FAQs

Functional mushrooms are believed to offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Immune System Support
  Mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Chaga, Maitake, and Cordyceps help activate immune cells and enhance immune function.
• Stress Management
  Reishi and Cordyceps are known adaptogens that may help the body manage stress and promote relaxation.
• Cognitive Function
  Lion’s Mane is especially known for its potential to support memory, focus, and nerve regeneration.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties
  Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Maitake contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.
• Antioxidant Activity
  Chaga is rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Gut Health
  Turkey Tail has prebiotic properties that support a balanced gut microbiome and promote healthy digestion.

• Lion’s Mane – possesses antioxidant properties, reduces inflammation and repairs cellular stress; promotes nerve growth and regeneration, reduces stress due to stimulation of nerve growth factors which helps regulate mood. Compounds in Lion’s Mane such as hericerin have anticarcinogenic properties. Lion’s Mane may increase cognitive function.
• Cordyceps – improves respiratory function and recovery after exercise; promotes production of ATP and is anti-inflammatory.
• Reishi – increases immune function and reduces inflammation.
• Chaga – is rich in antioxidants, may reduce cholesterol, contains Immune Assist Micron which increases immune function, heart and respiratory functions, energy and cognitive functions.
• Maitake – boosts the immune system and possesses anticarcinogenic properties.
• Turkey Tail – increases bone density, boosts energy and is neuroprotective.
• Agricus blazei – increases immune function, possesses anticarcinogenic properties

Full spectrum mushrooms include all parts of the mushroom life cycle—the fruiting body, mycelium, and sometimes even spores-along with other naturally occurring compounds, to offer a more complete and synergistic profile of beneficial compounds.

Psilocybin is a molecule found in certain species of mushrooms. These fungi are colloquially known as “magic mushrooms” for the alterations in perception and brain function experienced by the consumer. The psilocybin molecule (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is similar to the molecule serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects biological functions such as sleep, eating, cognitive function, and reward behaviors. 5-HT2A receptors interact with serotonin to produce these effects, and the psilocybin molecule activates the same receptors. While serotonin merely activates the neurotransmitters, psilocybin also infiltrates neurons in a way that allows for dendritic growth, contributing to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to grow and change through new experiences.

The default mode network, salience network, and executive network are brain regions which are tightly connected in patients with depression. Psilocybin has been shown to decrease these connections, allowing for more flexibility in thinking.

The default mode network is involved in introspective thinking. In people with depression this network is often overactive, causing rumination and a lack of perspective. By focusing on the past, fears about the future, and regrets, the brain is unable to see possibilities.

Your metabolism, sensitivity, and lifestyle influence your ideal dosing schedule. Here are key tips to guide your microdosing journey:

• Start low, go slow
• Alternate days: Tolerance builds quickly, so spacing out doses is important
• Morning is best: Dose on an empty stomach for better absorption (coffee is okay)
• Track your progress: Journaling thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations helps increase awareness of subtle shifts

Popular Protocols

Stamets Protocol

The Stamets protocol was developed by mycologist Paul Stamets. The “Stamets Stack” is a combination of psilocybin, Lion’s Mane, and Niacin.

Dosing Schedule:

• Dose 4 days
• No dose 3 days
• Repeat for 12 weeks and then 2 weeks off

Fadiman Protocol

Microdosing Schedule:

• Day 1: Dose
• Day 2: No Dose
• Day 3: No Dose
• Day 4: Dose
• Day 5-7: No Dose
• Repeat 4-8 weeks
• Take 2-3 weeks off

Every Other Day Protocol

• Microdose every other day for 4-8 weeks.
• 2 + weeks off
• Repeat

*Taking time off avoids building tolerance

This calculator is designed exclusively for mushrooms with accurately measured psilocybin levels verified by laboratory analysis. View the calculator here: https://ambrosia.church/magic-mushrooms/dosage-calculator/

• Mimics serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood, cognition, and reward behavior.
• It activates the 5-HT2A receptors and promotes dendritic growth, contributing to neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.
• Reduces activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), which may help reduce negative self-talk and support emotional clarity.

Pro Tip: Working with a trained facilitator can help set intentions, reduce risks, and optimize integration of the benefits.