From Caps to Cup: Ultimate Guide to Magic Mushrooms Tea

As psychedelic substances are becoming increasingly accepted in society and more states and cities are decriminalizing them, magic mushroom tea has also become a popular option.

Not only is it a more pleasant way to consume your psilocybin mushrooms, but it's also faster-acting and easier on the stomach. It's a win-win situation. In this ultimate guide, we'll give you a simple recipe for making magic mushroom tea that will help you kick off your journey with ease.

What Is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin, which can grow in various climates, has been used for more than 10,000 years, and there is some evidence to suggest that its influence on human consciousness dates back to 10,000 B.C.E.

More than 180 species of mushrooms contain psilocybin, however, researchers believe that the psychoactive effects do not come directly from it, but from its metabolite, psilocin. Psilocin, in its altered form, triggers the serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2ARs), resulting in psychedelic effects on the brain.

Psilocybin mushrooms have a rich history of use in Mesoamerican spiritual and religious rituals, and are commonly used as psychedelics in the U.S. and Europe. However, they are not just a drug or sacrament – they have also been used in therapeutic settings to treat various conditions such as anorexia, tobacco addiction, alcohol use disorder, weight gain, major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression and more.

Consuming Shroom Tea vs. Dried Mushrooms

When it comes to consuming magic mushrooms, many people often struggle with the unpleasant nausea that often comes with chewing them dry. However, like lemon tek, magic mushroom tea is a solution that not only eases the stomach but amplifies the psychedelic experience. By boiling the mushrooms in hot water, the active ingredient psilocybin is extracted into the water, creating a tea that is both more potent and easier to digest. Not only does this method result in a faster onset of the effects, but it also eliminates the raw mushroom material that can cause stomach discomfort. So if you're looking for a way to elevate your magic mushroom experience, consider trying shroom tea as a beneficial alternative. But if you still keep looking for alternative ways to consume psychedelics and prefer some more tasty and usual choices, products like amanita muscaria gummies are definitely your must-try.

You may also like: Lemon Tek: Everything You Need to Know About This Trendy Way of Consuming Magic Mushrooms

Moreover, chewing and swallowing dried mushrooms might not be the most pleasant experience for everyone, as the earthy taste can be hard to get down without gagging. However, by adding other tea bags to the mix, individuals can mask the taste of the mushrooms and enjoy their benefits without the unpleasant aftertaste. This alternative method of consumption not only offers a more enjoyable experience, but it can also enhance the effects of the mushrooms. So why settle for a less than desirable flavor when shroom tea offers more benefits?

Magic Mushroom Tea Benefits

• Better Taste
• Reduced Nausea
• Amplified Psychedelic Effects
• Faster onset
• Reduced stomach discomfort
• Shorter trip duration

   

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Important Tips Before You Consume Psilocybin Mushroom Tea

• Get a trip sitter: If you're planning on consuming a substantial dose of psilocybin, you may experience strong psychedelic effects and mystical experiences. Having a sober friend who has experience with psilocybin mushrooms is critical – especially if this is your first time consuming them. Whether that is a knowledgeable guide, a psychedelic facilitator, or just a friend, having a supportive person around will ensure that you feel safe when the come-up begins.
• Don't underestimate set & setting: Novices planning on embarking on a psychedelic journey through mushroom tea need to be in the right mindset and environment when planning to experience altered states of consciousness. This is essential to prevent a potential challenging experience. Meditation and yoga are excellent activities to prepare your mind for the psychedelic journey. As for setting, most psychonauts recommend having your trip in nature for an optimal experience. If you decide to have it in the comfort of your home, make sure that you're journeying in a clean space.
• See if there are any contraindications of psilocybin and other medications you are taking: If you're consuming psilocybin tea as an alternative treatment to mental health conditions, ask your physician if there are any potential risks. Recent research has found that common antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are safe to consume with psilocybin mushrooms, however, they may weaken the psychedelic effects. On the other hand, there is not much research on other medications taken in tandem with mushrooms since research in the psychedelic field is quite new. It is always safe to ask more experienced individuals before considering mixing substances.
• Avoid drinking mushroom tea with alcohol:  Mixing shrooms and alcohol may have unpredictable results, so it's better to avoid doing it.
• Test your mushrooms for their psilocybin potency, for contaminants and for spoilage: The psilocybin contents vary from strain to strain, which can influence your psychedelic effects. Moreover, exposure to heat, light and moisture can diminish the potency of your mushrooms. If your mushrooms are spoiled, making tea with them is not safe and you should probably toss them.

