Magic mushroom tea is gaining popularity as a preferred method for consuming psilocybin mushrooms, offering a more gentle experience on the stomach coupled with a more controlled, intentional trip. Whether you're new to the world of psychedelics or looking for a more enjoyable alternative to eating raw mushrooms, shroom tea provides an accessible, customizable, and purposeful way to experience the world of psilocybin. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making shroom tea, explore its unique benefits, and even delve into other types of mushroom drinks for health and wellness.
Table of Contents
Why Magic Mushroom Tea?
Shroom Tea vs. Eating: What’s the Difference?
The Benefits of Drinking Shroom Tea
Shroom Tea Effects: Does It Change the Experience?
Risks and Considerations When Drinking Mushroom Tea
Mushroom Tea Tek: How to Make Shroom Tea (Step-by-Step Guide)
Recommended Hacks for Mushroom Tea
The Best Teas to Pair with Shrooms
Shrooms and Addiction Potential: Setting the Record Straight
Beyond Psilocybin: Other Mushroom Drink Varieties for Health
Final Tips: Essentials for Crafting the Perfect Shroom Tea
Key Takeaways
Why Magic Mushroom Tea?
Why are so many people turning to shroom tea over traditional methods like consuming dried mushrooms or adding them to food? The answer lies in the unique advantages that tea offers over these methods, particularly for your digestive system and overall sensory experience.
One significant reason is that shroom tea allows the hot water to break down and soften the mushrooms' chitin, a tough and indigestible substance that makes up a large portion of the mushroom's cell walls. This simple breakdown process is key to reducing common negative side effects associated with consuming raw mushrooms, like nausea or indigestion.
On top of that, brewing and drinking tea is often seen as a meditative process. The act of selecting your ingredients, preparing your equipment, brewing, and sipping tea creates space to focus your mind. This helps foster mindfulness and can be an ideal way to set your intentions before embarking on a psychedelic journey. Plus, it tastes better — with added ingredients like ginger, chamomile, or honey to enhance your experience.
Shroom Tea vs. Eating: What’s the Difference?
Shroom tea and raw mushroom consumption are the two most common methods of using magic mushrooms, but they offer distinct experiences, both physically and psychologically.
Speed of Absorption
Shroom tea is absorbed into your system much faster than raw shrooms. Preparing mushrooms as a tea allows the psilocybin to extract more efficiently, leading to quicker ingestion and faster onset of effects. Users typically feel the effects of shroom tea in as little as 15 to 20 minutes, compared to the 45 minutes to an hour you'll wait when eating them whole.
Duration of Effects
Due to the quicker absorption, shroom tea also has a shorter duration of action compared to eating whole mushrooms. While eating raw mushrooms can extend a trip to around six hours, a shroom tea trip usually lasts about four to five hours. However, some people may actually prefer this shorter experience, as it can be easier to manage and fit into a specific time window.
Intensity of Experience
Since shroom tea facilitates faster absorption, some users report experiencing a stronger initial peak. A rapid onset can sometimes heighten the intensity, so monitoring dosage is essential to avoid going beyond your comfort zone. Moreover, because the mushrooms are consumed in liquid form, the noticeable nausea or body load felt while digesting raw mushrooms is usually greatly diminished.
The Benefits of Drinking Shroom Tea
Why should you opt for shroom tea over simply munching on dry mushrooms? Below, we break down the benefits in more detail.
- Softer on Your Stomach
Eating dried mushrooms can lead to digestion issues, including nausea and upset stomach, primarily due to the hard-to-breakdown chitin found in the mushroom’s cell wall. When mushrooms are steeped and strained in tea, much of this chitin is removed, allowing for a smoother, more comfortable digestion process. This is particularly helpful for people with sensitive stomachs or those who have experienced nausea from mushrooms in the past.
- Faster Onset but Shorter Duration
If you're looking for a quicker come-up, shroom tea offers this by allowing for faster absorption of psilocybin into the bloodstream. You may find that within about 15-30 minutes, you're already starting to peak, versus the more extended waiting period involved with consuming whole mushrooms. And, for those who prefer a shorter overall trip, the tea steeping method can reduce the duration of your experience by about an hour or so compared to eating them directly.
- Better Taste
Magic mushrooms are known for their earthy, woody, and slightly unpleasant flavor when eaten raw. By brewing them into a tea, you can mask the taste with ingredients like ginger, lemon, honey, and various herbs. The result is a much more palatable experience that many find easier to enjoy.
- A Calming Ritual
The act of preparing the tea itself can be part of the mental preparation process. Boiling water, steeping herbs, and taking time to craft your brew allows users to ground themselves, which is crucial for psychonauts who place a high value on set and setting. Creating an intentional ritual around your tea process can help you focus on mindfulness, embrace the journey, and set positive intentions for your trip.
