How to Lemon Tek Magic Mushrooms: A Citrus-Hack for Less Nausea & Faster Onset

Lemon Tek Key Takeaways

According to some psychonauts, Lemon tekking enhances the psychedelic experience by providing a faster onset and stronger effects, making it a preferred method for many.⁽²⁾
Users must understand the method’s simplicity and the importance of adjusting dosages for increased intensity.
The technique is intended to reduce the likelihood of nausea and upset stomach, a common side effect of ingesting magic mushrooms, making the experience more comfortable.⁽²⁾

Lemon Tek is a method based on a simple recipe used by psychedelic enthusiasts to alter the effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. According to some users, it can potentially offer a more intense experience with a quicker onset and less nausea compared to traditional consumption methods.

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What is Lemon Tek?

The Lemon Tek method involves using lemon or another citrus juice to begin the extraction and conversion of psilocybin (a pro-drug found in psilocybe mushrooms) into psilocin, the compound directly responsible for the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms. Although not scientifically proven, anecdotal reports suggest the acidity of the lemon juice mimics the natural digestive process, potentially making the psilocybin more readily available to the body and thus intensifying effects and hastening the onset of the trip.^(1, 2)

The Science of Lemon Tekking

Most commonly accepted community sources suggest that lemon tek’s effectiveness may lie in the chemical transformation of psilocybin into psilocin, facilitated by the citric acid found in lemon juice. Normally, this conversion happens in the stomach, but pre-soaking the mushrooms in lemon juice is hypothesized to speed up the process, allowing the psilocin to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. This could potentially result in a quicker onset of effects, as the body may not require as much work as it would typically take to metabolize psilocybin into psilocin.^{(3, 4, 5, 6)}

Citric acid, a natural compound found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, is thought to play a pivotal role in lemon tekking by breaking down psilocybin outside the body. This pre-digestion process means the psychedelic effects may begin sooner than they would through the body’s natural metabolism, offering a more immediate and potentially more intense experience. ^{(3, 4, 5, 6)}

As mentioned above, psilocybin is not psychoactive in itself. Instead, it serves as a precursor to psilocin, the substance responsible for the psychedelic effects. Under normal circumstances, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the digestive system through a process known as dephosphorylation (the process by which phosphate groups are removed from a molecule). This conversion is facilitated by the actions of a particular enzyme in the stomach, which the lemon tek replicates.^{(3, 4, 5, 6)}

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The Chemical Role of Citric Acid

According to some anecdotal sources and theories, citric acid accelerates the conversion of psilocybin into psilocin outside the body, potentially kickstarting the process that typically occurs more slowly within the digestive system. As mentioned above, citric acid acts as a catalyst, breaking down psilocybin into psilocin before the substance is ingested. As a result, your body has more immediate access to psilocin once it hits the gut and is absorbed.⁽²⁾

This pre-conversion is significant for several reasons:

It May Speed Up Onset of Effects: By converting psilocybin into psilocin before ingestion, the onset of psychedelic effects is significantly faster. This is because the body can absorb psilocin more readily than psilocybin, bypassing the time-consuming step of internal conversion.
Potentially Increases Potency of Effects: The efficiency of the conversion process outside the body can lead to a more complete and rapid absorption of psilocin, potentially resulting in a more intense psychedelic experience. This efficiency can vary depending on factors like the concentration of citric acid and the duration of the soaking process.
Could Create a More Consistent Experience: Anecdotal reports suggest the pre-digestion process may lead to a more consistent and predictable experience. By controlling the external conversion of psilocybin to psilocin, users may be able to better gauge the timing and intensity of the psychedelic effects, reducing the variability that often comes with digestion.
May Decrease Nausea: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the lemon tek method may decrease stomach discomfort associated with consuming psilocybin mushrooms. This could be due to the breakdown of hard-to-digest fibers.⁽⁷⁾

The practical implications of citric acid’s role in lemon tekking extend beyond the chemical conversion of psilocybin into psilocin. Theoretically, it may also encompass the overall experience of using psychedelic mushrooms, including the potential for reduced nausea and a more controlled, predictable psychedelic journey. This is particularly appealing for individuals looking for a more manageable, shorter, and less varied psychedelic experience.^(7, 8)

Alternative Citrus Options: Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice, and Orange Juice

While lemon juice is most commonly used, lime, grapefruit, and orange juice are viable alternatives for lemon tekking. These fruits also contain citric acid, but the concentration and the resulting experience might vary slightly. Lime juice can offer a comparable effect. However, orange juice has much lower acidity than the options mentioned above. Therefore, you may need to increase the soak time by a few minutes to compensate, and the effects may be less pronounced than those produced by a stronger acid.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Lemon Tekking

Gathering Your Supplies
- You’ll need dried magic mushrooms, an electric coffee or spice grinder, fresh lemons (or an appropriate substitute), a small glass, and a strainer. Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its higher acidity than store-bought, concentrated alternatives.
- Although there is no exact ratio, some users have successfully used the juice of one whole lemon for every two grams of dried magic mushrooms.