How to Make Shroom Tea Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start making your shroom tea, you'll need to get your hands on some high-quality magic mushrooms. You can grow them yourself, buy them from a trusted supplier or psychedelic dispensary. However, it is important to know that procuring illegal substances from online shroom dispensaries carries its own risks, such as scams, uncertainty of product purity and DEA interception scams. If you decide to play it safe and opt to grow you own mushrooms, Psychedelic Spotlight has created a guide on How to Grow Magic Mushrooms At Home. If growing your own psilocybin mushrooms proves too difficult of a task, you can also decide to forage for them. Luckily, we have also compiled a list of the Best Areas to Forage for Psychedelic Mushrooms in the United States.

What you'll need: a tea kettle, a strainer, some honey, and your favorite tea bags or loose-leaf tea, psilocybin mushrooms.

It's important to note that the potency of psilocybin mushrooms varies significantly between species, growth conditions and storage methods. To learn more about psilocybin dosing, you can scroll to the end of this guide.

The intensity of the trip will depend on the type of mushroom and dosage

Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata are typical types of mushrooms that have around 6-10mg of psilocybin per gram of dried mushrooms. Meanwhile, Psilocybe azurenscens and Psilocybe bohemica are other types of mushrooms that have a higher amount of psilocybin at about 1.78% and 1.74%, respectively.

One example of an intermediate potency mushroom is the Panaeolus cyanescens, also referred to as Copelandia cyanescens, that contains 0.85% psilocybin.

Read: The Strongest Magic Mushroom Species Ranked by Potency

Servings

Serving size for mushroom tea depends on your desired potency and how many uses you want out of your brew. This recipe calls for an eighth of shrooms and 2 cups of water. If you want a lower dose per cup, increase the water amount to 3 cups.

Ingredients you’ll need

Once you have obtained your psilocybin mushrooms, making shroom tea is quite easy. You can use any tea you prefer, but it's recommended to use caffeine-free tea blends to avoid any interference with your psilocybin experience.

• 3.5 grams mushrooms of your choice
• 2-3 decaffeinated and/or herbal tea bags (caffeine may impact your trip)
• Honey or stevia
• Ginger
• Herbs, other tea additives
• 2 cups of water

Step 2:  Measure the Right Dose of Psilocybin Mushrooms

It is recommended that you acquire a scale if you do not already have one. It can be frustrating to unintentionally consume too few or too many mushrooms and only realize it after a few hours.

It is crucial to calculate the right dosage when taking psychedelic mushrooms, as it affects the whole trip. Referring to the able above, the minimum dose to feel its effects is within the 0.3-0.75g range, while a moderate dose ranges from 2-3.5g. Beginners should start with a lower dose to assess their psilocybin sensitivity. If you're feeling brave, you can increase the amount, but it's generally recommended to start low and work your way up.

Step 3: Prepare Your Mushrooms

Grinding your shrooms before making tea will help maximize the potency of your infusion, similar to how grinding weed makes it easier to pack and smoke.

Step 4: Boil Water

Fill your tea kettle with water and boil it on the stove. You'll want to aim for around 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a temperature gauge, just boil the water until it starts to bubble.

Step 5: Mix the Ingredients

Place your grinded mushrooms into a teapot or mug and pour the boiling water over them.

Step 6: Add supplemental ingredients for taste (Optional)

To enhance the taste of mushroom tea, you may consider adding other flavors as mushrooms themselves may not have a strong flavor and can taste a bit earthy. You might find adding herbal blends such as hibiscus, licorice, and green tea. Add your tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the mix (if you want to add some more flavor) and stir in some honey to sweeten the taste. Stir the ingredients for a few minutes. If you want, you can add lemon, lemon peel, a splash of orange juice, or any other citrus to enhance the taste and give an extra boost.

