Laura Smith
Nausea is a common side effect of consuming magic mushrooms, which are being explored as a potential treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. The exact cause of mushroom-induced nausea is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to the breakdown of beta-glucan, a substance found in the cell walls of fungi, by stomach acid. Additionally, the chitin in mushrooms, a type of fiber that is indigestible, can trigger inflammation and an immune response, contributing to nausea. To offset mushroom nausea, preparation is key, including managing anxiety, staying hydrated, and consuming a light meal beforehand. The Lemon Tek method, which involves grinding dried mushrooms, soaking them in lemon juice, and then drinking the mixture, is a popular technique to reduce nausea by easing the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin. Other suggestions include consuming mushroom tea, ginger, or lemon essential oil, and regulating temperature and relaxation during the trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation Method | Mushrooms can be dried and ground into a fine powder, soaked in lemon juice, and then drunk. This is known as the "Lemon Tek" method. Alternatively, the powder can be steeped in hot water to make a tea. |
| Consumption | It is recommended to consume mushrooms on a full stomach, preferably with a light meal that is easy to digest, high in carbohydrates, and low in fat. |
| Substances to Avoid | Consuming mushrooms on an empty stomach or mixing them with substances like alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of nausea. |
| Dehydration | Staying hydrated before, during, and after consuming mushrooms can help reduce the risk of nausea. |
| Individual Factors | Individual tolerance, body composition, and general health can impact the likelihood of experiencing nausea. |
| Type of Mushroom | Different strains of mushrooms contain varying levels of psychoactive compounds, and some strains may be more likely to cause nausea. |
| Relaxation Techniques | If nausea occurs during the psychedelic experience, techniques such as lying down, remaining still, breathing, and relaxing can help alleviate the discomfort. |
| Ginger | Consuming ginger during or after mushroom consumption may help to lessen nausea. |
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What You'll Learn
- Consume mushrooms with food, ideally a light meal that's easy to digest
- Avoid taking mushrooms on an empty stomach, with alcohol, or with marijuana
- Try the lemon tek method: grind mushrooms, soak in lemon juice, then drink
- Make mushroom tea by steeping mushroom powder in hot water
- Chew mushrooms for at least 30 minutes before swallowing
Consume mushrooms with food, ideally a light meal that's easy to digest
Consuming magic mushrooms on an empty stomach can intensify their effects and increase the risk of nausea. Eating a meal before taking mushrooms can provide a barrier that helps to prevent nausea. However, it's important to note that the type of food consumed also matters. Opt for a light meal that is easy to digest, high in carbohydrates, and low in fat. This will provide the necessary energy for the trip while also reducing the risk of an upset stomach or other digestive issues.
As for timing, it’s best to take mushrooms an hour or two after eating a meal to give your body enough time to digest the food. This will help reduce the risk of nausea while still allowing the mushrooms to take effect.
The reason why mushrooms can cause nausea is because they contain chitin, a type of fibre that is not easily broken down by the human digestive system. Cooking mushrooms breaks down chitin and eases digestion, but people rarely cook magic mushrooms as it may break down the psychoactive compounds.
One way to bypass this issue is to prepare mushroom tea. This involves drying and grinding the mushrooms into a fine powder, then steeping it in hot water. This method spares the body from the strain associated with the mechanical breakdown of chitin. However, it's important to note that the powder should be strained out of the tea, as leaving it in may be less optimal for those susceptible to nausea.
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Avoid taking mushrooms on an empty stomach, with alcohol, or with marijuana
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms. The nausea may be caused by the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin in the body, and it can be accompanied by vomiting, stomach pains, and gastrointestinal distress. The risk of nausea is heightened when mushrooms are taken on an empty stomach, with alcohol, or with marijuana, so it is best to avoid these combinations.
Taking mushrooms on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of nausea and other side effects, such as anxiety and overwhelming visuals. This is because the body absorbs the mushrooms faster without food to slow the digestion process. The effects of the mushrooms may also be stronger and occur more quickly, typically within 20-30 minutes. Therefore, it is advisable to eat a meal before taking mushrooms to reduce the risk of nausea and other adverse effects.
Mixing mushrooms with alcohol is considered a high-risk combination by experts due to its unpredictable results. Drinking alcohol while taking mushrooms can increase the risk of a "bad trip," which may include hallucinations, frightening emotions, panic attacks, and negative emotions. It can also be dangerous, as people may engage in aggressive or violent behaviors. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming mushrooms and alcohol together.
Combining mushrooms with marijuana can also be dangerous, increasing the risk of anxiety, panic, or a bad trip. Using marijuana after taking mushrooms can extend their effects, which may be undesirable for those struggling with negative experiences. Additionally, some strains of cannabis and mushrooms work similarly, and consuming products with high THC levels may mimic the effects of mushrooms. Mixing these substances may elevate the effects of both or create unwanted symptoms that last for hours. Therefore, it is generally advisable to avoid combining mushrooms and marijuana.
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Try the lemon tek method: grind mushrooms, soak in lemon juice, then drink
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms. It is believed that the indigestible polysaccharide chitin, found in mushrooms, triggers inflammation and an immune response, leading to gastrointestinal issues. The process of grinding and soaking mushrooms in lemon juice, known as the "lemon tek" method, is a popular technique to combat nausea.
