Emily Johnson
Mushroom tea is a popular beverage, especially in Russia and Baltic countries, where it is believed to have several health benefits, including aiding digestive problems, heart disease, and cancer. The tea is made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water, and it is known to have hallucinogenic effects. The preparation method is similar to that of herbal teas, but the steeping time varies depending on the type of mushroom and desired potency. While some mushrooms require steeping for 5-10 minutes, others are recommended to be steeped for 60 minutes to fully extract their medicinal properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Serving | 2 cups |
| Ingredients | Dried yarrow flowers, Lion's Mane mushrooms, coconut milk, coconut oil, honey, ginger, cordyceps mushrooms, lemon |
| Steep time | 5-10 minutes |
| Additional items | Fine mesh strainer, blender, drinking mug, cinnamon |
| Taste | Bitter |
| Side effects | Flashbacks, visual distortion, paranoia, disorganized thinking, perceptual disturbances, mood changes, hallucinations, anxiety, psychosis |
| Health benefits | Increased alertness, mental relaxation, treatment for digestive problems, heart disease, and cancer |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of mushroom tea
Mushroom tea is a beverage of hot water infused (or steeped) with mushrooms. It is popular in Russia and Baltic countries, where it is used to treat digestive problems, heart disease, and cancer. The potential health benefits of mushroom tea include:
Cancer prevention and treatment:
Research published in 2016 in Heliyon suggests that mushroom extracts may have cancer-fighting potential. A review of the anticancer properties of reishi mushrooms found that they have immune-boosting effects. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, have been found to contain substances that may effectively prevent cancer and slow tumor growth.
Boosting energy and enhancing mood:
Some people report experiencing increased energy and enhanced mood after consuming mushroom tea. Lion's Mane mushrooms have been specifically linked to improved mood and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.
Stress relief and improved mental relaxation:
Mushroom tea contains adaptogens, compounds found mostly in plant-based foods that help the body manage stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating its response to the stress hormone cortisol.
Improved gut health:
Mushrooms contain prebiotics, which act as "fertilizer" in the gut, feeding the good bacteria (probiotics) and promoting their growth.
Reduced caffeine intake:
Mushroom tea typically contains less caffeine than coffee or black tea, providing a more gentle boost of energy.
It is important to note that the benefits of mushroom tea are still being studied, and some claims are not yet fully backed by scientific research. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements into your diet, especially if you are taking medication or have existing health conditions.
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Types of mushrooms used
Magic mushrooms have been a popular substance for years, often used in baked goods, pill form, and powders. One of the most popular ways to consume magic mushrooms is by drinking mushroom tea.
Mushrooms used in tea usually contain psilocybin and psilocin, which create psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects. The tea transmits the effects of the psilocybin due to it being water-soluble. The tea is typically consumed to ingest the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings.
There are several different mushrooms that can be used to brew mushroom tea. Some of the most common types include:
- Lion's Mane mushrooms
- Reishi mushrooms
- Cordyceps mushrooms
- Maitake mushrooms
The potency of magic mushroom tea differs depending on several factors, including the type of mushroom, dosage, how long they were boiled, and the consumer's physiology, environment, and mindset.
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Preparation and ingredients
Mushroom tea is made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water. The tea is typically consumed to ingest the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings. The tea is also believed to have health benefits, such as treating digestive problems, heart disease, and cancer.
To make mushroom tea, start by bringing two cups of water to a boil in a tea kettle. You can use a tea kettle or a pot, depending on your preference. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat and allow the water to cool slightly. This step is important because you don't want the water to be boiling when you add the mushrooms, as it can negatively affect the delicate compounds in the mushrooms.
Next, take your dried mushrooms and slice them into fine pieces. The general rule is to use about 10 small pieces of mushrooms per cup of water. You can also grind the mushrooms into a fine powder, which will increase the surface area and potentially lead to a more potent tea. Add the sliced or powdered mushrooms to your hot water, making sure they are fully submerged.
