Mushrooms

Why this Easy Shroom Tea Recipe Might Be the Best Way to Take Psilocybin

October 16, 2024

Authors

David Connell

David Connell is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and author of Cooking with Magic: The Psilocybin Cookbook. David is also Senior Editor at Supermind.co.

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Key Takeaways

  • Gentler Experience: Psilocybin tea offers a more palatable and gentler onset of effects than raw mushrooms, reducing nausea and digestive discomfort.
  • Historical Roots: Psilocybin has been used for centuries in indigenous rituals, particularly by the Mazatec people of Mexico, who traditionally consumed mushroom tea during healing ceremonies.
  • Intentional Use: Setting clear intentions and creating a safe, supportive environment are crucial for a positive psilocybin experience, enhancing emotional insights and spiritual growth.
  • Preparation Tips: Grinding mushrooms, adding lemon juice, and using flavorings like ginger can improve the tea’s taste and effectiveness, providing a smoother, faster absorption of psilocybin. Users often report this preparation being gentler on the stomach.
  • Safe Dosage: Dosages should be tailored to experience levels, starting low and going slow, with a trusted sitter present, especially for first-time users to ensure a safe and supportive experience.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms.” Historically, psilocybin has been used for centuries in indigenous rituals and healing ceremonies, particularly by the Mazatec people in Mexico. These cultures revered the mushrooms’ ability to induce profound spiritual experiences and facilitate communication with deities.

In terms of effects, psilocybin produces altered states of consciousness, including visual and auditory hallucinations, enhanced introspection, and a sense of connection with the universe. Users often report experiencing deep emotional insights, increased empathy, and a lasting sense of well-being. In recent years, scientific research has begun to uncover its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.(1)

What is Mushroom Tea?

psilocybin mushroom tea

Shroom tea, or psilocybin mushroom tea, is a beverage made by steeping magic mushrooms in hot water, often with additional herbs, spices, or sweeteners to improve the taste. This method of consumption has historical roots in various indigenous cultures, particularly in Central and South America, where magic mushrooms have been used in spiritual and healing ceremonies for centuries. Most notably, the Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico, have traditionally prepared and consumed mushroom tea during their healing ceremonies, known as “veladas.”(2)

Benefits of Drinking Psilocybin Tea

The preparation of psilocybin as tea may help reduce nausea and digestive discomfort often associated with eating raw mushrooms. The tea may also provide a more palatable and gentler onset of psilocybin’s effects. This method of ingestion has gained popularity in modern psychedelic use for both recreational and therapeutic purposes, as it allows for a somewhat controlled and slightly faster absorption of psilocybin into the body.(3)


Preparing for Your Magic Mushroom Tea Experience

tea experience

Whether eating dried magic mushrooms or steeping them to make tea, preparation for the experience is critical, before consuming any psychedelic, especially one as powerful as psilocybin, take time to read up on the substance, prepare yourself both mentally and physically, and ensure your set and setting (meaning your internal mindset and your external environment) are well situated to have the most positive experience possible.

Choosing the Right Mushrooms

Before you begin making shroom tea, you first need to choose which strain of psilocybe you’re going to use. While there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of psilocybin strains to choose from, it may be a good idea to pick something easy to find, which has relatively predictable experience and is readily identifiable. For this use case, we suggest starting with Golden Teachers.(4)

The Golden Teacher strain of psilocybin mushrooms is among the most popular and recognizable varieties. To identify Golden Teachers, look for the following characteristics:(4)

  • Cap: The cap of Golden Teacher mushrooms is typically large, with a diameter ranging from 2 to 8 centimeters. It has a distinct golden-yellow color, which fades to a more golden-brown color as the mushroom matures. The cap often has a slightly convex, burger bun-like shape, flattening with age, and sometimes features a pronounced central bump.(4)
  • Gills: The gills underneath the cap are closely spaced and start pale, turning a dark purplish-brown as the spores mature.(4)
  • Stem: The stem of Golden Teacher mushrooms is usually sturdy and thick, ranging from 4 to 15 centimeters in height. It has a white to yellowish color and may bruise blue when handled, a common trait of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.(4)
  • Veil: The veil is the thin membrane underneath the cap which splits when the fruiting body (mushroom) matures. A partial veil is present in younger mushrooms, covering the gills. As the mushroom matures, this veil breaks, leaving a ring around the stem.(4)
  • Spore Print: Spores are the reproductive cells of the fungi which are released when the fruiting body reaches maturity. The spore print of Golden Teacher mushrooms is typically dark purplish-brown.(4)

For safety reasons, sourcing your shrooms from the wild is not recommended. Always exercise caution and consult reliable sources or experts when foraging for wild mushrooms, as many toxic species can resemble psilocybin mushrooms.

