Laura Smith
Magic mushroom tea is a beverage made from dried mushrooms containing the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. The tea is typically consumed to induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings. To make the tea, the mushrooms are ground into a fine powder and added to a pot of boiling water. They are left to steep for about 20 minutes and then strained to remove any extra mushroom particles. The taste is often unpleasant, so additional ingredients like ginger are added to improve it. It is important to note that the effects of the tea can vary widely and there are risks associated with consuming it, including hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common methods | Dried mushrooms consumed orally, tea, capsules, baked goods, pill form, powders |
| Tea-making process | Grind mushrooms into a fine powder, add to boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain through a coffee filter |
| Effects | Altered states of consciousness, pleasurable feelings, increased creativity, euphoria, happy feelings, hallucinations, anxiety, psychosis, nausea |
| Time taken for effects to kick in | 20-40 minutes |
| Duration of effects | Up to 6 hours |
| Factors influencing effects | Dosage, personal physiology, environment, mindset |
| Additives | Ginger, honey |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: Grind dried mushrooms into a fine powder, then steep in hot water
- Effects: Psilocybin and psilocin induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings
- History: Aztecs called psilocybin mushrooms 'flesh of the gods'
- Taste: Add ginger or other flavourings to mask the earthy, woody flavour of mushrooms
- Safety: Mushroom tea can cause hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis
Preparation: Grind dried mushrooms into a fine powder, then steep in hot water
To prepare mushroom tea, start by grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder. This can be done using a blender, which ensures the mushrooms are broken up nicely and prevents any unpleasant chunks from ending up in your tea.
Once you have the mushroom powder, you can add it to a pot of boiling water. Use enough water to cover the mushrooms, and leave them to steep for about 20 minutes. This extraction process allows the water-soluble psilocybin to infuse into the water.
After steeping, strain the tea through a coffee filter or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining mushroom particles.
You can adjust the taste of your mushroom tea by adding other ingredients. Many people don't enjoy the taste of plain mushroom tea, so they add ingredients to improve the flavour. Ginger, for example, is a popular choice as it pairs well with the earthy, woody flavour of mushrooms and has the added benefit of being a natural antiemetic, helping to curb any feelings of nausea.
It's important to note that mushroom tea made from psilocybin mushrooms can induce altered states of consciousness and have profound effects on the body and mind. The effects can vary widely depending on dosage, individual physiology, environment, and mindset. It can take 20 to 40 minutes for the effects to kick in, and they can last up to 6 hours, usually lessening in intensity towards the end.
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Effects: Psilocybin and psilocin induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings
Psilocybin mushroom tea is made by steeping dried magic mushrooms in hot water. The tea contains the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings. These compounds interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, altering a person's perception of reality and causing changes in mood, thought patterns, and sensory experiences.
The effects of psilocybin mushroom tea can vary depending on dosage, individual physiology, environment, and mindset. Once ingested, it typically takes 20 to 40 minutes for the effects to begin, and they can last up to 6 hours, gradually lessening in intensity. During this time, users may experience a range of positive effects, including increased creativity, euphoria, and happy feelings.
However, it's important to note that psilocybin mushrooms are a mind-altering substance, and their misuse can lead to unpleasant side effects and dependence. Negative experiences, often referred to as "bad trips," can be influenced by the user's environment and mindset. Physical side effects may also occur, and while long-term side effects are rare, they can happen.
Psilocybin has been the subject of research for its potential therapeutic benefits. Studies suggest that psilocybin-containing mushroom extract may offer advantages over its chemically synthesized counterpart in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Additionally, in the past, psilocybin mushrooms have been used in spiritual and medicinal contexts by indigenous cultures, such as the Aztecs, who called them "Teonanacatl," meaning "flesh of the gods."