The lemon tek method involves grinding or finely chopping the magic mushrooms and then soaking them in lemon juice before consumption. The citric acid in the lemon juice breaks down the mushroom material, particularly the chitin in their cell walls, which is believed to be a main contributor to nausea. By pre-digesting the mushrooms, the lemon tek method is thought to reduce the burden on the stomach, potentially resulting in a faster and more intense experience.
To prepare the lemon tek, you will need the following ingredients and tools: magic mushrooms, lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled), a small glass or cup, a grinder or sharp knife, and a strainer or cheesecloth. First, grind or finely chop the mushrooms as finely as possible. Place the mushroom powder in the glass or cup and add enough lemon juice to completely submerge the powder. Stir the mixture and let it sit for 10 to 25 minutes. Finally, drink the mixture as a shot or add tea to improve the taste.
The lemon tek method is believed to convert psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in mushrooms, into psilocin, which is more easily processed by the body. This conversion may occur due to the similar acidity levels of lemon juice and stomach acid, ranging from 2.0 to 2.6 pH and 1.5 to 3.5 pH, respectively. While there is limited scientific research on the lemon tek method, anecdotal reports suggest that it can effectively reduce nausea and enhance the effects of psilocybin mushrooms.
It is important to note that the lemon tek method may lead to a faster and more intense experience compared to traditional methods of consuming psilocybin mushrooms. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a small amount, especially if you are new to this method. Additionally, it is always advisable to approach substance use with caution and to seek out reputable sources of information to ensure a safe experience.
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Make mushroom tea by steeping mushroom powder in hot water
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms. It is speculated that the conversion process of psilocybin to psilocin in the body causes nausea. There is also a theory that the breakdown of beta-glucan, a substance found in the cell walls of fungi, bacteria, and some plants, may contribute to nausea.
One popular method to combat mushroom-induced nausea is the "lemon tek" method, which involves grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder and soaking them in fresh lemon juice for about 15 minutes before consumption. This process is believed to pre-digest the beta-glucan, reducing the burden on the stomach.
Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make mushroom tea by steeping mushroom powder in hot water, which can also help with nausea:
Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Powder
Start by dehydrating your mushrooms if you have fresh ones. You can do this by placing them on a parchment paper-lined baking tray in a dehydrator at 125ºF (52ºC) for 3-8 hours, or in an oven at its lowest temperature setting with the door propped open, flipping the mushrooms every hour, until they are dry. Alternatively, you can lay the mushrooms flat on a paper towel for 2-4 days until they are dry and breakable. Once you have dried mushrooms, grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
Step 2: Steep the Powder
For this step, you will need about 1-3 grams of mushroom powder for every 250 ml of water. Bring the water to a boil, then pour it over the mushroom powder in a cup or mug. You can also add some fresh herbs, ginger, or another type of tea for flavour and additional benefits. For example, ginger can help to lessen nausea.
Step 3: Infuse and Strain
Let the mixture infuse for about 10 to 20 minutes. You can stir it periodically to get the juices flowing. After infusing, strain the tea using a coffee filter or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids.
Step 4: Add Sweeteners and Enjoy
Finally, you can add honey or another sweetener to taste and to mask the earthy flavour of the mushrooms. Your mushroom tea is now ready to drink!
Please note that it is important to always be cautious when consuming psilocybin mushrooms, as they can have mind- and mood-altering effects. Start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed. Additionally, the information provided here is not medical advice, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any substance that may affect your health.
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Chew mushrooms for at least 30 minutes before swallowing
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of ingesting psilocybin mushrooms. It is believed that the conversion process of psilocybin to psilocin may cause nausea. The breakdown of beta-glucan, a substance found in the cell walls of fungi, is also thought to contribute to nausea.
One method to potentially reduce mushroom-induced nausea is to chew the mushrooms for at least 30 minutes before swallowing. This method, known as long mastication, maximizes the exposure of the mushrooms to chitinase, a family of enzymes responsible for breaking down chitin, a polysaccharide found in mushrooms that can trigger inflammation and immune responses in the body. By chewing the mushrooms for an extended period, you may experience less nausea and a quicker onset of effects compared to briefly chewing and ingesting them.
It is important to note that the long mastication process may not be suitable for everyone, as some individuals may find the bitter taste of raw mushrooms unpleasant or difficult to tolerate. Additionally, chewing raw mushrooms can result in inconsistent dosing, as pieces may be swallowed unevenly.
If you are considering this method, it is crucial to understand the risks and effects of consuming magic mushrooms to ensure a safe experience. It is also recommended to experiment and find a personalized approach that works best for you, as different individuals may have varying experiences with nausea and mushroom consumption.
While the long mastication process can be an option to offset mushroom-induced nausea, there are also other methods you can explore, such as the Lemon Tek method, which involves grinding dried mushrooms and soaking them in lemon juice to aid in the breakdown of chitin and potentially reduce nausea. Additionally, brewing mushroom tea or mixing mushrooms with food or beverages like tea can help mask the bitter taste and potentially reduce nausea.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to reduce mushroom-induced nausea:
- Consume the mushrooms in the form of tea.
- Use the lemon tek method: grind the mushrooms into a fine powder, soak in lemon juice for 15-25 minutes, then drink the mixture.
- Consume ginger.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat a light meal before taking the mushrooms.
It is not yet clear why magic mushrooms cause nausea. One theory suggests that it is caused by the breakdown of beta-glucan, a substance found in the cell walls of fungi, during digestion. Another theory suggests that it is caused by chitin, a type of fiber that is not easily broken down by the human digestive system.
The lemon tek method may cause a stronger and shorter psychedelic experience.
