Hundreds of mothers across the country are taking roughly one-tenth the “trip” dose of a microdose champignon bienfaits, in a form that can’t cause hallucinations but that proponents say sharpens their minds. They report a more creative mindset, calm anxiety, and less need for caffeine. A new study suggests it may also help relieve depression.

Some mothers who microdose take psilocybin alone, but others blend it with other mushrooms and vitamin B3, also known as niacin. The combination helps them absorb the compound and improve its effects, and could be more effective in alleviating depression than psilocybin alone. Some of the mothers interviewed by the Times reported a range of benefits, including more patience, better ability to cope with their children’s problems and improved organizational talent. Some even told the Times that they were able to reduce or stop their antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicines after taking mushroom microdoses.

Small Steps, Big Impact: A Deep Dive into the World of Microdosing Magic Mushrooms

The new study is the first to look at resting state EEG (EEG) data for a group of people who regularly microdose psilocybin. It found that when the drug was taken, there was less power in the theta frequency (4 to 8 Hz) than in eyes closed control data.

The study’s authors, however, caution that their work could be skewed. They report that the microdosers they interviewed often discussed their intentions for their mushroom experience, and that overlooking this variable in future studies could skew results. And they noted that the participants’ raw reporting rates showed that benefits were reported more frequently than challenges, although some respondents experienced negative effects, such as decreased social abilities or a loss of practical problem-solving skills.