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History: Aztecs called psilocybin mushrooms 'flesh of the gods'
The Aztecs, or the Nahua people, called psilocybin mushrooms "Teonanácatl", a Nahuatl term that can be translated as "sacred mushroom" or "flesh of the gods". The word is composed of ""teotl", meaning "god", and "nanácatl", meaning "fungus". The mushrooms were considered holy sacraments and were consumed during spiritual and divinatory rituals to induce hallucinatory visions. They were often served at festivals and other large gatherings, where participants would drink chocolate and eat the mushrooms with honey.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms by the Aztecs was first documented by 16th-century Spanish chroniclers such as Bernardino de Sahagún and Fray Toribio de Benavente Motolinia. The mushrooms were also depicted in artefacts from Aztec civilisation, such as a statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec "Prince of Flowers", adorned with psychotropic flowers and teotlnanácatl mushrooms.
Psilocybe aztecorum is a species of psilocybin mushroom named for its association with the Aztecs. It was first described by French mycologist Roger Heim in 1956, who initially identified it as a variety of Psilocybe mexicana. Heim based his description on limited material, distinguishing the species by its relatively longer and narrower spores.
Today, psilocybin mushrooms are often consumed in the form of tea, made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water. This method is said to make the mushrooms easier to consume and can reduce the chance of nausea. The tea typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes to take effect, with the effects lasting up to 6 hours. However, it is important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to dependence and psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as depression.
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Taste: Add ginger or other flavourings to mask the earthy, woody flavour of mushrooms
Mushroom tea is made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water. However, most users dislike the taste of mushroom tea and often add other ingredients to improve its flavour.
The earthy, woody flavour of mushrooms can be masked by adding ginger, which also helps to curb any feelings of nausea that may follow. Ginger pairs well with the flavour of mushrooms and can make the experience of drinking mushroom tea more pleasant.
Other flavourings can also be added to improve the taste of mushroom tea. For example, Reishi mushroom tea, which has an earthy and pleasantly bitter flavour with woody notes, can be sweetened with honey or almond milk. Chaga mushroom tea, on the other hand, has a mild flavour and can be brewed for long periods without becoming bitter. It is typically consumed unsweetened, but a cinnamon stick or maple syrup can be added for a hint of sweetness.
Additionally, the type of mushroom used to make the tea can also affect its flavour. For example, Lion's Mane mushroom tea has a sweet, savoury flavour with a meaty essence, while Maitake mushroom tea is fruity, earthy, and spicy with a savoury rich flavour known as umami in Japan.
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Safety: Mushroom tea can cause hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis
Magic mushrooms have been a popular substance for years, with one popular method of consumption being mushroom tea. Mushroom tea is made by grinding the mushrooms into a fine powder and adding it to a pot of boiling water. However, it's important to exercise caution when consuming mushroom tea, as it can cause hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis.
Mushrooms containing psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are often small and brown or tan. They can induce hallucinations, euphoria, and sensory distortions. While current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, some people may experience negative side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. It's important to note that dried hallucinogenic mushrooms may contain other substances, and there is a risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can result in severe illness or even death.
The effects of mushroom tea can vary depending on dosage, individual physiology, environment, and mindset. Common side effects include panic attacks, disorientation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, vomiting, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. Long-term side effects, while rare, can include flashbacks, visual distortions, perceptual disturbances, and mood changes. Additionally, consuming mushroom tea with other substances can affect how it interacts with the body and mind.
It is not recommended to consume mushroom tea if you are on psychiatric medication, suffering from intense depression or anxiety, or experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others. Mixing mushroom tea with other drugs can also increase the risk of physical and psychological problems. Furthermore, tolerance to mushroom tea can develop rapidly, leading to increased consumption and potential dependence on the mental effects of the drug.
Overall, while mushroom tea may offer short-term benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its consumption. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using any substance that can significantly impact your mental and physical health.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by steeping dried mushrooms containing the compounds psilocybin and psilocin in hot water.
First, the mushrooms are dried and ground into a fine powder. Then, the powder is added to a pot of boiling water and left for about 20 minutes. Finally, the tea is strained through a coffee filter to remove any remaining mushroom particles.
The effects of mushroom tea can vary from person to person. Some positive experiences include increased creativity, euphoria, and happy feelings. Negative effects may include hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis. It is important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most jurisdictions.
The effects of mushroom tea typically kick in 20 to 40 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours, with the intensity lessening towards the end of this duration.
