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Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries in ceremonial, spiritual, and recreational settings. In modern times, one of the most popular—and palatable—ways to consume them is by turning them into tea.
Shroom tea offers a smoother, tastier, and often gentler psychedelic experience than chewing dried mushrooms, which many users find hard to digest. Whether you’re new to psychedelics or a seasoned psychonaut looking for a stomach-friendly alternative, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to make shroom tea the right way.
What Is Shroom Tea?
Shroom tea is a warm, infused beverage made from psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin, the compound responsible for producing hallucinogenic effects. The basic idea is to steep dried mushrooms in hot water—much like you would with herbal tea—allowing the psychoactive compounds to dissolve and create a more enjoyable way to ingest them.
The end result is a cup of tea that can range in taste from earthy and musky to citrusy and fragrant, depending on how it’s prepared. More importantly, shroom tea tends to be easier on the stomach, helps reduce nausea, and kicks in faster than eating mushrooms whole.
Why Drink Shroom Tea Instead of Eating Mushrooms?
For many people, the idea of chewing dried mushrooms is off-putting. Their fibrous texture and bitter taste can be a challenge to get down—and an even bigger challenge to keep down. That’s where shroom tea comes in.
Drinking magic mushroom tea allows your body to absorb psilocybin more efficiently since the compound has already been extracted into the liquid. This can lead to a faster onset of effects, usually within 20 to 40 minutes, compared to the hour it might take when ingesting dried mushrooms. Additionally, the warmth of the tea can provide a soothing ritual around the experience, enhancing mental preparation and relaxation before the trip begins.
A Quick Word on Legality
Before we dive into the how-to, it’s important to acknowledge that psilocybin remains illegal in many parts of the world. While some regions—like parts of Oregon, Colorado, and Canada—have decriminalized or permitted medical use, most jurisdictions still classify magic mushrooms as a controlled substance.
Always check your local laws before sourcing, preparing, or consuming psilocybin mushrooms. This guide is intended for educational purposes only and does not encourage illegal activity.
How Does Shroom Tea Work?
Psilocybin is the active compound in magic mushrooms, and when consumed, it’s converted in the body into psilocin—the molecule that interacts with serotonin receptors to produce hallucinations and altered perception. By steeping mushrooms in hot (but not boiling) water, psilocybin is released into the tea. This extraction process doesn’t degrade the psychoactive compounds when done properly, making it both efficient and effective.
The resulting liquid bypasses much of the digestive work required when eating whole mushrooms. This not only leads to a faster onset but also minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, which is a common side effect for many users.
Choosing the Right Mushrooms
Not all magic mushrooms are created equal. Different strains contain varying levels of psilocybin, so choosing the right type is key to crafting a consistent and predictable tea experience.
Popular strains for tea include:
- Psilocybe cubensis – Most commonly used and easy to dose
- Golden Teacher – Known for balanced visuals and introspective depth
- Penis Envy – Extremely potent; best for experienced users only
Always use dried mushrooms, as their weight is more stable and predictable than fresh mushrooms, which are up to 90% water. This makes dosing safer and more consistent. Be sure to source your mushrooms from a reliable and legal provider, or grow them yourself if local laws permit.
Preparing for Your Trip
As any seasoned psychonaut will tell you, “set and setting” are everything. Before you brew a cup of shroom tea, spend some time preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and environmentally. Psychedelic experiences can be incredibly profound—but also unpredictable.
Think about your intention for the trip. Are you seeking spiritual insight, creative inspiration, emotional healing, or just an exploratory journey? Clarifying this in advance can shape the trajectory of your experience.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re in a safe, comfortable space with minimal distractions. Ideally, be with people you trust, or consider having a trip sitter—someone sober who can help guide or ground you if needed. Also, prepare calming music, blankets, water, and anything else that might enhance your comfort.
Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need
Making shroom tea is surprisingly easy, and you probably already have most of the tools in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dried magic mushrooms (dose depends on experience level)
- Kettle or saucepan for boiling water
- Mug or heatproof container
- Tea strainer or fine mesh sieve
- Knife or grinder to chop mushrooms
- Lemon or lime (optional, for lemon tek variation)
- Herbal tea bags (ginger, chamomile, or mint work great)
- Honey or sweetener (optional)
- Digital scale to measure your dose accurately
Preparation is key to a smooth experience, so gather everything in advance to avoid stress or confusion once the effects start to kick in.
Dosage Guidelines for Shroom Tea
Dosing magic mushrooms—whether in tea or any other form—should always be approached with care. The intensity of a psychedelic experience can vary significantly depending on body weight, metabolism, mushroom potency, and tolerance.
Here’s a general guideline for dried mushrooms:
- Microdose: 0.1 to 0.3 grams
- Light trip: 0.5 to 1 gram
- Moderate trip: 1 to 2.5 grams
- Strong trip: 2.5 to 4 grams
- Heroic dose: 5 grams or more (not recommended for beginners)
Start low if you’re unsure or new to psychedelics. It’s much easier to go deeper next time than to try and reverse a trip that’s too intense.
Classic Mushroom Tea Recipe
Ready to brew? Here’s how to make a basic, no-frills cup of shroom tea.
- Weigh your dose of dried psilocybin mushrooms using a digital scale.
- Chop or crush the dried mushrooms into small pieces or a fine powder to increase surface area.
- Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for 1–2 minutes so it’s hot but not boiling (boiling water can degrade psilocybin).
- Place mushrooms into a mug, teapot, or heat-safe container.
- Pour the hot water over the mushrooms and steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Add herbal tea, honey, lemon, or other flavorings if desired.
- Strain the mixture through a tea strainer or cheesecloth.
- Drink slowly, ideally on an empty stomach.
Some people drink the tea all at once to consume magic mushrooms, while others sip slowly to ease into the experience. Either approach is fine—just be mindful of how quickly you’re consuming it.
Lemon Tek Shroom Tea Variation
Lemon tekking is a technique where medicinal mushrooms are soaked in lemon or lime juice before ingestion. The acidity helps convert psilocybin into psilocin outside the body, potentially resulting in a faster and more intense trip.
To lemon tek with tea:
- Grind mushrooms finely.
- Soak them in fresh lemon juice for 15–20 minutes.
- Add to hot (not boiling) water, and steep for another 10 minutes.
- Strain and sip.
Be warned—lemon tek shroom tea hits harder and faster. It may shorten the trip’s duration but amplify the intensity. Only try this method if you’re confident in your setting and mental state.
Flavoring Your Shroom Tea
While some people don’t mind the earthy flavor of mushrooms, others find it tough to stomach. Luckily, shroom tea is highly customizable, and adding flavors can dramatically improve the taste.
Great options include:
- Ginger – Reduces nausea and adds a spicy warmth
- Mint – Refreshing and soothing on the stomach
- Chamomile – Calming and pairs well with lemon
- Citrus peel – Brightens the flavor and enhances absorption
- Honey or agave – Natural sweetness to mellow the bitterness
Avoid artificial flavor packets or sweeteners, which can be harsh on the stomach or chemically distracting during a trip.
Can You Store Shroom Tea?
Yes! You can absolutely make a batch of shroom tea ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container, like a mason jar or glass bottle, and consume it within 2–3 days for maximum potency.
If you’ve added lemon juice, ginger, or other acidic elements, your tea may keep slightly longer, but flavor and strength can still fade with time. For best results, make it fresh the day you plan to drink it.
Effects Timeline
The timeline for a shroom tea trip is generally faster and smoother than eating dried mushrooms. Here’s what you can expect:
- Onset: 20–45 minutes
- Peak: 1 to 2 hours after ingestion
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours total
- Afterglow: Light emotional or energetic effects may linger for several hours
Because absorption is quicker with tea, the come-up can feel more noticeable—but many users find this preferable to the slow, sometimes nauseating ramp-up that comes from eating whole mushrooms.
