Emma Wilson
Boiling mushrooms in water is a common method of preparation for those looking to consume them for their psychoactive effects. However, there is some debate about whether boiling mushrooms reduces their potency. Some sources claim that boiling water causes a loss of potency, while others argue that there is no significant reduction. It is generally agreed upon that the longer mushrooms are boiled, the more likely they are to lose potency, and that preparing mushroom tea, as opposed to consuming the mushrooms whole, results in faster absorption and a more intense trip of shorter duration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Loss of potency | Yes, there is a loss of potency, but it is minimal and not perceptible. |
| Boiling temperature | Boiling at 100°C will cause the less stable psilocin to deteriorate, but psilocybin is more resistant. |
| Reduction in nausea | Boiling mushrooms can help reduce nausea and the possibility of vomiting. |
| Preparation method | It is recommended to boil water separately and then pour it over the mushrooms to reduce the loss of potency. |
| Tea colour | Darker tea indicates a more potent brew. |
| Trip characteristics | Boiling mushrooms can result in a quicker onset, a more intense experience, and a shorter duration compared to consuming raw mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Boiling mushrooms in water reduces potency slightly
Boiling mushrooms in water does reduce their potency slightly. However, the difference is reported to be imperceptible. The temperature of the water is a factor, as is the duration of boiling. At 100°C, the less stable psilocin deteriorates immediately, and while psilocybin is more resistant, some of it is also destroyed.
There are several methods for preparing mushroom tea, which is reported to be easier on the stomach than eating raw mushrooms. One method is to boil water, take it off the heat, and add the ground mushrooms and a teabag. The tea is then left to infuse for 10-13 minutes. The teabag and mushroom remnants are then filtered out, and the resulting liquid is poured into a cup. Another method is to boil water, grind the mushrooms, and pour the boiled water over the ground mushrooms. A teabag is added, and the tea is left to steep for 10 minutes. The tea is then strained and can be drunk.
Some people report that drinking mushroom tea produces a quicker and more intense trip, which lasts for a shorter duration than eating mushrooms. However, sipping the tea slowly can produce a similar experience to eating mushrooms.
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Boiling water for tea is fine, but don't overboil
When it comes to making tea with magic mushrooms, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you don't overdo the boiling and maintain the potency of your brew. Firstly, it's important to note that while some believe that heat can degrade the potency of the active ingredients in mushrooms, this theory has been refuted by experts like Virginia Haze and Dr. K Mandrake, who claim that there is no hard proof of potency degradation with short heating times. In fact, they argue that even with longer baking times, the impact on potency is minimal, if at all.
So, when preparing your mushroom tea, here are some tips to ensure you don't overboil your water and maximize the potency:
- Boil your water separately from the mushrooms. Bring the water to a boil and then remove it from the heat, allowing it to cool slightly before pouring it over your mushrooms. This ensures that the water temperature is not at its highest when it comes into contact with the mushrooms.
- Grind your mushrooms into a powder or small pieces before adding them to the water. This increases the surface area, allowing for maximum contact with the water and optimal extraction of the active compounds.
- Let the mushroom powder or pieces sit in hot water for around 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the chitin and other components of the mushrooms to break down, making the tea easier on the stomach while still extracting the psychoactive compounds effectively.
- You can also add ingredients like ginger, honey, lemon juice, or other herbs to enhance the flavor and potential benefits of your tea.
- Avoid boiling the mushrooms in water for an extended period. A quick boil or steeping in hot water for a limited time should be sufficient to extract the active compounds without significant loss of potency.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a pleasant and potent cup of mushroom tea without worrying about overboiling your water or compromising the effectiveness of your brew. Remember to always consume responsibly and be mindful of the dosage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Tea reduces nausea, making it easier to consume
While there are some conflicting opinions on whether boiling mushrooms reduces their potency, most sources suggest that there is only a very small amount of potency lost when making mushroom tea.
One source suggests that the difference is "completely imperceptible", and that the reduction in nausea is a "good bonus". This is because the chitin in raw mushrooms, which is hard to digest, begins to break down when the mushrooms are left to sit in hot water. This makes the tea easier on the stomach, reducing nausea and the possibility of vomiting.
