The number of moms who microdose mushrooms is on the rise, a trend that has given rise to a burgeoning movement complete with online support groups and doctors offering “psychedelic-assisted therapy.” These mostly healthy mothers say they take small amounts of mushrooms or other drugs like LSD or dimethyltryptamine (DMT) ingested with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor — sometimes embedded in a piece of paper to be slipped under the tongue — to reduce stress or anxiety. The drugs can also boost creativity and aid in spiritual exploration.

The Science Behind Microdosing Mushrooms: A Beginner’s Guide”

Psychedelics have captured the attention of many doctors and patients as a treatment for conditions including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and existential distress, but mushrooms and other fungi are still illegal. As a result, there is little scientific research on these compounds and how they can be used for therapeutic purposes.

For example, the drug psilocybin is thought to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, allowing it to enhance learning and memory. This could improve academic or professional pursuits, some users have reported.

There is no one agreed-upon definition of microdosing for psychedelic substances, which makes it difficult to perform consistent studies. But anecdotal evidence suggests that the typical microdose is about 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose. Several different serotonergic psychedelics can be microdosed, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin from mushroom species in the Psilocybe genus. These psychedelics can be ingested in liquid or in a tablet, or as a powder that is sprinkled on food or dissolved in water.