How to Make Shroom Tea: A Simple, Fun Guide to Brewing Your Own
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, have been used for centuries in various cultures for their psychedelic effects. One of the most popular and effective ways to consume them is by making shroom tea. This method offers a gentler experience on the stomach and can reduce nausea compared to consuming raw mushrooms.
In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about how to make shroom tea. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned psychonaut, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of preparing, brewing, and consuming this special tea. Let’s get started!
What is Shroom Tea?
Shroom tea is a beverage made by steeping magic mushrooms (usually from the genus Psilocybe) in hot water. The heat extracts the psychoactive compounds, primarily psilocybin and psilocin, allowing them to be consumed in liquid form. These compounds are what give shrooms their hallucinogenic effects, which can range from mild visual distortions to profound changes in perception and thought.
Shroom tea is favored by many for its ease of preparation and smoother onset of effects compared to eating dried mushrooms. Plus, it's an easy way to incorporate flavorings to mask the taste of raw mushrooms.
Why Make Shroom Tea?
Benefits of Shroom Tea
Drinking shroom tea is not only a fun way to ingest psychedelics but also has several distinct advantages over consuming dried mushrooms directly. Some key reasons to opt for shroom tea include:
- Reduced Nausea: Eating raw mushrooms can often lead to stomach discomfort. The boiling process breaks down the tough cell walls of the fungi, making them easier on your digestive system.
- Faster Onset: When consumed as tea, psilocybin enters the bloodstream more quickly, leading to a faster onset of effects (within 20-30 minutes).
- Customization: You can enhance the taste of your tea by adding natural sweeteners like honey, lemon, or ginger.
- Smoother Experience: Many users report that the effects of shroom tea are more predictable and gradual than consuming raw mushrooms, offering a gentler come-up.
Choosing the Right Mushrooms
Before you make shroom tea, it's essential to select the right type of magic mushrooms. There are many varieties, but the most common and well-known are Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps). Always make sure you're using a safe, known species for consumption.
Wild vs. Cultivated Mushrooms
- Cultivated mushrooms: These are grown in controlled environments, ensuring consistency in potency and safety.
- Wild mushrooms: While these can be more potent, identifying them requires expertise, as there are many poisonous look-alikes.
For beginners, it’s generally safer to stick to cultivated mushrooms from a reliable source.
How to Make Shroom Tea: Step-by-Step Guide
Making shroom tea is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Mushrooms
- Dosage: Depending on your experience level, you can choose how many grams of dried shrooms to use. A beginner might start with 1-2 grams, while more experienced users could use 3.5 grams or more.
- Crush or grind: Use a coffee grinder or simply break the mushrooms into small pieces. Grinding them into a fine powder can help extract more of the active compounds when steeped.
Step 2: Boil the Water
- Heat about 2-3 cups of water for every 1-2 grams of mushrooms.
- Make sure the water doesn't reach a rolling boil; keeping it just below boiling (around 190-200°F or 88-93°C) will help preserve the psilocybin.
Step 3: Add the Shrooms
- Once the water is hot, add your crushed mushrooms.
- Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even extraction.
- Some users add a tea bag (like chamomile or mint) during this process to help improve the taste.
Step 4: Add Flavor (Optional)
Magic mushrooms can taste earthy and slightly bitter. To make the tea more palatable, try adding:
- Honey: Natural sweetness that blends well.
- Ginger: Helps counter nausea and adds a spicy flavor.
- Lemon: Boosts the tea’s acidity and helps break down psilocybin into psilocin for faster effects.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
After steeping, strain the liquid to remove the mushroom pieces. You can use a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or even a coffee filter. Serve the tea in your favorite mug and enjoy!
Tips for Enhancing Your Shroom Tea Experience
Here are a few tips to enhance the overall shroom tea experience:
- Add lemon juice: Lemon contains citric acid, which can help break down psilocybin into psilocin before it enters your body. This is often referred to as the "lemon tek" method, which can intensify and quicken the effects.
- Create a calming atmosphere: Use soothing music, candles, or a quiet space to enhance the psychedelic experience.
- Drink slowly: Take your time sipping the tea to allow your body to ease into the experience.
Shroom Tea Dosage Guide
Beginners (1-2 grams)
- Mild effects: Visual enhancements, increased creativity, and a subtle change in mood and perception. Perfect for first-timers.
Intermediate (3-4 grams)
- Moderate effects: Stronger visuals, time dilation, and deeper introspection. Suitable for more experienced users looking for a more significant experience.
Advanced (5+ grams)
- Intense effects: Profound visuals, intense emotions, and deep philosophical insights. This level is often called a "heroic dose" and should only be taken by those with significant experience.
What to Expect After Drinking Shroom Tea
The effects of shroom tea usually begin within 20-30 minutes, faster than when you eat raw mushrooms. The journey typically lasts between 4-6 hours, with peaks and valleys throughout.
Common Effects of Shroom Tea:
- Visual hallucinations (colors appear more vibrant, objects may morph)
- Enhanced emotions (feelings of euphoria or introspection)
- Distorted perception of time and space
- Increased sensory awareness (textures, sounds, and smells become more intense)
It’s normal for the experience to come in waves, where moments of intensity are followed by calm periods.
Safety Tips for Drinking Shroom Tea
As with any psychedelic substance, safety is key. Here are some guidelines to ensure a positive and safe shroom tea experience:
1. Start with a low dose
For your first time, start with a low dose (1-2 grams) and see how your body reacts. It's always easier to increase your dose over time than to deal with an overwhelming experience.
2. Trip with trusted friends
If you're new to psychedelics, consider having a sober "trip sitter" with you—someone who can provide guidance and comfort if needed.
3. Set and setting
Ensure you're in a safe, comfortable environment. Psychedelics can amplify your mood and surroundings, so being in a peaceful, familiar space can help avoid bad trips.
4. Stay hydrated
Drink water throughout the experience, but don't overdo it. Sipping slowly is key.
5. Know when to avoid
Avoid using psychedelics if you’re in a negative mental state, anxious, or dealing with heavy stress. Psychedelics tend to amplify your feelings, and it’s important to approach the experience with a clear, open mindset.
Conclusion
Learning how to make shroom tea is not only simple but can also offer a smoother, more enjoyable psychedelic experience. By following the step-by-step guide and tips in this post, you’ll be able to brew a delicious cup of shroom tea while minimizing nausea and maximizing the effects.
Remember, shrooms are powerful, and their effects vary greatly depending on your mindset, environment, and dosage. Drink responsibly, start with a low dose, and always be in a safe space. Enjoy the trip!