A growing number of people are microdosing psychedelic drugs like mushrooms to improve their mood, boost creativity and Hey Sero productivity. But what exactly is it, and does this practice actually work?

A microdose is a sub-perceptual dose of the hallucinogenic mushroom psilocybin. In a properly administered dose, psilocybin does not cause hallucinations, but it can amplify feelings of well-being and enhance perception. People who microdose often report that it allows them to feel more connected with their surroundings and their emotions. It can also increase the effectiveness of learning and creative activities. In one study, participants who microdosed psilocybin reported being more creative and happier after taking the drug. These effects were accompanied by changes in their brain activity as measured by an EEG machine.

Those who are into microdosing psilocybin are known as “microdosers.” It is not a new practice, but it has gained popularity in recent years. One reason for this could be that psilocybin has been shown to have therapeutic properties for PTSD, depression and anxiety.

Mindful Microdosing: Incorporating Shrooms into Your Daily Routine

Another possible reason is that it has been shown to enhance focus and concentration. One study found that a psilocybin microdose increased performance on a number of tasks, including a computer-based memory task.

The benefits of a psilocybinmicrodose may be especially pronounced when it is taken in the context of an intentionally-designed ritual. For example, some people microdose in the morning or afternoon before they start working or focusing on an important project. They might also incorporate other substances, such as lion’s mane mushrooms or vitamin B3, to get the most benefit from their experience. Despite these potential benefits, there is still very little scientific research on microdosing. Until more is known, this trend remains experimental and potentially risky.