Step 6: Steep for 10-15 Minutes

Cover your teapot or mug with a lid or a saucer to keep the heat in and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the mushrooms to release their psilocybin into the water, making the tea much more potent than eating the mushrooms on their own. The longer you steep the mushrooms, the stronger the psychedelic effects.

Step 7: Strain and Enjoy (Optional)

After 15 minutes, you can use a strainer to remove the mushroom pieces and tea bags or loose-leaf tea from the liquid. Pour the tea into a cup, sip it slowly, and enjoy the ride.

 

How to Pick the Right Dose of Psilocybin for Your Tea

Name	Dose	Effects
Microdose	0.1g – 0.5g	Sub perceptual changes. No hallucinations Enhanced flow Sates. Potential to reduce anxiety, stress and focus
Low dose/ Museum dose	0.5g – 1.5g	More noticeable effects like light visuals, warm feelings, euphoria. However, you'll still be able to perform cognitive tasks.
Moderate dose	2g to 3.5g	More pronounced psychedelic effects such as, fractal, geometric visuals, introspective thoughts, synesthesia, disorientation, increased flow of ideas, amplification of emotions, increased yawning during come-up, difficulty with cognitive tasks, reality-altering hallucinations.
High dose	3.5g – 5g	Intense psychedelic trips that can induce mystical and spiritual experiences and ego dissolution, mystical experiences, meetings with otherworldly beings, time dissociation, difficulty with cognitive tasks, potential bad trips.

Microdosing Shroom Tea

(0.1-0.5 g)

If you decide to microdose psilocybin mushrooms through tea, you will likely not notice any psychedelic effects since a microdose is meant to be sub-perceptual. Incorporating a psilocybin microdose into your weekly routine with the help of a microdosing protocol is reported to boost your creativity, energy, and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional instability. However, since mushroom tea increases the potency, it is recommended to begin at the lower end of the microdose range, especially if you're a beginner. Not everyone is made the same and some people are more sensitive to psilocybin than others. If you notice any perceptual changes, such as auras and geometric patterns, you probably should decrease your dose to even less.

Find out more in our data-driven microdosing guide.

Some common effects are:

• Clearer thinking
• Improved memory
• Increased creativity
• Easier meditation
• Enhanced athletic endurance
• Increased energy overall
• Slight amplification of mood
• Improved mood
• Reduced stress
• Increased emotional stability
• Feeling more mindful, present, and peaceful
• Increased openness and willingness to be more social
• Improved ability to have smooth conversations
• Relief from conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and PTSD
• Increased motivation to make positive lifestyle changes

Low Dose/Museum dose (0.5-1.5 g)

This is a moderate amount of psilocybin that allows for some noticeable psychedelic effects, however you will still be able to engage in social activities with little likelihood that someone will notice you have taken a psychedelic substance.

Some common effects are:

• Improved mood
• Increased empathy
• Enhanced creativity
• Amplified appreciation for things like music and art
• Enhanced hearing
• Time dilation
• Increased sensitivity to light

Individuals may also experience negative effects such as difficulty focusing or feeling uncomfortable in social situations. Additionally, finding the right dosage may be challenging and frustrating.

Moderate dose (2-3.5 g)

At this range, you will begin experiencing psychedelic effects such as, visual hallucinations like patterns and fractals. Your perception of time may also be distorted. However, although your environment may become distorted, you will still be able to distinguish reality from the psychedelic world.

Some common effects are:

• Gaining new and profound insights about oneself or the world
• Having a surge of creative ideas
• Being more appreciative of music and art
• Finding ordinary things amusing or fascinating
• Experiencing clear stages of the drug's effects (coming up, peaking, coming down)
• Feeling emotions more intensely (whether positive or negative)
• Seeing patterns or auras with open or closed eyes
• Experiencing synesthesia
• Becoming more sensitive to light
• Yawning excessively
• Feeling disoriented
• Potentially experiencing fear and anxiety (commonly referred to as a “bad trip”)
• Having difficulty with thinking tasks

Heroic Dose (5+ g)

A dose of 5 grams and more can cause a complete disconnection from reality. This is where you'll experience intense hallucinations, ego death, mystical experiences, and deep introspection.