How to Make Lemon Tek Mushrooms
- Grind the mushrooms into a fine powder. This increases the surface area that comes into contact with the lemon juice, ensuring a more complete conversion of psilocybin into psilocin. Place the powder in the glass and fully cover it with lemon juice, letting it soak for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to Drink the Mixture
- After soaking, the mixture can be consumed directly or diluted with water to make it more palatable. Some users prefer to take it as a shot, quickly ingesting the mixture to start the experience. Others may mix it with tea and honey.

The Experience: What to Expect from this Method

Theoretically, lemon tekking may significantly alter the parameters and timelines of your magic mushroom experience, necessitating a cautious approach to dosage and understanding the potential intensity and duration of the effects.⁽⁹⁾

Duration and Intensity

According to psychonauts, the lemon tek usually results in a more intense psychedelic trip with a quicker onset, generally within 20-40 minutes. The total duration of the experience can be shorter than traditional methods, often ranging from three to five hours when using lemon tek vs four to six hours without. This will depend on the dose and individual metabolism. This method is particularly beneficial for those seeking a profound experience with less commitment to an extended duration typically associated with psilocybin mushrooms.^(9, 10)

Typical Magic Mushroom Doses and Their Effects

When considering lemon tekking, adjusting the dosage is crucial due to the potential increased bioavailability of psilocin. Here’s a general guideline for psilocybin doses and their effects, keeping in mind that lemon tekking may amplify these:^(11, 12)

Low dose (0.5g to 1g dried mushrooms): Mild effects, including enhanced emotional and sensory perception, slight visual enhancements, and increased introspection.^(11, 12)
Moderate – High dose (1.5g to 3.0g dried mushrooms): Stronger psychedelic effects, including pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations, significant enhancement of sensory perception, deep introspection, and heightened emotional experiences.^(11, 12)
High dose (3.5g and above): Intense psychedelic experiences, including powerful hallucinations, profound introspection, a distorted sense of time, and potential for spiritual or mystical experiences or ego dissolution.^(11, 12)

Common Lemon Tekking Dosages

Due to the hypothesized potentiation effect of lemon juice on psilocybin, dosages should be carefully considered:

Beginners: To assess individual sensitivity, start with a dose significantly lower than you might consider for a traditional experience, such as 0.5g to 1g of dried mushrooms.
Experienced users: Even those with experience should exercise caution, potentially starting with a dose 20-30% lower than their usual amount to account for the increased potency.⁽¹³⁾

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Navigating Potential Shroom Side Effects

While lemon tekking may reduce the likelihood of nausea associated with consuming magic mushrooms, users need to be prepared for other potential side effects. These can include sensory overload, emotional vulnerability or distress, and, in rare cases, mild to moderate anxiety or paranoia. Here are some tips for managing these experiences and navigating a bad trip if it occurs.^(14, 15)

Creating a Safe Environment

Set and Setting: Ensure you are in a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment before beginning your experience. A positive state of mind and a supportive setting can significantly impact the direction of your trip.
Have a Tripsitter: A sober, trustworthy companion who is experienced with psychedelics can provide reassurance and guidance if your experience becomes challenging.

Strategies to Use During the Trip

Breathing Techniques: Deep, controlled breathing can help manage anxiety and emotional distress. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth. Placing one hand on your belly and another over your heart as you breathe may bring a sense of calm and connectedness with your body.⁽¹⁶⁾
Change Your Environment: Changes in setting, such as moving to a different room, turning on/off lights, or changing the music, can help shift your mindset and alleviate discomfort.⁽¹⁶⁾
Grounding Techniques: Engage your senses to ground yourself. This can include touching safe objects, tasting a strong flavor, or smelling something pleasant. These actions can help bring you back to reality and distract you from overwhelming sensations.⁽¹⁶⁾
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water or herbal teas can help you stay hydrated and may provide a soothing effect.
Use Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself that the experience is temporary and will pass. Positive affirmations can help steer your thoughts to a more positive place.⁽¹⁶⁾