What to Expect During the Experience
Every trip is different, but common effects include:
- Visual distortions (colors, shapes, patterns)
- Enhanced emotions and introspection
- Heightened senses (sound, touch, taste)
- A sense of unity or connection with nature or others
- Time dilation or looping thoughts
You may also feel moments of confusion, fear, or anxiety—especially during the peak. These are normal and often part of the process. Remember to breathe, stay grounded, and trust the experience to unfold naturally.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Trip
Safety should always be the top priority when working with psychedelics. A few simple practices can make your shroom tea experience smoother and more positive:
- Stay hydrated (but don’t overdo it)
- Don’t trip on a full stomach
- Avoid alcohol or other substances
- Let go of expectations
- Have a trusted trip sitter nearby
Prepare cozy clothes, low lighting, and perhaps a playlist of calming music. Set your phone on airplane mode and eliminate distractions so you can focus inward.
Post-Trip Integration
Once the trip ends, the journey isn’t necessarily over. Integration is about making sense of the experience and bringing the insights back into daily life. It’s one of the most valuable parts of the psychedelic process.
Consider journaling your thoughts, sketching out visions you had, or simply sitting in reflection. Talk to a friend or therapist if anything intense came up. Even a gentle trip can offer profound realizations, so give yourself the space to process it all.
Also, don’t forget to nourish your body—hydration, nutritious food, and sleep are essential for recovery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re new to shroom tea, keep these beginner pitfalls in mind:
- Using boiling water directly on mushrooms (can degrade active compounds)
- Taking too much too soon
- Not considering set and setting
- Expecting a “party” experience rather than a mindful one
Psychedelics are powerful tools, and they should be approached with respect and care.
Final Thoughts on How to Make Shroom Tea
Shroom tea is one of the most beginner-friendly and enjoyable ways to explore the world of psilocybin. It’s simple to make, easy on the stomach, and offers a smoother ride than chewing mushrooms raw. Whether you’re microdosing for creativity or diving deep for personal insight, tea allows for flexible dosing and customization.
Just remember: legality, safety, and intention matter. If you choose to embark on this journey, do so with awareness and reverence for the powerful compounds you’re working with. Prepare well, sip slowly, and let the experience unfold with curiosity and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make shroom tea without losing potency?
Yes, you can! When prepared correctly, shroom tea retains its full potency. The key is to avoid pouring boiling water directly onto the mushrooms. Instead, let the water cool slightly after boiling (to about 160–180°F or 70–80°C) before steeping. This gentle heat helps extract psilocybin without degrading it, preserving the mushroom’s psychoactive properties.
How long does shroom tea take to kick in?
Most people begin to feel the effects of shroom tea within 20 to 45 minutes. That’s typically faster than eating raw or dried mushrooms, which can take up to an hour or more to kick in. Because the psilocybin is already extracted into the tea, your body doesn’t need to break down as much plant material, allowing for quicker absorption.
How much mushroom tea should I drink as a beginner?
If you’re new to psilocybin, a light dose of 0.5 to 1 gram of dried mushrooms steeped into tea is a great place to start. Drink slowly and wait at least 45 minutes before deciding whether to consume more. Remember, it’s much safer to start with a lower dose and gradually work your way up over time.
Does shroom tea cause less nausea than eating mushrooms?
For many users, yes—shroom tea significantly reduces nausea. That’s because you’re straining out the fibrous mushroom material that can upset the stomach. Adding ginger or peppermint to your brew can also help soothe the digestive system and create a more enjoyable experience overall.
Can I store leftover shroom tea for later?
Definitely. Shroom tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days in an airtight container, like a mason jar. It’s best to keep it sealed and away from light to preserve potency. If you’re not planning to drink it soon, you can even freeze it in ice cube trays for extended storage—just be sure to label it clearly!
