Microdosing Protocols: The Stamets Stack

The Stamets Stack is a popular combination of  natural supplements, Psilocybin, Lion's Mane and Niacin, that is said to have a range of potential benefits for the mind and body. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what each supplement is, how they work together, and what the research says about their potential benefits.

What is the Stamets Stack?

The Stamets Stack is named after Paul Stamets, a mycologist and advocate for the use of medicinal mushrooms. The stack combines two supplements: Lion's Mane and Psilocybin. Lion's Mane is a type of mushroom that is believed to have a range of potential health benefits, including improving cognitive function and supporting the immune system. Psilocybin is the active compound in "magic mushrooms" that is responsible for their psychedelic effects.

Who is Paul Stamets?

Paul Stamets is an American mycologist, author, and advocate for the use of medicinal mushrooms. He is considered one of the world's leading experts on fungi and their potential uses in medicine, bioremediation, and other fields.

Stamets was born in 1955 in Salem, Ohio, and grew up in western Pennsylvania. He became interested in mushrooms at a young age and began studying them in college, eventually earning a degree in biology from Evergreen State College in Washington State.

Over the course of his career, Stamets has made a number of important contributions to the field of mycology. He has discovered several new species of mushrooms, and has developed innovative techniques for growing and cultivating mushrooms for food, medicine, and environmental remediation. He has also authored several books on the subject of mycology, including "Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World."

Stamets is perhaps best known for his advocacy work promoting the use of medicinal mushrooms in treating a range of health problems, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions. He has also been a vocal advocate for the use of mushrooms in bioremediation, or the use of living organisms to clean up environmental contaminants.

Stamets has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the National Geographic Adventure Magazine's "Green-O-Vator" award, and the President's Award from the Society for Ecological Restoration. He currently lives and works in Kamilche Point, Washington, where he runs a company called Fungi Perfecti, which specializes in mushroom cultivation and mycological research.

What is Lion's Mane?

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a range of potential health benefits, including:

1. Boosting brain function: Lion's Mane contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve cognitive function. Studies have suggested that Lion's Mane may be useful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
2. Reducing inflammation: Lion's Mane contains polysaccharides and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is linked to a range of health problems, including chronic pain and heart disease, so reducing inflammation may be beneficial for overall health.
3. Supporting the immune system: The polysaccharides in Lion's Mane have also been shown to have immune-boosting effects. This may help to prevent infections and support overall immune function.
4. Improving digestive health: Some studies have suggested that Lion's Mane may have beneficial effects on the digestive system, including reducing inflammation and improving the balance of gut bacteria.
5. Supporting cardiovascular health: Lion's Mane may have potential benefits for heart health, including reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of blood clots.

It's worth noting that while there is some evidence to support these potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Lion's Mane on human health. As with any supplement or herbal remedy, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before adding Lion's Mane to your routine.

How do Lion's Mane and Psilocybin work together?

There is some evidence to suggest that Lion's Mane and Psilocybin may work together synergistically to produce a range of potential benefits. For example, Lion's Mane contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve cognitive function. Psilocybin, on the other hand, has been shown to increase neural plasticity and promote the growth of new neural connections in the brain.

When taken together, it is believed that Lion's Mane and Psilocybin may enhance each other's effects, leading to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, and a greater sense of well-being. Some users also report that the stack can help with anxiety and depression.

What is Niacin?

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that is required by the body for a range of functions. Here are some of the potential benefits of niacin:

1. Supports cardiovascular health: Niacin has been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, helping to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Boosts brain function: Niacin is involved in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Some studies have suggested that niacin supplementation may help to improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3. Promotes healthy skin: Niacin is important for maintaining healthy skin, as it plays a role in the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm and elastic. It also helps to improve skin barrier function, which can help to reduce dryness, redness, and other skin irritations.
4. Supports energy production: Niacin is involved in the production of ATP, a molecule that provides energy to cells. As a result, niacin supplementation may help to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
5. Helps with arthritis: Niacinamide, a form of niacin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with arthritis.

It's worth noting that while niacin can provide a range of potential health benefits, taking too much niacin can cause side effects, including flushing, itching, and stomach upset. It's important to speak to a healthcare provider before starting a niacin supplement, particularly if you are taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions.

What is the Dosage?

The Stamets Stack schedule is a method of taking a combination of mushrooms and supplements developed by mycologist and author Paul Stamets. The stack includes three main ingredients: psilocybin mushrooms, Lion's Mane mushroom, and niacin.

The dosage is as follows:

What is the Schedule?

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The schedule for the Stamets Stack is typically as follows:

Day 1:  Take your microdose, Lion's Mane and Niacin stack.

Day 2: Take your microdose, Lion's Mane and Niacin stack.

Day 3:  Take your microdose, Lion's Mane and Niacin stack.

Day 4:  Take your microdose, Lion's Mane and Niacin stack.

Day 5-7: Take a break from the stack.

This cycle is repeated for four to six weeks, followed by a break of two to six weeks.

The addition of niacin is thought to enhance the effects of the psilocybin, while Lion's Mane is believed to promote neurogenesis and protect the brain. The schedule is designed to provide a synergistic effect between the three ingredients, with the niacin causing a flush that increases blood flow to the brain and the Lion's Mane promoting nerve growth factors that may help to counteract any potential negative effects of the psilocybin.

It's important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms is still illegal in many jurisdictions and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, while the Stamets Stack has gained popularity in recent years, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

If you are interested in trying the Stamets Stack, it's recommended that you do so under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional and follow a schedule that is tailored to your individual needs and tolerance.

What does the Research say?

While there is some anecdotal evidence to support the use of the Stamets Stack, there is relatively little scientific research on the subject. However, there are a few studies that suggest that both Lion's Mane and Psilocybin may have potential health benefits.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that Lion's Mane extract had neuroprotective effects and could help to prevent cognitive decline. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Lion's Mane extract could help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in mice.

Similarly, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of Psilocybin. A number of studies have shown that Psilocybin can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and may be useful in the treatment of addiction and other mental health disorders.

While there is still much to learn about the potential benefits of the Stamets Stack, early research suggests that it may be a promising combination for those looking to support their cognitive function, creativity, and overall well-being. As with any supplement or herbal remedy, it's important to speak to a healthcare provider before trying the Stamets Stack, particularly if you are taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions.