Microdosing – Can Mushrooms Boost Your Productivity?
In recent months, a new trend has gained popularity in Russia: ingesting small amounts of the poisonous fly agaric mushroom. They are sold in dried form and often ground into capsules on websites and forums. Why do people eat toxic mushrooms, what are the consequences of this “hobby,” what do scientists think about it, and how are influencers shaping the conversation? A leading addiction specialist and psychiatrist at the clinic explains.
Article contents:
What is fly agaric microdosing and why is it done?
Amanita microdosing, or amanitoring, involves taking minimal amounts of the poisonous mushroom over a course of time for therapeutic purposes. The powder is prepared from crushed caps; all parts of the Amanita mushroom undergo strict selection and are checked for sand and dirt. At the “Three Amanitas” store, you can buy fly agaric powder ; using this product in conjunction with modern treatments will help speed up recovery and make it more effective.
Manufacturers and sellers of dried red fly agaric mushrooms promise interested buyers the following effects from consuming the mushrooms:
- Psychostimulation. The red fly agaric has a psychostimulant effect—it stimulates the central nervous system. For this reason, it is marketed as an alternative to coffee, tea, and energy drinks, intended for consumption in the morning.
- Improved Brain Function. In addition to stimulating the central nervous system, the mushrooms are said to enhance cognitive function. The manufacturer promises “extraordinary mental clarity” and “clear thinking,” recommends taking the mushrooms to boost productivity, and markets them as a natural mind-opening supplement.
- Improved sleep. At night, the manufacturers recommend taking Flywheel to improve sleep—the mushrooms are said to guarantee deeper, more restful, and healthier sleep and help combat insomnia.
- Mood enhancement. Flywheel is intended to help improve mood, as well as boost energy and promote calmness. The manufacturer’s website even suggests taking it instead of antidepressants to treat depressive disorders.
- Libido enhancement. Micronized Flywheel is recommended for men and is said to boost performance—the mushrooms are supposed to help balance emotions and relieve stress, which reduces sexual desire.
- Personal Growth and Development. Psilocybin mushrooms are said to help users “discover their true selves” and promote personal growth through the positive psychotherapeutic experience of consumption.
At the same time, fly agaric sellers and advocates point to the centuries-old history of this mushroom’s use. They also emphasize its natural origin. The mushrooms have been presented as a “gift from Mother Nature.”
Is there any evidence?
However, the issue of evidence is the most slippery slope for manufacturers. Dried Fly Agaric is widely marketed as a dietary supplement, and the main focus of mushroom advertising is on the buyer’s personal experience.
This is because there is simply no evidence for the medicinal properties of the Fly Agaric. To date, there have been no serious clinical trials or scientific studies on this topic. Therefore, “mushroom businessmen” are effectively encouraging people to use toxic mushrooms at their own risk.
Consequences of taking fly agaric
However, there is indeed evidence of harm caused by this “medicinal mushroom.” The fly agaric is a poisonous psychoactive mushroom. It contains a number of toxic compounds that easily cross the blood-brain barrier and directly affect the central nervous system.
Indeed, the most well-known effect of consuming the mushroom is its psychoactive nature. Psilocybin-containing substances have psychostimulant, sedative-hypnotic, and dissociative effects that can alter the perception of reality and influence emotional processes.
In this regard, it suffices to recall the centuries-old history of flagaric use. It was consumed by shamans to induce hallucinations and “communication with spirits.” Decoctions containing flagaric led to victory by stimulating mental and motor activity: Vikings drank them and boldly charged armed crowds.
Unfortunately, however, the creators of the infusion mixture remain silent about the nature of the mushroom’s beneficial effects. The substance is neurotoxic—it causes the destruction of brain cells. Moreover, Fly Agaric advocates rarely point out that the very concept of microdosing carries obvious risks. Fly agarics are mushrooms that contain potent psychotropic substances, and their dosage must be tailored to the individual.
Although no clinical studies have been conducted on the use of low doses of mushrooms, sellers are unable to provide their customers with accurate information about safe dosages. Furthermore, before taking mushrooms, a person cannot undergo a comprehensive medical examination and receive a doctor’s prescription for a dosage that is safe for them—as is the case, for example, with medical psychostimulants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping pills.
Finally, if dosing is incorrect, the mushroom’s neurotoxicity can cause severe intoxication. In the event of an overdose, the phlegaric mushroom can cause seizures, pulmonary edema, and suffocation. But even small doses of this poisonous mushroom can lead to serious complications. First and foremost, this includes the development of psychological dependence and side effects characteristic of all psychostimulants.
Psychostimulants do not provide a person with external energy—instead, they rapidly deplete the body’s reserve energy stores. Therefore, the consequences of frequent Fly Agaric use include mental exhaustion, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders.
A doctor’s opinion
In the case of Fly Agaric micro-extracts, we are seeing a classic scenario: people’s desire for a single magic pill—to achieve extraordinary productivity and improve brain function.
However, it doesn’t work that way. The only truly effective and safe way to improve brain and nervous system function, and to become more active, energetic, and productive, is to give up unhealthy habits, establish a healthy sleep routine, and eat a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients. Remember to exercise regularly and take advantage of the benefits of walking outdoors. In addition, keep learning new things, challenge your brain with intellectual tasks, and boost your neuroplasticity.
If you feel that you have serious issues—specific problems with sleep, energy levels, memory, thinking, and concentration—you should consult a psychiatrist, undergo a comprehensive evaluation, understand the causes of these issues, and receive treatment based on evidence-based methods and medications.
However, all of this is “too complicated and time-consuming.” It is much more comforting to believe that simply taking a capsule containing a small amount of dried fly agaric can ensure healthy functioning of the central nervous system and cognitive brain function.
