Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are well-known for their ability to alter perception, mood, and cognition, and have been used for centuries across various cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. One of the most common questions people ask is, Do you have to chew shrooms? The answer is no—while chewing is a traditional method, there are multiple ways to consume magic mushrooms. Chewing raw or dried shrooms releases psilocybin, which is then absorbed through the oral mucosa and digestive system, leading to a faster onset of effects. However, the taste of shrooms is often unpleasant, and chewing can increase nausea as raw fungal material can be harder to digest. This article will explore the different methods of consuming shrooms, including chewing, tea, capsules, and edibles, and provide guidance on the effects of each method, helping readers make an informed decision about how to consume magic mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to consume magic mushrooms | Chew, mushroom tea, capsules, edibles, lemon tek |
| Effect of chewing | Faster onset of effects, slower than other methods |
| Effect of chewing on empty stomach | Faster onset, more intense experience |
| Effect of chewing on full stomach | Longer onset time |
| Effect of thorough chewing | Faster onset time, reduced nausea |
| Effect of thorough chewing on empty stomach | Onset time as little as 10 minutes |
| Effect of thorough chewing on full stomach | Longer onset time |
| Effect of not chewing | Slower absorption |
| Taste | Unpleasant, bitter |
| Effect on nausea | Increased |
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What You'll Learn
How to chew magic mushrooms
There are several ways to consume magic mushrooms, each with its own effects on how quickly and intensely the psilocybin will be absorbed by your body. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to chew magic mushrooms, one of the most straightforward methods of consumption:
Step 1: Prepare the mushrooms
Before chewing, ensure that the mushrooms are properly dried. This is an important step as it makes the mushrooms easier to chew and swallow.
Step 2: Chew the mushrooms
Chew the mushrooms for as long as possible. The more they are chewed, the greater the surface area to volume ratio of each particle of the mushroom, and the faster they will be processed by your body. It is recommended to chew the mushrooms into a mush before swallowing. This process of thorough chewing or long mastication can be continued for up to thirty minutes.
Step 3: Swallow the mushrooms
After chewing, swallow the mushrooms. This allows the psilocybin to convert into psilocin in the stomach and then pass through the liver before entering the bloodstream.
Step 4: Expect the effects
The effects of chewing magic mushrooms can be felt in as little as 10 minutes, especially if the user has an empty stomach. The effects will be more moderate but marginally longer-lasting compared to other methods of consumption.
It is important to note that consuming magic mushrooms may cause nausea and stomach upset. To combat this, some people prepare mushroom tea or lemon tek, which involves grinding the mushrooms and steeping them in hot water or lemon juice, respectively, to improve the taste and bypass the need to ingest chitin, a compound that gives the mushrooms structure but can cause nausea.
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How to swallow magic mushrooms
Consuming magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, is a well-known method for altering perception, mood, and cognition. There are several ways to consume magic mushrooms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed guide on how to swallow magic mushrooms effectively:
Chewing and Swallowing:
Chewing is one of the most traditional and direct ways to consume magic mushrooms. When you chew raw or dried mushrooms, it is recommended to chew them thoroughly into a mush before swallowing. This increases the surface area of the mushrooms, allowing for faster breakdown and absorption of psilocybin through the oral mucosa and digestive system. The effects of chewed mushrooms typically occur within 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your metabolism and whether you have eaten beforehand. However, chewing may not be suitable for those who dislike the bitter taste or experience increased nausea from digesting raw fungal material.
Mushroom Tea:
Mushroom tea is a popular alternative to direct consumption. To prepare, grind dried mushrooms into small pieces and steep them in hot water (not boiling to preserve psilocybin). The tea form allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a gentler onset of effects and reduced nausea. Additionally, you can improve the flavour with honey, ginger, or lemon. This method is excellent for those seeking a fast and nausea-free experience.
Mixing with Food and Drinks:
If you find the taste of mushrooms unpleasant, you can try mixing crushed or powdered mushrooms with food or drinks. For example, you can add mushroom powder to orange juice and stir before consuming. Alternatively, you can pair mushrooms with bread, tortillas, or peanut butter sandwiches to mask their taste and texture. However, be cautious as certain foods with high fat content may affect the intensity of your trip.
Capsules:
Capsules provide a measured and convenient way to consume magic mushrooms, especially for those interested in precise dosing, microdosing, or controlled trips. They are ideal for individuals who want to avoid the taste of raw mushrooms while maintaining the desired effects.
Regardless of the consumption method, it is essential to understand that proper dosing is critical for a safe and enjoyable experience. Factors such as body weight, psychedelic experience, and desired strength and length of effects should be considered when determining the appropriate dose for your journey with magic mushrooms.
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How to prepare magic mushrooms for consumption
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or liberty caps, are a wild variety of mushrooms with hallucinogenic effects on the human brain. While the use of shrooms is illegal in most parts of the world, their consumption is becoming increasingly popular, and there are various ways to prepare them for ingestion. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare magic mushrooms for consumption:
Chewing:
Chewing is one of the most straightforward methods of consuming magic mushrooms. It involves thoroughly chewing the mushrooms into a mush before swallowing. This process increases the surface area of the mushrooms, allowing for faster absorption and processing by your body. Chewing also mixes the mushrooms with saliva, which contains enzymes that initiate the breakdown process and convert psilocybin into its active form, psilocin. This pre-digestive process can expedite the psychedelic effects, with some users reporting noticeable effects within 20 to 30 minutes. However, chewing raw mushrooms may not be suitable for those who find the taste unpleasant or are concerned about nausea.