Some common effects are:

• An intense mystical experience and feelings of wonder
• Profound introspective or philosophical insights that can change your life
• Ego death, or dissolution of your sense of self
• Strong open- and closed-eye visual hallucinations, such as memories becoming vividly real
• Synesthesia, or blending of your senses, such as seeing sounds or tasting colors
• A distortion of time, making it seem meaningless or non-existent
• Disorientation and confusion, especially if you're not familiar with the drug or the setting
• Impaired motor functions, so having a sitter, or a trusted companion, is recommended
• Extreme fear and anxiety, which can lead to a “bad trip” if unchecked or unaddressed
• Difficulty with cognitive tasks such as thinking, speaking, or remembering
• Dizziness and nausea, particularly if you consume a high dose or mix it with other substances

 

Are there risks associated with consuming magic mushroom tea?

As we mentioned above, shroom tea will increase the potency of your shrooms. It's important to note that a faster and more intense experience is not always better. If you're new to using psilocybin, a more potent trip could lead to a more uncomfortable experience. If you choose to have a magic mushroom tea journey, it's recommended that you start with a small dose and gradually increase it.

Please keep in mind that psilocybin mushrooms may not be safe for everyone. There are risks associated with using these unregulated mind-altering substances. For instance, people with cardiovascular problems or psychosis should avoid them. Additionally, certain medications may interact negatively with psychedelics. Therefore, it's advisable to proceed with caution and conduct extensive research before consuming such substances.

While many individuals who take psychedelics appear to be relatively safe from a physiological standpoint, it is important to be aware of potential risks since these substances can cause a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

If you have an underlying heart condition, taking large amounts of psychedelics can lead to a cardiac adverse event. Also, if you have impaired liver or kidney function, you may have trouble processing and metabolizing these drugs.

HPPD

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) is a rare condition that has been linked to the use of psilocybin mushrooms. People with HPPD may experience frequent hallucinations or “flashbacks” for an extended period, ranging from weeks to months or even years. The reasons why some individuals develop this condition while others do not are still unknown.

You may also like: Understanding HPPD to Prioritize Harm Reduction of a Very Real Psychedelic Risk

Serotonin syndrome

If you are taking antidepressants like SSRIs or MAOIs, consuming magic mushroom tea can raise serotonin levels and potentially lead to serotonin syndrome. While some people may choose to stop taking their antidepressants prior to using psilocybin mushrooms, this is not advisable. It is best to avoid psilocybin mushrooms if you are on any of these medications in order to remain safe. However, some studies suggest that combining certain antidepressants with psilocybin may not pose a risk.

You may also like: Can You Combine Psychedelics and Antidepressants?

The Psilocybin Mushroom Experience

The subjective effects of psilocybin include changes in perception, mood, and thoughts, which can have therapeutic benefits.

According to reports from psychonauts, psilocybin appears to alter sensory experiences, resulting in heightened perception of colors, textures, and patterns. Some individuals may also feel a shift in their sense of time and space, which could include time slowing down or feeling a disconnection from their body.

What to Expect When Consuming Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms are known to provide a gentle and profound introspective experience. They can help individuals gain clarity on questions about life that they may have. These mushrooms have been reported to increase awareness of suppressed memories and thought patterns that may be connected to larger life themes. Psilocybin can also foster a deep connection with nature. While taking high doses may lead to full hallucinations that are hard to distinguish from reality, this is not common.

When you take a moderate dose of psilocybin mushrooms (1-2.5g), your emotional experiences become more intense and you become more introspective. You may also have hypnagogic experiences, which is like the transitional state between being awake and asleep. Brain imaging studies have shown that a psilocybin trip is neurologically similar to dreaming, which gives you an idea of what you should expect during a psychedelic experience.

