Mushroom tea is tea brewed from mushrooms. Mushroom tea is a generic term for tea brewed from any mushroom, but generally the term is used to refer to tea made from "magic mushrooms".
"Magic mushrooms" is a colloquial term for any mushrooms that contain a high concentration of psilocybine and psilocine. These chemicals cause hallucinations when taken.
Mushroom tea tends to affect the user after around 30 minutes of consumption. Users generally feel relaxed initially, then euphoric before the visualizations begin. This state usually lasts about five hours.
Mushroom tea can intensify existing emotions, as well as heighten a person's awareness.
Mushroom tea may be difficult to drink on its own, due to its unpleasant taste. Most users therefore drink mushroom tea as a mixture along with tea and spices.
Preparation of mushroom tea
There are several methods of preparing mushroom tea.
The most basic preparation of mushroom tea is to chop or crush a small handful of mushrooms, then boil a cup of water to boiling point. The water is poured over the tea and is allowed to brew for 5-10 minutes. The tea is then strained and the liquid is drunk.
Another method to prepare mushroom tea is to prepare the tea as described above, then mix the liquid with licorice tea, fresh ginger and a small amount of orange juice. The ginger helps settle the stomach and reduces nausea, while the orange juice helps mask the unpleasant taste of mushroom tea.
As mushroom tea is a stimulant, it is recommended that a non-caffeine tea is used. Caffeine is also a stimulant and, when mixed with mushroom tea, may over-stimulate the nervous system and cause unpleasant experiences.
Typically two infusions of mushroom tea can be made from one batch of mushrooms.
Health warnings with mushroom tea
Mushroom tea should be taken with care. It can sensitize a person's mind and emotions, and hence should be taken only when a person is emotionally stable. Users in the midst of psychological and/or emotional upheaval may find taking mushroom tea distressing. Hallucinations during times of such upheaval may be disturbing.
Mushroom tea can also cause nausea and vomiting.
