and extremely short fruiting cycle making it highly desirable among those who are just getting started growing shrooms at home or even more experienced cultivators looking for something new to try out already having tried all other strains available. 

The name itself is actually quite fitting when you consider what kind of effect you could expect from consuming this particular species of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom. By ingesting these mushrooms you’ll typically feel very relaxed but energized at the same time which may make you feel like “you can take on the world” and ready to take on any challenge that may present itself before you without hesitation or fear! Common feelings following consumption include a sense of euphoria, pleasure and blissful sensations throughout your body; along with an increase in positive moods including feelings of joyfulness, excitement, happiness and even laughter while also boosting energy levels giving you lots of extra physical stamina necessary when working out physically or just going about your day-to-day activities! 

All these effects combined can produce great results when consuming these mushrooms during meditation sessions where many users have claimed that they were able to clear their minds completely; allowing them to concentrate fully while staying entirely focused throughout their entire session instead of being distracted by extraneous thoughts entering their mind causing them to lose focus creating less productive meditative sessions in the past before experiencing these same effects from consuming wildcrafted magic mushrooms like Psilocybe cubensis Golden Teachers!

Psilocybe Cyanescens; It is the “Wavy Cap” Potent Mushroom

Psilocybe Cyanescens: A look into the magical Wavy Cap Magic Mushroom.

Mushrooms and fungi are a unique type of living organism on earth.. one in which the complexity of and the symbiosis with all life on earth is just beginning to be uncovered. From their underground stretch of mycelium which, like our underground fiber cables that deliver us internet, stretches their interwoven connections with other plants and organisms as a means of communication and sharing of nutrients. It just so happens this same form of life delivers to us humans a beautiful gift, one that has most certainly changed and altered our perception of the world around us and the purpose of our existence – some may say  direct line to communicate with god, or a higher power, or the universal consciousness that we are all part of.

This article is to focus on one specific psychedelic mushroom known as the Psilocybe Cyanescens, sometimes referred to as Wavy Caps or as the Potent Psilocybe.

Psilocybe Cyanescens Compounds and Alkaloids:

This psychedelic mushroom is known to contain the the psychoactive alkaloids and compounds including psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin and norbaeocystin. Creating what is known as the entourage-effect the Psilocybe Cyanescens contains synergistic terpenoids including geranylacetone, ß-carotene, 4-hydroxy-phenethylamine, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethylamine, and 4-hydroxytryptamine which enhance the effects and experience through various mechanisms of action (which many are still not fully understood).

TRPYTAMINES

Both Psilocybin and Psilocin are tryptamines that is structurally similar to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. This compound is responsible for regulating mood, memory, appetite, and sleep. The effects of psilocybin occur when it crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to serotonin receptors. It has been found that there are numerous areas within the brain that contain large amounts of serotonin receptors. One area in particular that is packed with these receptors is the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for memory formation, organization, and storage. When serotonin binds to these receptors in the hippocampus, it can induce profound psychedelic effects such as visual hallucinations, spiritual experiences, and profoundly altered states of consciousness.

PHENETHYLAMINES

Along with the tryptamines these mushrooms contain compounds from the phenethylamine family, including baeocystin and norbaeocystin which can actually be more potent than psilocybin in terms of its effects. These phenethylamines also have an effect on the neurotransmitters in our brain but do so with dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with emotions and feelings of pleasure. These compounds have been found to be especially effective at increasing the intensity of the spiritual and mystical experiences that accompany the use of psychedelic mushrooms.

TERPENOIDS

The final category of compounds contained in the Psilocybe cyanescens are terpenoids, the most commonly known terpenes include ß-carotene and 4-hydroxytryptamine. These compounds interact with our brain in a variety of ways. There are small amounts of these compounds naturally occurring in the human body, which we use to regulate a variety of bodily functions such as the nervous system and the immune system. When these compounds are ingested they can cause an increase in the amount of one or more of these compounds in our body, which can have an effect on our brain and the way that it functions.

In all it is quite clear that each of the compounds contained within this mushroom have both different and complex mechanisms of action in our brain, but all seem to work together symbiotically to produce profound mystical and spiritual experiences. How these compounds interact with the brain in detail is not fully understood, but there is plenty of evidence suggesting the Psilocybe cyanescens has a direct effect on the serotonergic neurotransmitter system. 

The Psilocin and psilocybin act on serotonin receptors in the brain causing a large release of serotonin from the presynaptic neuron into the synapse. As a result, more serotonin is then available to bind and activate postsynaptic receptors. This process seems to be similar to that of LSD and other serotonergic psychedelics.

The Psilocybe Cyanescens Experience:

The experience of the Psilocybe Cyanescens and other psychedelic mushrooms can range from a straightforward sensory trip, to a complete spiritual awakening. The user may feel like they are being transported to another dimension or plane of existence completely different than the one they are normally used to inhabiting.

