Mulungu Bark Dosage Guide
Mulungu is a traditional South American nervine made from the bark of Erythrina mulungu. It has long been used to calm anxiety, relax the body, and support deep, restorative sleep — especially when stress lives in the nervous system rather than the mind.
Because this is whole bark powder (not an extract), effects are gentle, cumulative, and best explored slowly.
Bark Powder:
1–3 grams
We recommend starting around 1 gram, preferably in the evening, and increasing gradually as needed. Many people find their ideal range between 1.5–2 grams, taken consistently over several nights.
Mulungu can be mixed into warm water or tea, though its bitterness is part of the traditional experience.
The Pharmacology of Mulungu Bark
Mulungu’s calming effects come from a group of naturally occurring erythrinan alkaloids, most notably:
Erythravine
11α-hydroxyerythravine
Erysodine
These compounds act on the central nervous system, with activity at GABAergic pathways and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to reduced neuronal firing and decreased stress signaling.
Rather than forcing sedation, Mulungu helps lower baseline nervous system arousal, making it easier for the body to transition into rest.
Importantly, Mulungu does not suppress REM sleep and does not function as a narcotic or opioid-like sedative.
Experience Profile
Heavy, grounded body relaxation
Softening of anxiety and stress held in the chest or muscles
Slower breathing and reduced physical restlessness
Calm, settled mental state without fog or dissociation
Gradual support for sleep onset and sleep continuity
Mulungu works especially well for:
Stress-related insomnia
Somatic anxiety
Evening wind-down rituals
It pairs well with:
Amanita (for nervous system decompression and sleep depth)
Blue Lotus (for emotional calm and dream-enhancing effects)
California Poppy (for layered, gentle sedation)
Common Misconceptions
“Mulungu is a narcotic or opioid.”
It isn’t. While sedating, Mulungu is non-opioid, non-narcotic, and non-addictive. Its alkaloids calm the nervous system through inhibitory and cholinergic pathways rather than euphoria or reward signaling.
“If I don’t feel it strongly, it’s not working.”
Mulungu is subtle by nature. Its strength lies in regular use and nervous system support over time, not in immediate or dramatic effects.
“It’s too mild to matter.”
For people with chronically overstimulated nervous systems — especially those tapering off alcohol, cannabis, or stronger sedatives — Mulungu can be deeply effective in restoring baseline calm.
Final Notes on Use
Mulungu is best approached as a supportive nervine, not a knockout sleep aid. Its role is to quiet the background noise of stress and tension so rest can happen naturally.
Start low, be patient, and allow several sessions to fully understand how your body responds.