If Anxiety or Paranoia Occurs

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that feeling anxious or paranoid is a possible side effect of the psychedelic experience and that it will subside. Acknowledging your feelings without judgment can help reduce their intensity.⁽¹⁷⁾
Distract Yourself: Engaging in a simple activity, like drawing, listening to calm music, or watching a light-hearted show, can help distract your mind from negative thoughts.⁽¹⁷⁾
Explore Happy Memories and Thoughts: If a mental shift is needed, try focusing on the most easily accessed happy moments from your life or things in your life that you love.⁽¹⁷⁾

Incorporating Ginger and Other Remedies

Ginger for Nausea: Adding ginger to your lemon tek mixture or sipping ginger tea can help mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort. Ginger has natural properties that may soothe the stomach.⁽¹⁸⁾
Magnesium: According to some research, taking magnesium supplements may help reduce muscle tension and stiffness. Therefore, supplementation with magnesium during your trip may help reduce bodily discomfort and tension, which are often associated with anxiety during psychedelic experiences. However, more research is needed.⁽¹⁹⁾

Safety Considerations and Harm Reduction

As mentioned above, the hypothesized intensification of psilocybin’s effects while lemon tekking calls for a cautious approach to dosing, particularly for those new to this method.⁽²⁰⁾

Some important safety tips include:⁽²⁰⁾

Start with a lower dose than usual when using the lemon tek method, especially if you are new to it, due to the theoretically increased bioavailability of psilocin.
Consider beginning with a microdose or a small fraction of a typical low dose to gauge tolerance and sensitivity to the altered state safely.
Gradually increase the dosage in later sessions based on your initial response and comfort level to safely manage the experience.
Having a sober sitter or guide experienced in handling psychedelic experiences is crucial for emotional support and safety during the trip.
Choose a setting that is safe, comfortable, and free from interruptions to reduce anxiety and manage unexpected or intense moments.
Educate yourself about the effects of psychedelics like psilocybin, particularly when using lemon tek.
Use mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a calm and centered mind before and during the psychedelic experience, which can make the trip more insightful and manageable.

Educating yourself about the effects of psychedelics, particularly with the lemon tek method, is fundamental for having a positive psychedelic trip. Understanding what to expect can help manage any fear or anxiety about the experience. Read up on the experiences of others on sites like Erowid and explore scientific research on psychedelics and harm-reduction strategies. Knowledge is a powerful tool for ensuring a safe and positive experience.⁽²⁰⁾

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Practices like mindfulness and meditation can significantly enhance the quality of your experience. These practices help cultivate a calm and centered mind before and during the trip. Mindfulness techniques can assist in navigating the psychedelic experience with greater awareness and control, potentially making the experience more insightful and less overwhelming.⁽²⁰⁾

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Some Additional Harm Reduction Strategies Include:

Know Your Substance: Ensure the mushrooms are from a reliable source to avoid the risks associated with contaminated or misidentified substances.
Have a Plan for Integration: After the experience, reflect and integrate your insights. Journaling or talking with a trusted friend or guide can be helpful.

Psilocybin Contraindications

Psilocybin, like other psychedelics, has specific contraindications that are important to consider for safety reasons. Here are the primary contraindications for psilocybin use:^{(21, 22, 23)}

Psychiatric Conditions:
Individuals with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia), borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental health issues might experience a worsening of symptoms or the triggering of a psychotic episode. Consult a medical professional if you are considering use. ^{(21, 22, 23)}

Cardiovascular Diseases:
Psilocybin can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, it might not be suitable for people with uncontrolled hypertension, recent heart attacks, or other significant cardiovascular problems.^{(21, 22, 23)}

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Due to limited research on its effects in these conditions, it is recommended to avoid psilocybin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. ^{(21, 22, 23)}

Medications:
Interaction with other drugs can be a concern. Psilocybin may interact with psychiatric medications like antidepressants (especially SSRIs and MAOIs), which can lead to serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome. It’s also important to consider interactions with over-the-counter medications and other substances. ^{(21, 22, 23)}

Allergy or Sensitivity to Psilocybin or Related Compounds:
Although rare, allergies to psilocybin or related compounds can occur and would be a clear contraindication. ^{(21, 22, 23)}

Mental State and Environment:
Not necessarily a medical contraindication, but it’s important to consider the psychological state of the user and the setting in which psilocybin is used, as adverse experiences can be influenced by a negative mindset or an unsupportive environment. ^{(21, 22, 23)}

Due to these potential risks, it is generally recommended that psilocybin use be approached with caution and ideally under professional supervision, particularly in therapeutic contexts.