Instead, we suggest that you go through a reputable, and reliable source for your mushrooms. This could be someone you know, or depending on your location, a mushroom dispensary, or smartshop. In some U.S. states like Colorado, the adult use of psilocybin, including gifting has been legalized, making sourcing your shrooms much easier and potentially safer.

Psychedelics.com does not condone the illicit use of prohibited substances. Please check your local laws and regulations to ensure you are not breaking the law. The above language is meant for harm reduction and education only.

Setting Intentions For the Experience

Intentional use is a critical part of the psilocybin experience. In this context, your intention is what you wish to get from your trip, such as support in coping with loss, the inner strength to leave an unhealthy relationship or other priorities. This practice helps to focus the mind and align your thoughts with a specific goal, whether for healing, self-discovery, or spiritual growth.(5)

Psilocybin, like many psychedelics, can amplify emotions and perceptions, making it important to have a clear intention to guide the journey. Without one, the experience can feel overwhelming or aimless. By consciously setting an intention, you create a mental framework that allows for deeper insight and reflection, turning the tea ceremony into a more purposeful and transformative moment.(5) Despite this recommendation, also be mindful of not placing too much expectation on your trip to be aligned with your intention. As many users will report, psilocybin tends to guide us to places we need to evaluate, whether we want to or not. Learn to go with the flow and try to remove resistance.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for a psilocybin trip is essential to ensure a positive and supportive experience. A peaceful setting reduces the chances of anxiety or discomfort and allows you to focus on the insights and emotions that may arise. Here are some tips for setting up an ideal environment:(6)

  • Choose a familiar and calming space: Opt for a quiet, comfortable location where you feel safe and at ease, free from distractions or interruptions.(6)
  • Have a trusted sitter: If possible, have a sober, experienced trip sitter who can provide emotional support and guidance throughout your journey.(6)
  • Prepare soothing music: Create a playlist of calming, gentle music to enhance the experience and help keep your mood stable during intense moments.(6)
  • Set up soft lighting: Avoid harsh lights, and instead use candles, dim lamps, or natural light to create a serene atmosphere.(6)
  • Keep cozy items nearby: Blankets, pillows, and comfortable clothing can help you feel grounded and provide a sense of security during your trip.(6)

These tips help create an environment that fosters relaxation, reflection, and emotional safety while minimizing potential stressors.


Easy Magic Mushroom Tea Recipe

mushroom tea ingredients

Psilocybin tea is a simple, effective way to consume magic mushrooms that may reduce nausea and make the experience smoother on the stomach. This recipe highlights easy-to-find ingredients and offers tips to enhance both flavor and potency, allowing for a more enjoyable and thoughtful experience.

List of Ingredients

  • .25-3 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms (depending on your preferred dosage)
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, for faster psilocybin conversion)
  • 1-2 tea bags of your favorite tea (ginger, peppermint, or chamomile are good options)
  • Honey or sweetener to taste
  • Optional flavor enhancers like fresh ginger slices or a cinnamon stick for added taste
  • Optional functional enhancer Lion’s Mane may support cognitive function

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Magic Mushroom Tea

01

Grind the mushrooms: Use a coffee grinder or finely chop the dried psilocybin mushrooms into small pieces. This helps to release the psilocybin more effectively during brewing.

02

Boil the water: Bring two cups of water to a gentle boil. Avoid overheating the water once it starts boiling, as excessive heat may degrade the psilocybin.

03

Add the lemon juice: Pour a tablespoon of lemon juice into the boiling water. The acidity of the lemon juice helps speed up the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin, leading to a faster onset and smoother experience.

04

Steep the mushrooms: Place the ground mushrooms into the boiling water, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the mushrooms steep for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures that psilocybin is extracted into the tea.