At this point, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and potential health benefits of your tea. Some popular choices include ginger, honey, coconut milk, coconut oil, and various spices such as chai spice mix, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, or marjoram. Fresh or dried herbs like peppermint, basil, rosemary, jasmine, or chamomile can also be added to taste.
Now, it's time to steep your mushroom tea. Cover the kettle or pot and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. The longer you steep, the more flavour and potential health benefits you'll extract from the mushrooms. Some people prefer a steeping time of up to 60 minutes to ensure maximum extraction. However, this is ultimately up to your personal preference, as you can taste the tea every 30 seconds after the initial 5 minutes to find the perfect flavour for your palate.
Once your tea is steeped to your liking, it's time to strain it. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the mushrooms and any other large particles from the tea. If you used a powder, you may want to strain the tea through a coffee filter to ensure a smooth, particle-free cup of tea.
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Brewing and steeping times
For magic mushroom tea, which is made from dried mushrooms containing the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin, the steeping time can range from 20 minutes to several hours. The mushrooms are ground into a fine powder and added to a pot of boiling water, then left to steep for about 20 minutes before being strained. The potency of the tea depends on various factors, including the type of mushroom, the amount used, and the steeping time.
It's important to note that consuming magic mushroom tea can have unpleasant side effects and lead to dependence. The effects of the tea can last up to 6 hours, and the timeline can vary depending on individual factors such as dosage, physiology, environment, and mindset. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-informed about the potential impacts and risks before consuming this substance.
The brewing and steeping times for mushroom tea also depend on personal preference and taste. Some people might prefer to steep their tea for a shorter or longer period to achieve the desired flavour and intensity. Additionally, different types of mushrooms may have specific brewing instructions, so it is always advisable to follow the recommended guidelines for the particular mushroom tea being prepared.
Overall, the brewing and steeping times for mushroom tea can range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of mushroom, the desired effects, and personal preferences. It is important to exercise caution and be mindful of the potential risks associated with consuming certain types of mushroom tea, such as the magic mushroom variety.
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Positive and negative effects
Mushroom tea is a beverage of hot water infused or steeped with functional, adaptogenic mushrooms, which have healing health properties. The most common medicinal mushroom varieties include reishi, chaga, and lion's mane.
Positive Effects
Mushrooms are composed of around 90% water by weight, with the remaining 10% consisting of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The fibre in mushrooms helps to keep you full, while the vitamin D helps to maintain strong bones and a healthy immune system. Mushrooms also contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and their phytochemicals may have disease-fighting potential. Some studies have also shown that lion's mane mushrooms can enhance the mood and cognitive function of middle-aged and older adults, as well as improve sleep.
In addition, a review published in 2020 in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that the prebiotics in mushrooms can change the composition of the gut microbiome. Another review in 2021 in Advances in Nutrition found that consuming more mushrooms was associated with a lower risk of cancer.
Negative Effects
It is important to note that the side effects of mushrooms are uncertain, and more rigorous studies in humans are needed to confirm the health effects and safety of medicinal mushroom products. Chaga mushrooms, for example, are high in oxalates, which can reduce nutrient absorption when consumed in high doses. Some mushrooms also have blood-thinning effects and may interfere with certain medications, such as immunosuppressants or chemotherapy drugs.
Additionally, magic mushroom tea, made from mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin, can have negative side effects such as panic attacks, disorientation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, vomiting, increased heart rate, urinary incontinence, nausea, and high blood pressure. Long-term side effects may include paranoia, disorganized thinking, perceptual disturbances, mood changes, and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea is believed to help increase alertness and provide mental relaxation. It is also used to treat digestive problems, heart disease, and cancer.
First, grind the mushrooms into a fine powder. Next, add the powder to a pot of boiling water and leave it for about 20 minutes. Finally, strain the tea through a coffee filter to remove any extra mushroom particles.
The steeping time for mushroom tea depends on the type of mushroom used. For example, Reishi mushroom tea should be steeped for 5 to 10 minutes, while other types of mushroom tea should be steeped for 20 minutes.
Mushroom tea can produce hallucinogenic effects, flashbacks, visual distortion, and a "'bad trip'". It is important to know how mushroom tea can affect you before consuming it.