Navigating the side effects and contraindications of lemon tekking and managing a bad trip involves a combination of preparation, self-care, and the willingness to let go and trust the process. Always prioritize safety, set, and setting, and adhere to harm reduction practices when using any psychedelics, including psilocybin, and especially when utilizing something like the lemon tek.

Explore Our Harm Reduction and Safety Resources for More Information About the Safe Use of Psychedelics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lemon Tek make the trip come on faster and stronger?

What are the potential downsides of Lemon Tek?

Is Lemon Tek safe to use?

As with any method of consuming psilocybin mushrooms, safety depends on a variety of factors including dosage, individual sensitivity, and setting. Lemon Tek can be safe if used responsibly, but due to its potential to intensify and quicken the effects, it is particularly important to be cautious with dosing. It is also advised to have a sober sitter present, especially if it is your first time using this method or if you are using a higher dose.

Can you make lemon tek mushroom tea?

Yes, you can combine the lemon tekking method with the tea-making process. To do this, you would first soak your ground or finely chopped mushrooms in lemon juice for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then, add hot water to the mixture and let it steep for another 10 to 15 minutes. You can strain the mixture to remove the mushroom pieces if desired. Adding other ingredients like ginger, honey, or herbal teas can also help improve the flavor and may reduce nausea.

Sources

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2. Psilocybin mushroom lemon tek. (n.d.). PsychonautWiki. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/Psilocybin_mushroom_lemon_tek

3. Simms, D. (2022, April 5). What Is Lemon Tek? Tripsitter. https://tripsitter.com/magic-mushrooms/how-to-take/lemon-tek/

4. Dinis-Oliveira, R. J. (2017). Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological relevance. Drug Metabolism Reviews, 49(1), 84–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/03602532.2016.1278228

5. Psilocin – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/psilocin

6. EMCDDA. (n.d.). Hallucinogenic mushrooms drug profile | www.emcdda.europa.eu. Www.emcdda.europa.eu. https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/hallucinogenic-mushrooms_en

7. Tian, B., Pan, Y., Wang, J., Cai, M., Ye, B., Yang, K., & Sun, P. (2022). Insoluble Dietary Fibers From By-Products of Edible Fungi Industry: Basic Structure, Physicochemical Properties, and Their Effects on Energy Intake. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.851228

8. 12 Tips To Help Calm Morning Sickness. (2022, March 16). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/morning-sickness-10-tips-to-tame-your-turbulent-tummy-day-or-night

9. Francisco, P. S. (2023, May 3). What is Lemon Tek? Medium. https://psilocybinsf.medium.com/what-is-lemon-tek-cf2775ff61f1

10. Mushrooms & Cannabis – Erowid Exp – “Lemon Tek Works! Just Be Prepared…” (n.d.). Erowid.org. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from https://erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=116672

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

12. Rindskopf, J. (2023, November 10). How to Lemon Tek Shrooms and 9 Things to Know Before Starting. Third Wave. https://thethirdwave.co/lemon-tekking-shrooms/

13. Polito, V., & Stevenson, R. J. (2019). A systematic study of microdosing psychedelics. PLOS ONE, 14(2), e0211023. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211023

14. Cavanna, F., Muller, S., de la Fuente, L. A., Zamberlan, F., Palmucci, M., Janeckova, L., Kuchar, M., Pallavicini, C., & Tagliazucchi, E. (2022). Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Translational Psychiatry, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-02039-0

15. Bienemann, B., Ruschel, N. S., Campos, M. L., Negreiros, M. A., & Mograbi, D. C. (2020). Self-reported negative outcomes of psilocybin users: A quantitative textual analysis. PLOS ONE, 15(2), e0229067. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229067

16. MacCallum, C. A., Lo, L. A., Pistawka, C. A., & Deol, J. K. (2022). Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040217

17. Manual: How to Work with Difficult Psychedelic Experiences. (2010, May 5). Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies – MAPS. https://maps.org/2010/05/05/how-to-work-with-difficult-psychedelic-experiences/

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21. 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

22. MacCallum, C. A., Lo, L. A., Pistawka, C. A., & Deol, J. K. (2022). Therapeutic use of psilocybin: Practical considerations for dosing and administration. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040217

23. Sarparast, A., Thomas, K., Malcolm, B., & Stauffer, C. S. (2022). Drug-drug interactions between psychiatric medications and MDMA or psilocybin: a systematic review. Psychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-022-06083-y

How to Lemon Tek Magic Mushrooms: A Citrus-Hack for Less Nausea & Faster Onset

July 22, 2024

WRITTEN BY:

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY:

Authors

David Connell

Paloma Lehfeldt, MD

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