05

Add your tea bag and flavorings: During the last 5 minutes of steeping, add your tea bag of choice and any additional flavorings, like ginger or cinnamon. This helps mask the earthy mushroom taste and reduces nausea.

06

Strain the tea: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove mushroom pieces. This step can make the tea easier to digest and prevent stomach discomfort.

07

Sweeten and serve: Add honey or another sweetener to taste, and enjoy your tea while it’s warm. The warmth of the tea can be soothing, and the honey helps balance out any remaining bitterness.

Dosage and Safety Tips

When consuming psilocybin tea, it’s important to understand the appropriate dosage for your experience level to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The intensity of your experience will vary depending on factors like weight, tolerance, and the setting.

Here are some general guidelines as laid out by the non-profit harm reduction and education organization the Erowid Foundation:(7)

  • Beginner (.25-1 grams): According to anecdotal sources like the Erowid Foundation, this dose is ideal for those new to psychedelics. This dosage produces mild effects like enhanced sensory perception, slight euphoria, and gentle shifts in consciousness.(7)
  • Intermediate (1-2.5 grams): Expect more pronounced visuals, deeper introspection, and emotional experiences.(7)
  • Experienced (2.5-5 grams and above): This is not recommended for those new to psychedelics and may present challenging experiences even for those who have an extensive history of use. This dosage can result in intense visuals, ego dissolution (losing your sense of self), and profound emotional or spiritual insights.(7)
  • Heroic (5 grams or more): Heroic doses should be considered cautiously and under professional care. You should expect to experience ego dissolution at this dose, as well as other effects such as drastic changes to modes of thinking, strong visual distortions, and auditory hallucinations.(7)

Tips for a Positive Experience

tips for positive experience
  • Start low, go slow: Especially if you’re new to psilocybin, begin with a lower dose to gauge your sensitivity.(8)
  • Test your mushrooms: Always be sure the mushrooms are from a trusted source to avoid accidental ingestion of toxic varieties.(8)
  • Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the experience, as dehydration can worsen anxiety or discomfort.(8)
  • Avoid alcohol: Mixing alcohol with psilocybin may intensify nausea and dull the psychedelic effects.(8)
  • Have a trusted sitter: It is always recommended to have someone sober present who can provide support if needed. For first-timers, or those with little psychedelic experience, it should be considered a must.

Potential Psilocybin Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Potential Psilocybin Risks

While psilocybin is generally safe, it’s important to understand the potential risks and how to manage them. Awareness of these can help mitigate any challenges during the experience.(9)

Common Side Effects

Nausea: A common side effect during the onset of psilocybin. Drinking tea instead of eating raw mushrooms may reduce this, and adding ginger can further alleviate discomfort.(9)

Anxiety: Psilocybin can bring up deep emotions, which may cause temporary anxiety or unease. Staying calm, practicing deep breathing, or talking to your tripsitter can help.(9)

Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some users may feel lightheaded, particularly if they haven’t eaten. Keep snacks or juice handy to stabilize your blood sugar.(9)

Contraindications

  • Mental health conditions: Individuals with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or severe mental health issues should avoid psilocybin, as it may exacerbate symptoms.(10)
  • Medication interactions: Psilocybin may interact with antidepressants (SSRIs) or other medications. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider if you’re taking any medication.(10)
  • Heart conditions: Psilocybin can cause an increased heart rate, so those with cardiovascular issues should proceed with caution.(10)

How to Recognize and Navigate a Challenging Experience

Sometimes, psilocybin can bring up difficult emotions or memories, leading to what’s commonly referred to as a “bad trip.” However, these challenging moments can be navigated with the right approach:

  • Stay grounded: Focus on your breath, use a comforting item like a blanket, or take a few minutes to write down your thoughts.(11)
  • Shift your environment: If you feel stuck, consider changing your environment—moving to a different room or stepping outside for fresh air can reset the experience.(11)
  • Talk it out: Engage with your trip sitter or support person. Simply speaking your feelings aloud can often dispel fear or confusion.(11)
  • Remind yourself it’s temporary: Psilocybin experiences typically last 4-6 hours. Reminding yourself that any discomfort will pass can ease anxiety.(11)
  • Explore our comprehensive guide to navigating challenging psychedelic experiences, including resources such as helplines specialized in harm reduction

Psilocybin tea offers a gentler, more palatable way to explore the profound effects of magic mushrooms. By practicing harm reduction, setting a clear intention, and creating a safe, supportive environment, you can make the most of this sacred experience. Whether you’re looking to heal, reflect, or gain new insights, the process of preparing and drinking psilocybin tea can be a meaningful ritual in itself. Just remember to respect the power of psilocybin and approach the experience with mindfulness and care.