Shroom Tea Effects: Does It Change the Experience?
Most users who switch from eating raw or dried magic mushrooms to tea often report a smoother, cleaner trip. But does this change the core psychedelic experience? Let’s explore how shroom tea might influence the journey from a subjective standpoint.
More Intense Onset
Since your body doesn't have to digest whole mushroom material, the compounds in the tea are absorbed faster. This rapid onset can make the come-up more intense and help users reach the peak of their experience more quickly. For those who enjoy the exhilaration of peaking early, this provides a chance to dive into the trip with less wait time.
Gentler Body Load
Shroom tea significantly reduces the body's "heaviness" or "sluggishness" that some users feel when consuming whole mushrooms. This can be attributed to the absence of indigestible mushroom material. Many people note that they feel less bloated or nauseous, enabling them to focus more on the mental and visual aspects of the trip.
Flavor and Mood Impact
Another overlooked element is the potential impact of the specific tea flavor on your emotional or psychological state. For instance, ginger promotes warmth and comfort while chamomile may induce a calming, serene state. The herbs you add to your mushroom tea can subtly affect the nuances of your experience, which is an advantage for those looking to focus on a particular emotional or spiritual outcome during their trip.
Risks and Considerations When Drinking Mushroom Tea
While psilocybin is known to be relatively safe, hallucinogens should always be approached with caution and respect. Safety is paramount not only for ensuring a good experience but also for dealing with unforeseen challenges if things don’t go according to plan.
Faster Effects May Lead to Overwhelm
Because shroom tea leads to faster absorption, the intensity of the peak can catch some users by surprise if they aren’t prepared. This can be jarring for those anticipating a more gradual buildup. A key recommendation is to ensure you're in a comfortable, familiar environment and to have trusted people around if things get overwhelming.
Measuring the Right Dose
Accurate dosage is vital. Whether you’re crafting tea or eating whole mushrooms, under-dosing can result in an experience that misses the mark, while over-dosing can lead to uncontrollable effects. Always use a digital scale to weigh your mushrooms precisely. Even minor tweaks in dosage can create significant differences in your experience.
Mental Health Considerations
It's important to note that individuals with certain underlying mental health conditions should avoid psilocybin. Specifically, people suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a family history of psychosis are advised not to ingest psychedelics, as they can enhance or trigger mental health episodes. If you fall into these categories, it's best to seek out other methods of personal development or healing.
Mushroom Tea Tek: How to Make Shroom Tea (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you're aware of the benefits and risks, let’s jump into the process of making your own shroom tea. Follow this straightforward guide to brew your perfect tea.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Desired dose of dried psilocybin mushrooms (1-1.5 grams for beginners, or up to 3.5 grams for a stronger trip)
Fresh ginger (for flavor and its anti-nausea properties)
Tea bag of your choice (like chamomile, green tea, or lemon balm)
Honey or any preferred sweetener
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Weigh Your Dose
Start by using a digital scale to precisely weigh out your dried mushrooms. Beginners should aim for 1-1.5 grams to avoid an overwhelming first trip, while experienced users might go up to 3.5 grams for a more intense effect.
- Grind the Mushrooms
Use a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or cannabis grinder to turn your mushrooms into a fine powder. Grinding creates more surface area for the psilocybin to extract into your tea, making for a more potent beverage.
- Prepare Fresh Ginger
Peel and slice a small amount of ginger. Ginger not only adds a pleasant flavor to the tea but also helps to combat any nausea you might experience.
- Steep the Mushrooms
Boil a cup of water and allow it to cool slightly (to about 190°F or 88°C). Add your powdered mushrooms and ginger slices into a mug and pour the hot water over the mixture. Too much heat can degrade psilocybin, so take care to avoid scalding temperatures. Let the tea steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Optional: Strain the Mushroom Solids
If you prefer a cleaner tea without consuming the mushroom residue, strain the liquid through a tea strainer or cheesecloth. Removing the mushroom bits can help reduce nausea for some users.
- Add Flavor
Enhance the taste of your tea by adding honey, a tea bag (like lemon balm or chamomile), or even a splash of lemon juice. You can get creative by adding herbs or flavors that align with the type of trip or energy you wish to cultivate.
- Sip Slowly
As you begin to drink your tea, set an intention for your journey. Sip mindfully instead of chugging it, giving yourself time to ease into the experience. Within 20–30 minutes, the effects should start to manifest.
Recommended Hacks for Mushroom Tea
Enhance your tea-making skills with these extra tips and hacks to maximize the effects and enjoyment of your psilocybin tea:
- Lemon Tek Hack
Lemon Tek is a popular technique where you add lemon juice while brewing your tea. The acidity of the lemon is thought to help pre-convert psilocybin into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. This can lead to an even quicker and more potent onset. If you're looking for a more intense experience in a shorter time, consider adding lemon juice during the steeping process.
