6 replies to this topic

[nooguyz]

I've been taking Reishi and it makes me feel better most of the time - more able to get up and do something, but I can't figure out the dosage even after a considerable time.

 

It seems that some days I need 1g to feel the effects (of Reishi and Cordyceps), but other days I might need 2g or even 3g. I'm using CS-4 Cordyceps and spore powder Reishi. What's the deal, and what is the actual low end dosage that provides all the benefits of these mushrooms?

 

About Gotu Kola, I have been taking 750mg of EU certified powder, but I can't tell whether or not it does anything. I think it might give me a slight serotonin boost, but I can't tell exactly, so I'm just taking it for the assumed benefits it has. What is the lowest (for the sake of the budget, I'm not rich) dosage you would recommend, which would provide the benefits that it can give me?

 

Another question I have for all three - do any of these supplements build tolerance, and if so, how should I cycle them? So far, I have been taking them without a break, and I still feel the effects of Reishi, especially if I combine it with some form of caffeine. I think my main problem is not making enough dopamine (after fixing MAOI with the mushrooms).

 

If they do build tolerance and I do need to cycle them, is there something I can switch them out while cycling them? I have serious problems in every day life unless I take them, because of general fatigue and especially not being able to get up and do anything (not necessarily depression, I don't feel sad that much anymore, it's just motivation, which is dopamine). It's as if my body is completely devoid of dopamine unless caffeine is introduced, alongside with MAOIs.

 

Note that I only want natural substances, and something I can get online in Europe (without import costs and high shipping costs from overseas), not from a doctor or a pharmacy. I do have a decent diet (mostly vegetables and some grains, I can't tolerate any products derived from animals and most grains either, and I can't afford to eat nuts or fruits on a regular basis) already, I try to move around as much as I can, and I am taking some vitamin and mineral supplements to compensate for some nutrients which I don't get from the diet (as don't most people).

[Roby]

I'm not sure I feel the same effects as I used to using Cordyceps which was quite suttle slightly a bit more alert so maybe you do build up a tolerance? Reishi never did anything for me unfortunately. Having a break from sups is a sensible protocol.

Gotu kola I stopped taking because I think I read its bad for your balls/testosterone. Maybe that's why your lacking motivation?

Have you tried ashwagandha?

[nooguyz]

I'm not sure I feel the same effects as I used to using Cordyceps which was quite suttle slightly a bit more alert so maybe you do build up a tolerance? Reishi never did anything for me unfortunately. Having a break from sups is a sensible protocol.

Gotu kola I stopped taking because I think I read its bad for your balls/testosterone. Maybe that's why your lacking motivation?

Have you tried ashwagandha?

I know that normally it's good to have breaks, however some supplements don't only affect your mental state, but have many other benefits. Most natural supplements in fact do, or that's my research so far. So I'm not sure how the whole tolerance thing works. I know that there's a supplement that I forgot the name of that works like caffeine, but it doesn't build tolerance, unlike caffeine, so I wonder if mushroom (or other) supplements might be in the same category regarding tolerance.

 

I have had less motivation before I started taking supplements, including Gotu Kola, so I doubt that's the reason. I have problems with MAOI activity and neurotransmitter production.

 

I have not tried Ashwagandha, or maybe I have a very long time ago in an uncontrolled setting, so I couldn't tell much about its efficacy. I thought it was mainly an adaptogen, but I see now that it's much more than that. I think I would like to try it, what dosage would you recommend of pure powder?

[pamojja]

I have not tried Ashwagandha, or maybe I have a very long time ago in an uncontrolled setting, so I couldn't tell much about its efficacy. I thought it was mainly an adaptogen, but I see now that it's much more than that. I think I would like to try it, what dosage would you recommend of pure powder?

 

There are good traditional Ayurvedic monographs at https://toddcaldecott.com/herbs/ of most important herbs, including doses of traditional preparations. Needs signing up, but is for free.
 

[nooguyz]

There are good traditional Ayurvedic monographs at https://toddcaldecott.com/herbs/ of most important herbs, including doses of traditional preparations. Needs signing up, but is for free.
 

Thank you, that's a great website! I'll get into details soon, and I think I will be ordering Ashwagandha as well in addition to some other supplements. I'm just not sure if it's gonna be as effective as for example Cordyceps, and I remember reading that it can be sedating. I'm not sure if that's a good thing if I normally have lower levels of energy as it is?

[pamojja]

I'm just not sure if it's gonna be as effective as for example Cordyceps, and I remember reading that it can be sedating. I'm not sure if that's a good thing if I normally have lower levels of energy as it is?

 

Ashwagandha did make me a bid tired at the beginning and higher doses, therefore only took in the afternoon and evening. And thereby it improved sleep.

 

[nooguyz]

Ashwagandha did make me a bid tired at the beginning and higher doses, therefore only took in the afternoon and evening. And thereby it improved sleep.

Thank you for input! I will consider getting myself some Ashwagandha as too!

 

Would be great if someone knew something about Reishi, Cordyceps and Gotu Kola as well.