When you take shrooms, you may experience changes in your perception, emotions, and sense of time. This can include seeing halos and geometric patterns when your eyes are closed, as well as vivid colors, tracers, and distorted vision. You may also feel like the world is breathing around you.

Your thoughts and emotions can change over time, and you may become more open to ideas and feelings that we previously rejected. This can result in a greater interest and appreciation for the world, the people in your life, and your own inner experiences. As a result, you may feel more satisfied and connected to the world around you.

During a journey, it is common to experience strong emotions, both pleasant and difficult. It is recommended to avoid resisting undesirable feelings and instead allow them to pass naturally. People who have acknowledged experiencing intense negative emotions have also reported feeling a sense of calm and detachment at the same time, particularly if they don't resist and remember that the emotions are temporary. If you resist the emotions, it may result in a “bad trip.”

Read:  Can You Predict a ‘Bad' Psychedelic Trip? And Can You Stop One Once It Starts?

The Potential Mental Health Benefits of Magic Mushroom Tea

Consuming psychedelic mushrooms can potentially be a powerful way to achieve psychological and emotional healing.

Mushrooms can improve neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. In recent years, numerous studies have suggested that psilocybin therapy could possibly be an alternative to conventional therapies for treating anorexia, tobacco addiction, alcohol use disorder, weight gain, major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression and more.

Several companies, such as Compass Pathways, Cybin, Usona Institute, Numinus, TRYP Therapeutics and Core One Labs, are currently studying the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin.

Compass Pathways is making significant progress compared to other companies. They are moving forward by initiating two Phase 3 trials to treat Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) with psilocybin-assisted therapy. The organization plans to use their own patented synthetic version of psilocybin called Comp360 for two clinical trials with a total of 946 participants. These will be the largest trials of their kind and a significant step forward for psychedelic medicine research. If the trials are successful, Compass will work with the FDA to consider approving the use of psilocybin to treat TRD as early as 2025.

Psilocybin mushrooms legal status

In 2023, there have been significant developments in the field of psychedelic policy reform. Around a dozen states in the United States have introduced laws that propose reducing the criminalization status of various psychedelic substances such as ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, and others.

Lawmakers are showing more willingness to consider the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Some states have established or plan to establish special task forces or research groups to inform voters and state officials about the potential of psychedelic therapy.

However, it is important to note that the legal status of these mushrooms varies around the world. In some countries, they are completely illegal and can result in severe legal consequences. In other places, they may be legal for personal use or only for use in specific contexts, such as for spiritual, psychedelic-assisted therapy or religious purposes. It is important to consider the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms before using them to avoid running into legal problems. Ultimately, it is crucial to stay informed about the laws in your area and to use these powerful substances responsibly.

Can You Grow Your Own Mushrooms to Make Shroom Tea?

Yes! Mushroom cultivation may appear difficult, but it is actually quite easy. To grow magic mushrooms, you will need the following items:

• spore syringe (swabs won't work)
• fine-grade vermiculite (5 qts/6 cups)
• perlite (16 quarts)
• brown rice flour (75 qts/3 cups)
• filtered water (75 qts/3 cups)
• 12 1/2 pint wide mouth mason jars
• micropore tape
• a pressure cooker (or an extra-large pot)
• a lighter
• a 64-quart plastic storage bin
• silica packets
• a dehydrator (optional)
• a pressure cooker wire rack (optional)

You can cultivate both functional edible mushrooms and magic mushrooms. However, different types of mushrooms require specific substrates like manure, bird feed, or grain instead of brown rice flour. Moreover, some mushrooms need particular environmental conditions such as higher humidity, specific temperature, and proper airflow. Before cultivating, conduct thorough research on your desired type of mushroom to check if it's beginner-friendly.

For more information on how to grow your own mushrooms, visit: How to Grow Magic Mushrooms At Home

Final Thoughts

Making magic mushroom tea is a simple and effective way to consume your psilocybin. Not only is it faster-acting than eating mushrooms, but it also has far less stomach discomfort. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can brew a cup of tea that will elevate your psychedelic experience to new heights. Just remember to start with a low dosage and work your way up. Happy brewing!