FAQ:

How long does shroom tea take to kick in?

Shroom tea typically takes around 20 to 40 minutes to kick in. The onset is generally quicker than eating raw mushrooms due to the faster absorption of the psychoactive compounds when in liquid form.(3)

Is shroom tea more potent than eating shrooms?

Shroom tea is not necessarily more potent than eating shrooms, but it can feel more potent because the psilocybin is absorbed more quickly and efficiently. This often results in a faster onset and a potentially more intense initial experience.(3)

What is the best tea to use for magic mushroom tea?

The best tea to use for magic mushroom tea is often a matter of personal preference. However, common herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, or peppermint can help soothe the stomach and mask the earthy taste of the mushrooms. Green tea or black tea are also popular choices for those who enjoy a more robust flavor.

How long does shroom tea last when refrigerated?

Shroom tea can last up to a week when refrigerated. It’s important to store it in an airtight container to preserve its potency and prevent contamination. For best results, consume the tea within a few days.(12)

Can you mix functional mushrooms into your shroom tea?

Yes, you can mix functional mushrooms into your shroom tea. Adding mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, or chaga can enhance the overall health benefits of the tea. These functional mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties, which can support cognitive function, immunity, and stress relief, complementing the effects of psilocybin.(13)

Sources

Sources

arrow right

1. Goel, D. B., & Zilate, S. (2022). Potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin: A systematic review. Cureus, 14(10). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30214

2. George, D. R., Hanson, R., Wilkinson, D., & Garcia-Romeu, A. (2021). Ancient Roots of Today’s Emerging Renaissance in Psychedelic Medicine. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry, 46(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-021-09749-y

3. Vamanu, E., Dinu, L. D., Pelinescu, D. R., & Gatea, F. (2021). Therapeutic Properties of Edible Mushrooms and Herbal Teas in Gut Microbiota Modulation. Microorganisms, 9(6), 1262. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061262

4. Bathje, G. J., Majeski, E., & Kudowor, M. (2022). Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.824077

5. Hartogsohn, I. (2017). Constructing drug effects: A history of set and setting. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 3, 205032451668332. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050324516683325

6. Erowid Psilocybin Mushroom Vault : Dosage. (n.d.). Erowid.org. https://erowid.org/plants/mushrooms/mushrooms_dose.shtml

7. Kopra, E. I., Ferris, J. A., Winstock, A. R., Young, A. H., & Rucker, J. J. (2022). Adverse experiences resulting in emergency medical treatment seeking following the use of magic mushrooms. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(8), 026988112210840. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811221084063

8. Palmer, M., & Maynard, O. M. (2022). Are you tripping comfortably? Investigating the relationship between harm reduction and the psychedelic experience. Harm Reduction Journal, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-022-00662-0

9. Kopra, E. I., Ferris, J. A., Winstock, A. R., Young, A. H., & Rucker, J. J. (2022). Adverse experiences resulting in emergency medical treatment seeking following the use of magic mushrooms. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(8), 026988112210840. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811221084063

10. Aragam, G. (2022, March 22). Medical Contraindications to “Classic” Psychedelic Use. Psychedelics.ucsf.edu. https://psychedelics.ucsf.edu/blog/medical-contraindications-to-classic-psychedelic-use

11. Barrett, F. S., Bradstreet, M. P., Leoutsakos, J.-M. S., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2016). The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1279–1295. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116678781

12. Erowid Psilocybin Mushroom Vault: Tea Preparation. (2015). Erowid.org. https://erowid.org/plants/mushrooms/mushrooms_prep2.shtml

13. Vamanu, E., Dinu, L. D., Pelinescu, D. R., & Gatea, F. (2021). Therapeutic Properties of Edible Mushrooms and Herbal Teas in Gut Microbiota Modulation. Microorganisms, 9(6), 1262. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061262

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