A few leading names in the mushroom world have also refuted the theory that heat degrades the potency of mushrooms, stating that "there's currently no hard proof that heat degrades the potency of psilocybin". They add that "any potency degradation with short heating is minimal, and even with longer baking times it doesn’t seem to affect it too badly, if at all".
However, it is important to note that some people have reported feeling more nauseous when consuming mushroom tea, so individual experiences may vary.
- Weigh out the desired dose of mushrooms using a scale. This step is important to ensure you are consuming the intended amount.
- Grind the mushrooms into a powder using a coffee grinder or similar appliance. This step increases the surface area of the mushrooms, allowing for maximum contact with the tea and better extraction of the active compounds.
- Boil two cups of water in a kettle or pot.
- Allow the water to cool for about 20 seconds, then pour one cup of hot water over the ground mushrooms in a mug.
- Add a teabag of your choice and let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes. This allows the chitin in the mushrooms to break down and the psilocybin to be extracted into the water.
- Remove the teabag and strain the mushroom bits using a coffee filter or strainer. This step is optional, but it may improve the texture and taste of the tea.
- Pour the filtered tea back into the mug and add honey, ginger, lemon juice, or other desired ingredients to taste.
By following this recipe, you can enjoy a cup of mushroom tea with minimal loss of potency and reduced nausea compared to consuming raw mushrooms.
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Grinding mushrooms increases surface area, aiding absorption
Boiling mushrooms does result in some loss of potency, as psilocin breaks down at 100°C. However, the loss is minimal and hard to demonstrate, and boiling mushrooms can reduce nausea and improve flavour.
Grinding mushrooms into a powder increases the surface area of the mushroom, which can aid absorption. This is similar to grinding cannabis before infusing it into butter to maximise THC absorption. The increased surface area means that the psilocybin/psilocin will be more readily accessible, potentially increasing potency. However, increasing the surface area of ground mushrooms can expose them to oxidation, particularly if they are stored in a bag, so this method is not ideal for long-term storage.
Superfine grinding of mushrooms has been shown to increase crystallinity and result in microstructure changes, including exposing inner polysaccharides. The smaller particle size increases surface activity and interaction between particles. The protein content and solubility of superfine mushroom powder is also higher, and the powder has increased water and oil holding capacity, glucose binding capacity, cation exchange capacity, and antioxidant activity.
To make mushroom tea with maximum potency, it is recommended to grind the mushrooms and then pour hot water over them, rather than boiling the mushrooms directly in water.
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Psilocybin is resistant to boiling temperatures
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms". It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and its possession is outlawed in most countries. Despite this, psilocybin is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of various mental health conditions, such as depression, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cluster headaches.
When it comes to boiling mushrooms, there is a common misconception that it reduces the potency of psilocybin. However, scientific evidence suggests that psilocybin is resistant to boiling temperatures. In a study published in the Journal of Chromatography A, researchers found that even at temperatures as high as 190°C (374°F), psilocybin remained stable for a significant duration. Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed these findings, showing that psilocybin retained its integrity even after boiling for up to an hour.
These studies indicate that common cooking methods, such as boiling or baking, do not cause significant degradation of psilocybin. Therefore, when preparing mushroom-infused recipes or tea, the psychoactive properties of psilocybin are likely to remain intact. However, it is important to note that psilocybin is sensitive to oxidation, which can occur when exposed to air, and that other factors can also impact its stability.
Additionally, while psilocybin itself is resistant to boiling, it is worth mentioning that mushrooms contain another active chemical called psilocin, which can break down quickly in boiling water. Different types of mushrooms have varying ratios of psilocybin to psilocin, so the overall potency of the mushroom may still be affected by boiling. Nevertheless, many people report successful experiences with consuming boiled mushrooms or mushroom tea, suggesting that the reduction in potency may not be significant or noticeable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms do lose a little strength when placed in boiling water, as psilocin begins to deteriorate. However, the difference is said to be imperceptible, and the reduction in nausea is a bonus.
Boil water separately and pour it over grinded mushrooms. This way, the mushrooms are not exposed to direct heat. You can also add ginger, mint, honey, or tea to improve the flavour.
Making mushroom tea is easier on the stomach than chewing and swallowing raw mushrooms. It also reduces nausea and the possibility of vomiting.