- Herbal Enhancers
There are many beneficial herbs you can add to your tea before brewing.
Peppermint for digestion and calm.
Chamomile for relaxation and easing tension.
Lavender if you're seeking a peaceful, serene emotional state.
Hibiscus for a tart flavor and its nourishing antioxidant properties.
- Avoid Strong Boiling Water
Very hot water can degrade the psilocybin compound, diminishing both potency and effect. Always use water that is between 190°F–200°F to ensure an optimal extraction without sacrificing the key psychoactive components.
The Best Teas to Pair with Shrooms
There are many different teas that synergize well with psilocybin mushrooms. Apart from masking the mushroom taste, the right kind of tea can enhance your overall experience:
Chamomile: Chamomile is well-known for its soothing and calming effects, making it a great addition if you're looking to have a mellow, introspective trip.
Ginger: As mentioned, ginger is excellent for reducing nausea, but it also has a pleasant peppery and zesty flavor that complements mushrooms.
Peppermint or Lemon Balm: These are refreshing herbal teas that help clear the mind and reduce any nervous energy you might feel during the come-up stage.
Green Tea: Contains caffeine, so it’s better suited for daytime trips when you want a bit of an energy boost.
Rooibos Tea: A naturally caffeine-free tea that's smooth and slightly sweet. Perfect for those who want to avoid stimulants during their experience.
Shrooms and Addiction Potential: Setting the Record Straight
One common misconception about magic mushrooms is that they may lead to dependency. It's important to clarify that psilocybin is not physically addictive. In fact, recent research—including studies done at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University—suggest that psilocybin could be instrumental in helping people overcome substance dependencies, such as those involving alcohol and nicotine.
Unlike substances that affect dopamine release directly, such as opiates or amphetamines, psilocybin works primarily on serotonin receptors. After a significant psychedelic experience, many people actually feel a sense of contentment or fulfillment, reducing the urge to partake repeatedly. That said, it’s still important to use psilocybin respectfully and with intention, as overindulgence can lead to adverse psychological effects or tolerance buildup.
Beyond Psilocybin: Other Mushroom Drink Varieties for Health
Magic mushrooms aren't the only fungi worth brewing. In recent years, non-psychoactive medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity in the wellness community for their multitude of benefits:
- Reishi: Known for its calming and immune-boosting properties, reishi tea is often used to promote relaxation, lower stress levels, and support cardiovascular health.
- Lion’s Mane: This mushroom is recognized for supporting cognitive function, potentially improving focus, clarity, and memory. Studies have even explored its ability to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production, making it promising for neurogenesis.
- Chaga: Packed with antioxidants, chaga mushrooms are known to support the immune system, have anti-inflammatory effects, and promote general well-being.
- Cordyceps: Frequently used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, cordyceps are believed to improve stamina and energy levels by increasing oxygen utilization and boosting physical endurance.
These functional mushrooms offer ways to incorporate health-enhancing fungi into your diet without any associated psychedelic effects, making them perfect for daily supplementation.
Final Tips: Essentials for Crafting the Perfect Shroom Tea
Mastering the art of crafting perfect shroom tea doesn’t take long but requires several key considerations:
Precision Matters: Always weigh your dose accurately to control the intensity of your experience and avoid overwhelming sensations.
Mind Your Brew Temp: Keep the water just below boiling temperature to avoid degrading the psilocybin.
Set and Setting Are Key: Ensure that your environment is peaceful and conducive to a positive experience. Setting an intention and choosing the right time and place are crucial for your emotional and mental well-being.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking tea can be dehydrating when paired with a long psychedelic experience, so it's essential to keep water nearby and stay hydrated throughout your trip.
Key Takeaways
Shroom tea is a smoother, faster-acting method of consuming psilocybin mushrooms compared to eating them whole, providing a gentler come-up and reduced nausea.
The faster onset of a shroom tea trip generally occurs within 15-30 minutes, though the overall experience may be slightly shorter in duration than traditional mushroom consumption.
By making shroom tea, you avoid the earthy taste of raw mushrooms, using natural flavor enhancers like honey, ginger, and chamomile to improve the experience.
Lemon Tek is a popular hack to intensify the trip, speeding up psilocybin's conversion to psilocin, leading to a shorter, but stronger peak.
Drink psilocybin tea mindfully by setting the right intention and environment for a more meaningful and safe psychedelic journey.
Non-psychoactive medicinal mushrooms like reishi, lion's mane, and cordyceps can offer substantial health benefits, especially when consumed regularly as teas.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of mushroom-enhanced wellness? Browse our mushroom grow kits, grinders, and tools to jumpstart your journey. And don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable content around mushrooms, health, and personal exploration tools.