Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin/psilocin—the active compounds that cause a high. A mushroom trip can range from mild to intense, with effects lasting between 3–4 hours, followed by an afterglow that can last for a couple of hours. While it is not possible to immediately sober up from a mushroom trip, there are steps you can take to reduce the high to a manageable level. These include staying hydrated, having snacks, changing your environment, and staying calm. In addition, there are preparation methods, such as the lemon tek, that can help prevent mushroom-induced nausea. If you want to get rid of mushrooms from your outdoor space, you can use natural alternatives like horticulture vinegar or improve your lawn's drainage and sunlight exposure.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare for a mushroom trip
Before you embark on a mushroom trip, there are several things you should do to prepare and ensure you have a positive experience. Firstly, it is important to note that the only way to guarantee a bad trip doesn't happen is to abstain from taking hallucinogens. However, if you are going to take mushrooms, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risks.
Firstly, plan your trip. Choose a safe, peaceful place to stay, as trips can last 8-12 hours. It is also recommended to have a friend with you who is not tripping, in case you need help or have a bad trip. You should also avoid driving, as your judgement and coordination may be impaired.
Before your trip, it is a good idea to prepare the space you will be in. Ensure you have access to a bathroom with toilet paper, a face cloth, and a towel. You should also prepare snacks and drinks for during your trip, and a light meal for afterward. It is also important to stay hydrated, so have water or non-caffeinated tea. You might also want to lay down a yoga mat, as you may feel like stretching.
In terms of your mindset, it is important to be in the right frame of mind. Think about why you want to take mushrooms and set your intentions for the experience. You could create a mind map of ideas and concepts to explore. It is also recommended to get a good night's sleep beforehand and avoid television and social media.
Finally, it is important to know what you are taking. Check your mushrooms if possible, and avoid mixing them with other drugs, as this can change your experience in unpredictable ways.
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Deal with a bad trip
If you or someone you know is experiencing a bad trip on magic mushrooms, it is important to remain calm and remember that the effects of the drug will eventually wear off. The bulk of a mushroom trip typically lasts between 3 and 4 hours, with the effects dwindling in the two hours or so following this period.
If you are the one experiencing the bad trip, it may help to find a trusted friend to talk to. If you can, try to lie down somewhere comfortable and play some soothing music. It is also important to remember that the only way to guarantee you won't have a bad trip is to avoid taking hallucinogens altogether.
If you are with someone who is having a bad trip, calmly remind them that they took a drug and are experiencing the effects, and that they are in a safe place. Do your best to keep them calm and away from others, for their safety. If they are experiencing upsetting hallucinations, they may become a danger to themselves or others, so it is important to stay with them and seek medical attention if necessary.
While some people may turn to additional substances to cut their trip short, this can be dangerous. Doctors have warned against the use of 'trip-killers' such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics, which are frequently recommended on social media. These drugs can have serious side effects, including addiction, overdose, and respiratory depression.
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Reduce nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms, and it can be challenging to completely avoid. However, there are several strategies to reduce the risk and manage nausea during a trip. Here are some detailed tips to help you minimise nausea:
Preparation Techniques
Before consuming psilocybin mushrooms, you can try the "Lemon Tek" method, which has gained popularity for reducing nausea. Grind or crush the mushrooms into a fine powder and let them soak in fresh lemon juice for 15 to 25 minutes. You can then drink the mixture as it is or add some tea to improve the taste. Lemon juice has a similar pH level to stomach acid, so it essentially ""pre-digests" the mushrooms, reducing the burden on your digestive system.
Alternatively, you can prepare mushroom tea. After grinding the mushrooms, steep them in hot water for 10 to 20 minutes. You can strain the powder or leave it in the tea, but note that leaving the powder may increase the likelihood of nausea. This method is gentler on your stomach than ingesting mushrooms whole.
Eating Habits
Consuming psilocybin mushrooms on an empty stomach can intensify the effects and increase the risk of nausea. It is recommended to eat a light meal, preferably something easy to digest, high in carbohydrates, and low in fat, one to two hours before taking the mushrooms. This provides a barrier that helps prevent nausea without interfering with the effects of the mushrooms.
Substance and Dosage
The type of mushrooms and the dosage can impact the likelihood of nausea. Different strains of mushrooms contain varying levels of psychoactive compounds, and some strains are more potent than others. Start with a lower dosage to see how your body reacts, and always be mindful of your unique tolerance levels.
During the Trip
If you experience nausea during your trip, there are several techniques to help alleviate it. Consuming ginger, regulating your body temperature, practising relaxation techniques, and avoiding triggering stimuli can help manage nausea. Lying down, staying still, and focusing on your breathing can also help you ride out any unpleasant feelings.
Other Considerations
Staying hydrated before, during, and after your trip is essential for reducing the risk of nausea. Additionally, be mindful that consuming psilocybin mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol or marijuana, can increase the likelihood of nausea.
While these strategies can help reduce nausea, it is important to remember that individual results may vary. Always exercise caution and discretion when consuming psilocybin mushrooms, and consult trained facilitators if you have concerns or are seeking a therapeutic experience.