The feeling of being in two or more places at once is also commonly experienced. This feeling of being in two places at once is known as “time dilation” and is commonly experienced when using psychedelic mushrooms. The user may also experience a distortion of their body image, which can come in the form of feeling like a part of their body is larger or smaller than it really is, or even feeling like something else is attached to their body such as a tree branch or some other appendage.

These alterations in awareness can also cause a person to feel like they have gained enhanced abilities such as being able to levitate or that they have telekinetic powers. These feelings can be extremely profound and powerful, and this can be a very frightening experience for those who aren’t prepared for it.

The experience can be typically broken down into 4 phases (keep in mind this is not a true quantifiable state and incredibly subjective and interpersonal) 

Phase 1. 

As in most psychedelic experiences the first phase is one of physiological effects. Typically you can feel the onset within 10-20 minutes, with visual effects occurring soon after. You can expect to begin to feel tingling sensations throughout your body as well as a feeling of heaviness and relaxation of your muscles. 

Phase 2: 

This phase of the experience is characterized by strong euphoric feelings that are accompanied by relaxation and mental euphoria. You may begin to notice an increase in sensitivity to all types of stimuli, including sound and light. This increased sensitivity is very common and can be quite intense for some people. Some people describe the feeling as having a similar sensation to having an itch on your skin, when you just want to move around and scratch it.

This is most likely due to the fact that our brain is so accustomed to being bombarded with constant stimuli that once it receives a decrease in stimulus it interprets that as something that needs to be dealt with quickly. Now keep in mind that this isn’t a negative thing at all, in fact it is quite the opposite. The feeling is more or less just an indicator of how much you are actually trying to take in during this experience. Often times throughout this phase you will find yourself deep in thought about your current life situation and how you have gotten here. It can also be described as a heightened sense of awareness and understanding. Many people report that they feel like they’ve gotten a glimpse into their own consciousness, which leads them to have deeper insights into their current situation.

Phase 3: 

As you come out of the peak phase of the trip you will begin to notice the more cognitive effects of this magical mushroom. You will begin to think more abstractly about life and the universe as well as gain better insights into your own personal thoughts, feelings, and emotions. These effects are best described as a profound sense of clarity and understanding on all levels of consciousness. This sense of understanding does not last forever but can last for hours or even days depending on the intensity of the dose and quality of the mushroom itself.

Phase 4: 

The final phase typically lasts anywhere from 6-10 hours although sometimes can last for days after ingestion depending on the person. Once again you will experience euphoric feelings but typically at a much lower level than during Phase 2. You may also experience some mild visual effects during this phase but they will be much less pronounced than during Phase 2. What you will notice most during this phase is a sense of contentment and happiness from having had such an enlightening experience. You will also notice that if you are in any negative mindset prior to ingesting this mushroom it will quickly change into positive mindset once you come out of peak phase as it often does with psychedelics.

Psilocybe Cyanescens History of Use:

This particular species of psychedelic mushroom has a history of medicinal and ceremonial use dating back thousands of years into ancient Chinese cultures. In China this mushroom was revered as an elixir for immortality and was used by many emperors throughout their reigns throughout history as well as many other members of the royal court. In ancient China this mushroom was known by various names including “The Mushroom of Immortality”, “The Mushroom of Spiritual Potency”, “The God’s Mushroom”, “The Divine Mushroom”, “The Red Mushroom”, “The Precious Mushroom”, “The Sacred Mushroom”. 

The Chinese

The Chinese would even bury their dead with this sacred mushroom to prevent them from being reborn as an inferior form of life and would use it as a tool to attain enlightenment or become closer with their ancestors or gods. Also believed that this mushroom could cleanse one’s soul and purify their body while cleansing their spirit which allowed them to achieve enlightenment in life or even after death. It was believed that when consumed by someone who was ill or dying it would cure them from their disease, rejuvenate their bodies and allow them to transcend into a higher state of consciousness. This elixir for immortality was fabled as what allowed ancient emperors such as Shi Huangdi and Qin Shi Huangdi to conquer all of China by 300 BC while living 3 times longer than any other rulers before them.

Hippocrates

Hippocrates is another historical figure who documented the use of Psilocybe cyanescens among his patients as an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, asthma and indigestion. Throughout history this sacred mushroom has been used as a tool for many cultures across South America as well as Australia within religious ceremonies where members would consume large amounts of this mushroom during journeys for visions or insight on life or death situations. 

The Aztecs

The Aztecs had a very strict system of magic, which they used for healing and divination. The purpose of this magic was to understand one’s own self, their place in the universe as well as to understand the universe itself and how it works. The Aztecs used the psilocybe cyanescens for divination. Divination is a ritual that is used to predict future events and to guide one through their life. The Aztecs used the Psilocybe cyanescens to see into the future and to see what would happen in the future. The Mexican Indians have been using the Psilocybe cyanescens for hundreds of years because of its ability to communicate with the spirits of nature and higher realms.

Native Americans

Native Americans in Mexico would ingest these mushrooms during rituals around their temples where members would dance until they were filled with energy through music provided by trumpets made out of giant mushrooms. This ceremony was said to be done for healing purposes among native tribes within both Mexico and South America where community members would gather around giant desert rocks

Where does Psilocybe Cyanescens grow and how does it look?

