You’ve probably heard of the ‘Stamets Stack’, popularized by the mega-mycologist Paul Stamets (more on that later). However, there are quite a few other stacking methods cropping up that folks are convinced help them optimize their microdose.
Intrigued? Us too! Let’s check out what these stacks are packing…
Psilocybin x Cordyceps x B12
This stack will put the pep back in your step! We know the many benefits associated with psilocybin microdose — but what’s the deal with the other two?
Why Add Cordyceps?
Cordyceps (or Cordyceps Sinensis) is a fascinating fungus. It has been used for millennia in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its energizing properties as well as potential libido increasing and cancer fighting capabilities. Also known as the Caterpillar Fungus or Caterpillar Mushroom because of its parasitic growth method (it invades the body of a caterpillar, growing inside them and eventually busting out). Luckily, you need not fear as today most Cordyceps are cultivated in artificial environments. No insects were harmed in the making of this supplement!
There are many reasons Cordyceps is great to add to your microdosing routine. Firstly, Cordyceps stimulate blood circulation, oxygen utilization, and cellular energy production. This quality causes improved performance and mental clarity — one of the reasons why it is so popular with athletes. You’ll be energized in no time!
Secondly, Cordyceps are known for anti-viral and anti-oxidative qualities, as well as stimulating the immune system. Its adaptogenic effects help the body cope with stressors and adapt to them. (Check out our full guide here!)
Why Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for your body to function properly. You need it to produce red blood cells — the essential oxygen-carrying lil’ guys. It is also key for the upkeep of the nervous system as well as sharing metabolism boosting qualities with Cordyceps. You can get it naturally from dairy products, eggs, fish and meat, but for stacking purposes most people use a supplement.
Why Do They Work With Psilocybin?
This combination (Cordyceps and B12) is relatively well known, especially in the athletic world. This increase in energy and stamina combined with the good mood, creativity and focus associated with microdosing psilocybin unite to make a very effective stack. Additionally, some people experience feelings of fatigue when microdosing magic truffles or mushrooms. The energizing and blood circulating properties of Cordyceps and B12 could solve this issue.
How To Do It:
We Recommend:
Cordyceps and B12 — Take these supplements once a day, every day.
Psilocybin — Stick to your preferred microdosing protocol (usually every other day or every third day)
Psilocybin x Cacao
A rare treat — something that both tastes good and is actually good for you. Believe it or not psilocybin and cacao have a long and sacred history of being used together. In fact is sometimes referred to as the ‘Aztec Combo’, due to the indigienous Aztec tribes of Central America who long combined magic mushrooms and truffles with cacao drinks to harness its synergising effects.
Why Add Cacao?
Cacao, although not psychedelic, is known to be a mood enhancer. It brings a warm feeling to our hearts, and it’s not just because it reminds us of chocolate treats. The science behind the good vibes of cacao is that it contains MAO-inhibitors that reduce the reuptake of serotonin. This means your serotonin levels increase, making you feel happier and fighting against stress. On top of that cacao also contains tryptophan which helps your body create even more serotonin as well as dopamine and noradrenaline.
And! That’s not all. The role-call of goodies in cacao extends to anandamide, known tantalizingly as the ‘bliss molecule’, Phenethylamine which is a naturally occurring antidepressant which stimulates the same hormones as when we fall in love or have sex, as well as antioxidents and healthy fats. Wow!
Why Cacao and Psilocybin?
Well, firstly — if the Aztecs reckoned psilocybin and cacao, who are we to argue? In fact, the Aztec called the magic mushrooms they got psilocybin from Teonanacátl — which means ‘flesh of the gods.’ Cacao or Theobroma meant ‘food of the gods’. A spiritual combination indeed! But above all, the natural mood-boosting properties of a psilocybin microdose and cacao are basically unparalleled. In fact — such are cacao’s serotonin credentials — it can increase the effects of your microdose, so you may end up experimenting with a slightly lower microdose than usual.
How To Do It:
Unfortunately a Mars Bar will not cut it for your cacao consumption. Here’s our recommendation:
Make a cacao drink with pure cacao powder. This is available at most health food shops and will have advice on how to consume it. Or you could check out this guide.
Drink it before your microdose (whichever protocol you are using.)
Alternatively, you can combine your microdose with your cacao drink. Simply chop up your magic truffle microdose into smaller pieces and allow it to infuse in the warm (not boiling!) drink. Repeat this whenever you were previously microdosing.
Psilocybin x Lion’s Mane x Niacin
This is arguably the OG stack — as we mentioned above — the Stamets Stack. Developed by mycologist Paul Stamets for its brain-boosting powers, you may have already heard of it, or already be doing it. If not, here’s a refresher:
Why Add Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane is a non-psychedelic medicinal mushroom that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a very long time. It is a neuroprotectant, which means it defends your brain cells from damage. It can improve brain functioning and combat anxiety and depression — it can even aid in the creation of new neurons (neurogenesis). For a really in-depth look at Lion’s Mane check out our guide.
Why Add Niacin?
Firstly, Niacin is a fancy name for vitamin B3. It plays an essential role in energy and protein metabolism. Without it, metabolisms in the body fail and cannot synthesize proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It also has antioxidant effect and is key in the regeneration of muscles, skin, nerves and DNA.
Why Do These Supplements Work With Psilocybin?
When combined with psilocybin, Lion’s Mane and Niacin can stimulate and optimize your brain function. Niacin helps to diffuse the psilocybin and Lion’s Mane around your body, particularly through the blood-brain barrier. Combined with the neurodegenerative powers of Lion’s Mane Stamets believe his stack could lead to “the next quantum leap in human consciousness,”
How To Do It:
Stamets’ microdosing protocol differs slightly from the classic methods. It is as follows:
Days 1- 4: Take your stack of psilocybin, Lion’s Mane and Niacin.
Days 5 – 7: Take a break.
Stack Attack
So there you have it — some stacking ideas for your microdosing protocol. Maybe you’ll even experiment and devise your own optimum cocktail!
Perhaps adding cacao to the Stamet’s Stack could make it both brain and mood boosting.
Perhaps you want to experiment with other medicinal mushrooms like Chaga or Reishi?
Or a vitamin mix tailored to your personal needs?
The best thing about knowing the qualities that different ingredients and supplements offer is that you can work out your own individual plan.
Happy stacking!
