Mother's Day: Microdosing Moms on the Dr. Phil Show

A Full Time Role

The Mother’s Day that a large chunk of the world observes today was popularized by American women’s rights activists in the early 20th century, who wished to highlight the many sacrifices mothers make for their children. Today it is a multi-million dollar industry with flowers, cards, candies, and more, being thrust upon the mothers among us. However, when celebrating Mother’s Day it is key to remember that being a mother — of any kind — is a full-time role. A day in the calendar to be spoiled is emphatically deserved — but what about the other 364 days a year? Motherhood is for many an incomparable joy — but it’s also hard work. It’s no coincidence that giving birth is called ‘labor’! And it’s only the beginning.

This is why, when the going gets tough, sometimes parents need that little extra help. A way to assist the sailing on the magical, yet sometimes choppy, waters of child-rearing. It is only relatively recently that mothers have actually been able to admit that the waters can be choppy without being looked down-upon. And, this positive development arrived in step with another.

The Psychedelic Renaissance

The psychedelic renaissance. The fresh wave of research into the many benefits of psychedelics on both mental and physical health, and the quashing of the long-disseminated propaganda that natural psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are dangerous and have no medicinal benefits.

These twin advancements have led to a growing phenomena — mums who microdose.

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is a wellness practice associated with improved mood, productivity, and creativity. It is the routine of taking psychedelic mushrooms or truffles at such low dosage that the characteristic psychedelic effects are not consciously felt. This is called a subthreshold dose. The key thing about microdosing is that you reap benefits while being able to function totally normally — essential for parents in charge of small children. (Check our full microdosing guide here.)

Why are Mums Microdosing?

As we said before — though joyous and life-affirming, parenting is hard. The benefits associated with microdosing psilocybin can both ease and enhance the experience safely and holistically.

Here are some examples of how microdosing can be a boon for mothers, as well as all parents and/or caregivers:

Increased emotional resilience: Psilocybin has been shown to increase emotional resilience and help individuals better manage their emotions. Mothers who microdose psilocybin have reported feeling better able to handle the challenges of parenting without getting overwhelmed.

Reduced anxiety and depression: Psilocybin has been found to have antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effects. Mothers who microdose psilocybin have reported feeling less anxious and depressed . This makes them more able to enjoy their time with their children. It is also an essential lifeline for mothers who suffer from postpartum depression.

Improved creativity: Psilocybin has been found to increase creativity and improve problem-solving abilities. Mothers who microdose psilocybin have reported feeling more creative and better able to come up with new and innovative ways to engage with their children.

Increased mindfulness: Psilocybin has been shown to increase mindfulness, which can help individuals stay more present and engaged in the moment. Mothers who microdose psilocybin have reported feeling more present and attentive with their children.

Greater sense of well-being: Psilocybin has been found to have positive effects on well-being and life satisfaction. Mothers who microdose psilocybin have reported feeling more fulfilled and content with their lives and their roles as parents.

Microdosing Mums in the Media

Social media has been a key avenue for information on microdosing to spread amongst mothers. Variations on the hashtag ‘microdosing moms’ are plentiful on TikTok. Here, mothers share their methods, routines and wellness practices that not only help them cope, but help them to be the best parent they can be. It is also relatable: mothers share their ups and downs, as well as advice.

There have been numerous articles and reports over the past few years exploring the microdosing mothers phenomena. But nothing has catapulted the concept so far into the public imagination (at least in America) as this most recent development.

Enter Dr. Phil…

On May 4th Tracey Tee, founder of the Denver-based organization Moms on Mushrooms, appeared on Dr. Phil to discuss the topic.

Dr. Phil, for those who don’t know, is one of the highest-rated daytime TV shows in the U.S. Dr. Phil McGraw, the host of the eponymous talkshow, is not a figure without controversy. However, with up to 2 million viewers a day, it is a platform that many advocates of all stripes vie for.

Before appearing on the show Tee said;

“It will be interesting to see how I’m painted, let’s put it that way… But I am grateful they had me on, and grateful they put the conversation in the mainstream.”

As the founder of Moms on Mushrooms Tee advocates for drug reform and organizes microdosing courses created especially for mothers who “don’t get to go to the Amazon rainforest and do rounds of ayahuasca or Bali for yoga trips.”

“Mothers are a Bridge to the Past and Future”

Having discovered microdosing psilocybin during the COVID-19 pandemic Tee believes that it is a tool that can really change the lives of mothers, children, and whole families for the better.

“Mothers hold the purse strings, and they’re the ones you want to get behind something… I think mothers are a bridge to the past and the future, especially when it comes to substances. We are in a unique position to change the narrative, not only what it means to take our mental health into our own hands, but how we raise our children around drugs.”

Tee had been nervous of the reception she would receive on the show. However, the episode featured a Dr. Phil who was seemingly receptive to, and interested in, the cause. He exclaimed it was great that the mushrooms could help parents, though he struggled with the word ‘hyphae’.

When asked if he would ever dip his toe into microdosing, Dr. Phil was not so keen, exclaiming; “Hell no… I don’t know enough about it. But it’s working for you, and I think that’s terrific.”

It All Starts With Mothers

This level of acceptance of psychedelic use — especially by mothers — shows how far we’ve come in just a few years.

There is still a great deal of advocacy work and research going on behind the scenes. But if exposure on a highly populist show such as Dr. Phil can raise the issue and inform parents of options they never knew were available; it can only progress the cause.

Anything that can help people thrive in the whirlwind that is motherhood will benefit everyone. Happy children, happy parents, happy people. It all starts with mothers.