The Mental Health Benefits of Microdosing Entheogens
In recent years, microdosing entheogens—taking small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances—has gained popularity as a potential method for improving mental health. While full-dose psychedelic therapy has garnered attention for its profound psychological effects, microdosing presents an alternative that allows individuals to tap into the healing properties of psychedelics without undergoing a full psychedelic experience.
Microdosing involves taking around 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical psychoactive dose, which results in subtle effects that do not induce hallucinations or major cognitive shifts. This approach has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even addiction, without interrupting daily functioning. Below, we explore the mental health benefits of microdosing, with a specific focus on psilocybin, iboga, LSD, and ketamine.
1. Psilocybin: The Mushroom of Transformation
Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has long been recognised for its potent effects on consciousness. When microdosed, psilocybin offers several mental health benefits:
Mood Enhancement: Research indicates that psilocybin enhances mood by influencing serotonin receptors, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety (Blossom).
Increased Creativity and Focus: Many users report feeling more creative and focused on days they microdose, which can help individuals dealing with mental health struggles break through negative thinking patterns.
Emotional Resilience: Psilocybin microdosing has been linked to better emotional regulation, allowing users to feel more connected and grounded while reducing emotional reactivity to stressors.
2. Iboga: A Powerful Ally for Addiction and Trauma
Iboga, a plant native to Central Africa, has been used for centuries in traditional healing ceremonies. While its full-dose experience is known for its intense, visionary effects and efficacy in treating addiction, iboga also offers benefits in smaller doses:
Healing Trauma: Microdosing iboga is thought to help individuals process deep emotional trauma and unresolved psychological wounds, making it a promising option for those with PTSD or a history of trauma (Blossom).
Addiction Management: Iboga’s ability to rewire brain pathways related to addictive behaviours is profound, even in microdoses. It helps individuals develop more clarity and control over their compulsions and cravings (Blossom).
Improved Focus and Grounding: Microdosing iboga may provide a sense of mental clarity and grounding, supporting individuals in their recovery journey without overwhelming them with the full effects of the plant.
3. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): A Catalyst for Change
LSD, one of the most well-known psychedelics, is also commonly used in microdosing practices. Though known for its powerful hallucinogenic properties at higher doses, small doses of LSD can provide distinct mental health benefits:
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Microdoses of LSD have been linked to improved problem-solving abilities, increased creativity, and sharper focus (Blossom). These cognitive boosts can be particularly helpful for individuals with depression or anxiety, as they may foster a more proactive mindset.
Mood Elevation: LSD microdosing has been shown to lift mood and reduce symptoms of depression, helping individuals feel more optimistic and energised.
Neuroplasticity and Adaptability: LSD promotes neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This can be beneficial for individuals trying to shift out of negative thought patterns or behaviours that contribute to mental health struggles (Blossom); (ScienceDaily).
4. Ketamine: A Rapid-Acting Antidepressant
Ketamine is unique among these substances in that it is legally prescribed in some countries for treatment-resistant depression. Microdosing ketamine provides several benefits for mental health:
Fast-Acting Relief from Depression: Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working, ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effects. Even in microdoses, ketamine can alleviate depressive symptoms within hours (Blossom); (ScienceDaily).
Breaking Negative Thought Patterns: Ketamine helps disrupt negative, repetitive thinking by influencing glutamate levels in the brain, leading to increased cognitive flexibility (Blossom).
Alleviation of Anxiety: Microdosing ketamine has also been linked to a reduction in anxiety, making it a valuable tool for individuals with co-occurring depression and anxiety disorders (ScienceDaily).
Conclusion
Microdosing entheogens offers a promising path for individuals seeking mental health relief without the full immersion of a psychedelic experience. Whether it's psilocybin's mood-enhancing properties, iboga's addiction-fighting potential, LSD’s cognitive boosts, or ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects, each substance provides unique benefits that can help transform mental well-being.
As research continues to explore the long-term effects of microdosing, more individuals are turning to this approach as a way to enhance creativity, mood, focus, and emotional resilience—all while supporting their mental health journey. However, it's important to consult with professionals when exploring psychedelic therapies to ensure safety and maximise the benefits.