Mushroom Tea:
Preparing mushroom tea is another popular method of consumption. Grind dried mushrooms into small pieces and steep them in hot water (not boiling, to preserve psilocybin). The tea bypasses the need to ingest chitin, a compound in mushroom cell walls that can cause nausea and stomach upset. This method offers a faster onset of effects, reduced stomach discomfort, and a slightly more pleasant taste. Additionally, the liquid form allows for faster absorption, with effects typically kicking in within 15 to 30 minutes.
Capsules:
Capsules provide a measured and convenient way to consume magic mushrooms, especially for those interested in microdosing. They are ideal for individuals who want to avoid the taste of raw mushrooms, achieve precise dosing, or prefer a discreet option. The effects of capsules may take longer to onset, typically between 30 to 60 minutes, as they must pass through digestion first. However, the duration of the trip may last longer compared to other methods.
Lemon Tek:
Lemon Tek is a method where citric acid is used to pre-convert psilocybin into psilocin, resulting in rapid absorption and stronger effects. This method is recommended for experienced users as it can lead to a more intense trip. The onset time can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism and stomach contents.
It is important to note that consuming magic mushrooms may not be safe for everyone. Please exercise caution, especially if you have medical or mental health conditions, and always consult with a healthcare professional before using them.
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How to mask the taste of magic mushrooms
While some people enjoy the taste of mushrooms, others find it disgusting. The texture is often described as slimy, mushy, and rubbery. The taste and texture of mushrooms can be masked by cooking them in certain ways or by mixing them with food or drinks. Here are some ways to mask the taste of magic mushrooms:
Mixing with Food
- One way to mask the taste of magic mushrooms is to mix them with food. This can be done by adding them to a pizza, for example.
- Another option is to make a duxelles, which is a mixture of finely chopped mushroom stems, herbs, and shallots cooked into a savory paste. This can be used in puff pastries, beef Wellington, or on toast.
- Mushrooms also pair well with herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley, as well as pepper and creamy/cheesy flavors. A thick creamy/cheesy sauce can help to mask the texture of the mushrooms.
Brewing Tea
- Magic mushrooms can be brewed into a tea for drinking. This not only masks the taste but also creates a warming drink.
- To make a flavor-infused tea, simmer mushroom stems, such as shiitake stems, alone or with spices like ginger or turmeric.
Drying, Brewing, and Blending
Even the toughest stems that are hard to chew can be used when dried, brewed, or blended.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can have side effects such as nausea, excessive yawning, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The effects of mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. It is also important to be aware that some mushroom species are extremely poisonous and can be dangerous.
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How to reduce nausea when chewing magic mushrooms
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of consuming psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms. It is believed that the indigestible polysaccharide chitin, found in mushrooms, triggers inflammation and an immune response, leading to nausea and other gastrointestinal issues. Here are some ways to reduce nausea when consuming magic mushrooms:
Lemon Tek
The Lemon Tek method involves grinding dried magic mushrooms into a fine powder, then submerging the powder in lemon juice for 20 minutes or less. The lemon juice, with a pH of around 2, mimics the digestion process by breaking down the cell walls of the mushrooms. This process pre-digests beta-glucan, a substance found in the cell walls of fungi, which is associated with an upset stomach when broken down by stomach acid. By pre-digesting the beta-glucan, there is less work for your digestive system, potentially reducing nausea.
Long Mastication
The long mastication process involves chewing the desired dose of magic mushrooms for at least 30 minutes before swallowing. This extended chewing period helps to mechanically break down the chitin in the mushrooms, reducing the burden on the stomach and potentially leading to less nausea compared to brief chewing and ingestion.
Ginger
Ginger is a potent antiemetic, a substance that combats nausea and vomiting. Its antiemetic properties are attributed to the abundance of gingerol and shogaol, which act on specific receptors in the brain. Consuming ginger alongside magic mushrooms may help to alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with mushroom consumption.
It is important to note that while these methods may help reduce nausea, they do not eliminate all risks associated with magic mushroom consumption. Nausea is a common side effect, and in some cases, vomiting, stomach pains, and gastrointestinal distress can occur. It is always advisable to approach the consumption of magic mushrooms with caution and to be aware of potential side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to chew mushroom stems, but if you want to, make sure to pulverise them into a mush before swallowing. This will increase the surface area to volume ratio of each particle of the mushroom and increase the speed at which they are processed by your body.
The effects of chewing mushroom stems typically begin within 15-45 minutes, depending on your metabolism. If you are chewing on a full stomach, it may take over an hour for the effects to kick in.
Some ways to mask the taste of mushroom stems include mixing them with a drink such as orange juice, Arizona Iced Tea, or tea with honey, ginger, or lemon. You can also eat them with bread, a tortilla, or a peanut butter sandwich.