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Remove mushrooms from your lawn
Mushrooms in your lawn can be unsightly and even dangerous, especially if you have children or pets. While mushrooms indicate healthy soil, they can be poisonous and harmful if ingested. Here are some detailed instructions to counteract and remove mushrooms from your lawn:
Identify the Mushrooms
Before removing mushrooms, it is essential to identify the type you have. Some mushrooms are harmless and edible, while others are poisonous. Take pictures of the mushrooms from different angles and send them for identification. This step will help you understand the specific type of mushrooms you are dealing with and the potential risks associated with their presence.
Remove by Hand
One of the simplest ways to get rid of mushrooms is to put on some gloves and remove them by hand or with a shovel. This method ensures that you get rid of the mushrooms immediately, but it is important to be cautious and avoid touching or ingesting them. Make sure to dispose of the mushrooms properly to prevent them from growing back.
Mow Over Them
If you have a lawnmower, you can mow over the mushrooms to chop them into small pieces, making them easier to pick up and dispose of. However, be sure to collect all the pieces to prevent them from growing back and potentially harming children or pets who may be tempted to taste them.
Improve Drainage and Sunlight
Mushrooms thrive in damp, dark conditions. Improve the drainage in your lawn by aerating it and reducing overwatering. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage the turf to develop a robust root system. Additionally, trim trees and bushes to increase sunlight in shady spots, creating an environment less conducive to mushroom growth.
Natural Solutions
There are natural solutions you can use to make your lawn an unattractive place for mushrooms. One option is to create a natural fungicide by mixing vinegar and water and spraying it directly onto the mushrooms. The acetic acid in vinegar will kill the mushrooms, but be cautious as it will also kill other plants it comes into contact with. Alternatively, you can sprinkle coffee grounds around the affected area, which will change the pH of the soil and make it less hospitable for mushrooms.
Remember, while these methods can help counteract and remove mushrooms, they are only temporary solutions. Mushrooms reproduce through spores, so new ones may appear. Stay vigilant, and continue to maintain a clean, healthy lawn to prevent mushroom growth.
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Treat mushroom poisoning
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, call your doctor or a poison control centre immediately. If the person is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions, call 911. The poison control centre can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
If you are deep in the backcountry, the BSA Fieldbook advises inducing vomiting and saving the vomit in a plastic bag to help identify the mushroom. However, it is important to note that ipecac syrup, which was once used to induce vomiting in poisoning cases, is no longer recommended as it is unsafe and ineffective.
If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom to the hospital. Mushroom specimens are not necessary for treatment, but they can aid in identification and diagnosis. If available, the mushrooms should be photographed from the top, side, and bottom, and a description of where they were collected should be provided. The mushrooms should then be frozen in a paper bag (not a plastic bag, as this causes them to deteriorate more quickly).
Treatment for mushroom poisoning will depend on the specific type of mushroom and toxin ingested. In general, mushroom poisoning is treated with supportive care, and management of the case may involve specialists from various fields, including renal, liver, and neurology. Antidotes such as N-acetylcysteine, pyridoxine, methylene blue, atropine, and glycopyrrolate may be administered per toxicologist recommendations.
For patients with refractory seizures secondary to gyromitra ingestion, pyridoxine (B6) should be administered. Patients with Cortinarius ingestion may require hemodialysis, and in some cases, kidney transplantation. Patients with severe poisoning from disulfiram-containing mushrooms may benefit from fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole). Methemoglobinemia, which may occur after the ingestion of gyromitrins, is treated with IV methylene blue.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms grow in dark, damp patches of grass with poor drainage. To prevent mushrooms from growing, improve the drainage in your yard by creating a rain garden, installing a French drain, or creating a swale or dry creek bed. You can also remove decaying organic matter, as mushrooms feed on this. If you want to get rid of mushrooms that have already grown, pluck them and put them in a plastic bag, then dig up the rest of the fungus with a spade.
It is impossible to go immediately from tripping to sober, but you can take steps to bring yourself down to a more comfortable and manageable level. Try to stay calm and exercise patience, as stress and panic amplify the worst effects of a mushroom trip. You can also try drinking chamomile tea, staying hydrated, having snacks, changing your scenery, or going for a walk. Some people also recommend "trip-killer medications" such as alcohol, cigarettes, zopiclone, or diazepam.
Try the "lemon tek" method: grind up dried mushrooms, let them soak in fresh lemon juice for 15 minutes, then drink the mixture. Lemon juice has a similar pH to the human stomach, so it mimics the digestion process. Soaking the mushrooms in lemon juice also jumpstarts the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin, resulting in a quicker onset of effects and a shorter experience.
Only eat mushrooms that are commercially cultivated for human consumption, and consult a mycologist or your regional poison control center to assist with mushroom identification. If you are experiencing mushroom poisoning, contact a medical toxicologist. If you are severely agitated, anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines may be administered, but respiratory depression has been reported with these treatments.
Before taking mushrooms, read up on the type and dose, and consider your internal state and intention for the trip. Choose a safe, peaceful place to take them, and make sure you're in the right frame of mind. Avoid activities such as climbing, looking in the mirror, or having sex with someone who is not a familiar partner, as these can have unexpected results.