The Psilocybe Cyanescens is a very unique species in the genus Psilocybe due to its differences in colors, its ability to grow outdoors year round, and its high potency and purity. This species has been identified all over the world which is quite rare for psychedelic mushrooms. 

Psilocybe cyanescens mushroom is native to subtropical and tropical regions of central and south America. It has been found in many different countries including the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Jamaica.  In the USA Psilocybe Cyanescens grows in cool temperate grassy areas from May through October. It flourishes in temperatures between 60 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 – 29 degrees Celsius) and tends to grow in areas where there is a lot of moisture present but isn’t likely to be flooded out. The mushroom grows from manure rich soil or sod fields which contain high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. Psilocybe Cyanescens can be found growing gregariously or solitarily depending on the substrate it is growing on. They have small white spores that are around 2 – 4 micrometers long which allows them to be carried away by even small drops of rain.

Structure

The cap color ranges from olive-brownish gray to dark brownish gray with an umbo (a raised central area) present on many specimens. Its edge tends to be slightly turned under and can range from smooth to wavy or even scalloped with age. The cap surface becomes covered with shallow scales or remnants of the partial veil when they are mature and can range from smooth to minutely papillate (small bumpy scales). The gills are white when young but become brown when they are older and begin to run down the stem lengthwise creating an almost bicolored look at maturity.

Habitat

The Psilocybe Cyanescens often grows directly on wood logs and trees that has been exposed to the elements. This species is unique because it is one of only a handful that are able to grow outside during all seasons of the year. 

The wavy cap can be found growing both indoors and outdoors on composted mulch or rich soil that is either moist or very well drained. It is a mycorrhizal mushroom that grows in a symbiotic relationship with its host plant. It shares nutrients with the host plant in exchange for carbon from the plants roots. The mushrooms grow to a height of about 2 to 6 inches, with caps that are wavy and brown in color. 

They have white spore prints and they are smooth or slightly scaly in texture. It has been known to grow with other mycorrhizal species including “Macrocystidia cucumis”, “Agrocybe praecox”, “Paxillus involutus”, “Inocybe geophylla”, “Suillus granulatus”, “Suillus luteus”, and “Suillus variegatus”.

Potency

The Psilocybe cyanescens is often referred to as “wavy caps” or “potent psilocybine” due to the fact that it contains such high concentrations of psilocybin. The potency of this mushroom is measured by the levels of psilocybin and psilocin within its fruiting body. This species of mushroom contains psilocybin and psilocin concentrations that range from 0.21% to 1.33%. This makes it one of the most potent mushrooms that contain psilocin. This species contains 0.31% to 0.80% psilocybin alkaloids, which accounts for 30 to 80% of its total alkaloid content. 

The remaining portion of the mushroom’s alkaloid content is made up by baeocystin and norbaeocystin. These two compounds are also psychoactive and have been shown to bind at serotonin receptors in human brains and to act as agonists at the 5-HT receptor. The 5-HT receptor is responsible for the regulation of mood and emotion, as well as being involved in the regulation of food intake and appetite. 

Effects

The psilocybin is thought to be responsible for the psychedelic effects that users of this mushroom experience. This species contains a number of other psychoactive compounds, including tryptophan and serotonin.

It can yield incredibly high concentrations of alkaloids including; psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin, which contribute to its high potency and purity. Its alkaloid concentrations are so potent. That many mycologists have been unable to accurately measure them due to their tendency to interfere with most analytical instruments. This mushroom has been found to contain up to .9% psilocybin, .4% psilocin, .3% baeocystin, and .3% norbaeocystin. Most other species of Psilocybe mushrooms can only be maximally effective when ingested in high dosages; however, the Psilocybe cyanescens has the ability to be very affective even in micro dosages. 

To conclude,

There is no other group of organisms on this planet that can offer us; the profound insights and experiences as much as can be learned from these wonderful fungi. The Psilocybe Cyanescens or Wavy Cap Magic Mushroom in particular has a very unique effect on the mind, body, and soul, which is why it is so cherished by its users.

Through a very profound spiritual experience; the Psilocybe Cyanescens allows us to see the world differently than we normally would have seen it before. It shows us that everything we are taught to believe to be real isn’t really real at all. That there is a much larger picture and narrative out there just awaiting to be uncovered. We are given the opportunity to understand ourselves in a whole new way. To see the world as one big interconnected organism of which we are just a small part of. This experience of interconnectedness is by far one of the most eye opening experiences that can be had. That is what I believe makes psychedelics so special.

Psychedelics allows us to have a completely new perspective; on our lives, our purpose in life, and the universe around us. It helps us to understand what true freedom is. Additionally, how important it is for each of us to find that freedom in our own lives. It allows us to understand how truly connected we all are. Also how interconnected each of our lives are with one another.

We are all one.

As always, it’s imperative to learn about and educate yourself on the psychedelic; before you embark on any journeys with them.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

Thank you for reading.