Magic Mushroom Tea: Benefits, Risks, Recipes & Legality

Magic Mushroom Tea: Benefits, Risks, Legality and How to Make It

Magic mushroom tea, also known as mushroom tea or mushroom infusion, refers to any tea made with dried psilocybin-containing mushrooms like Psilocybe cubensis. Some people brew magic mushroom tea as a psychedelic drink for the hallucinogenic effects, while others claim sipping it provides medicinal benefits.

But is regularly drinking magic mushroom tea good for you? What are the health effects, both positive and negative? Let's explore the benefits, risks, legality issues and preparation methods around magic mushroom tea.

Proposed Benefits of Magic Mushroom Tea

Most research has focused on isolated psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms. However, some initial studies suggest magic mushroom tea may offer certain wellness advantages:

May Provide Temporary Stress Relief

Small studies reveal that in monitored settings, psilocybin can reduce anxiety, depression and psychological distress in terminally ill patients and those with life stressors.

May Boost Mood

Psilocybin is thought to stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain, possibly helping uplift mood and enhance feelings of well-being. These effects seem to last for up to several weeks after consuming mushrooms.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Early studies indicate psilocybin and other compounds in magic mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit conditions aggravated by inflammation.

May Support Brain Health

Some research finds psilocybin mushrooms have neuroregenerative potential, protecting brain cells and stimulating neural plasticity. This could support cognition and memory.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While magic mushroom tea may offer some benefits, consuming psilocybin-containing mushrooms in any form does come with risks:

May Cause Psychological Distress

Psilocybin is known to sometimes cause fearful thoughts, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia or psychosis-like symptoms while under its influence.

Can Impair Judgement

Magic mushroom tea causes hallucinations, distorted thinking and an altered sense of time. This impairs judgement and increases the risk of accidents and dangerous behavior.

May Interact with Medications

Psilocybin can interact dangerously with certain prescription medications like antidepressants. Combining magic mushrooms with illicit drugs also heightens risks.

Potential for Dependence

Frequent use may lead to building up a tolerance and psychological dependence on magic mushrooms' effects.

Legality Issues

Psilocybin is considered a Schedule I illegal drug by federal U.S. law. Possession can result in fines and jail time. Local decriminalization is changing this slowly.

Magic Mushroom Tea vs. Eating Mushrooms Raw

Is drinking magic mushroom tea any different than eating 'shrooms raw? Here's how the mushroom experience may differ depending on method of consumption:

Onset and Duration

Consuming magic mushroom tea provides a faster onset of about 15-30 minutes compared to 30-60 minutes for eating raw mushrooms. However, the trip may be shorter lasting 2-4 hours instead of 4-6 from eating them.

Intensity

Magic mushroom tea is thought to provide a more intense yet shorter trip. The hot water may help extract higher concentrations of psilocybin and other compounds.

Nausea

Some users report brewing mushrooms into tea provides a 'cleaner' trip with less nausea. The mushroom material itself is not ingested.

Taste

Mushroom tea is more palatable to many people compared to the earthy taste of eating 'shrooms plain. Steeping with lemon, honey or other ingredients can further improve the flavor.

How to Make Magic Mushroom Tea Recipes

While preparation methods vary, here is an overview of how to make basic magic mushroom tea:

Ingredients

• 1 to 5 grams dried, ground psilocybin mushrooms
• 2 cups water
• Lemon juice, honey or other flavorings (optional)
• Tea bag or strainer

Instructions

1. Grind dried mushrooms into a coarse powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
2. Boil 2 cups water in a small pot or kettle.
3. Remove from heat and add mushroom powder to the hot water. You can also add lemon juice, honey, ginger, turmeric or any spices to taste.
4. Steep the mushroom powder in the hot water for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour through a tea bag, cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove mushroom solids.
6. Squeeze lemon into finished tea if desired. Drink while warm. Makes 2 servings.

Tips

• Use 1-2 grams mushroom powder per serving for milder effects or up to 5 grams for stronger.
• Grinding mushrooms into a fine powder maximizes extraction of psilocybin.
• Steep for at least 15 minutes for best extraction, but not longer than 30 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness.
• Adding lemon juice to the tea helps convert psilocybin into the psychoactive compound psilocin.
• Brewing at temperatures right below boiling (190F or so) is ideal.

Legality of Magic Mushroom Tea

The legal status of magic mushroom tea is a grey area that depends on where you live. Here's an overview of the legality issues:

Federal US Law

Psilocybin and psilocin are Schedule I controlled substances, making possession or consumption illegal. This includes mushrooms, mushroom tea or any products containing psilocybin.

State Laws

A few states like California, Colorado, and Oregon have decriminalized personal use and possession of magic mushrooms. But it remains illegal under state law in most of the U.S.

Exemptions

Native American Churches are permitted to use psilocybin mushrooms for spiritual purposes under religious freedom. Some cities also have decriminalized magic mushrooms.

Traveling Internationally

Be aware psilocybin mushrooms and mushroom tea are illegal in most countries. However, some places like Jamaica and the Netherlands have relaxed enforcement.

Given the legal risks, most experts advise avoiding magic mushroom tea. But the landscape is gradually shifting with new research into psilocybin's therapeutic potential.

Healthier Mushroom Tea Alternatives

For those looking to avoid the risks of psilocybin, here are some healthier, legal mushroom tea options:

Chaga Mushroom Tea

Tea made from chaga mushrooms offers antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and enhance immune function.

Reishi Mushroom Tea

Reishi mushroom contains compounds called triterpenoids linked to Anti-anxiety, anti-allergic and potential anti-cancer benefits.

Lions Mane Tea

This mushroom tea contains bioactive substances thought to stimulate nerve growth factor production and enhance cognitive function.

Cordyceps Tea

Cordyceps mushroom tea may improve exercise performance and benefit heart health due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Turkey Tail Tea

Turkey tail is one of the most researched mushrooms for its powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.

These functional mushroom teas provide health benefits without the hallucinogenic effects or legal concerns of magic mushroom tea.

The Bottom Line

In summary, magic mushroom tea does contain compounds that may temporarily relieve anxiety, boost mood and offer other benefits when used responsibly. However, the psychedelic effects also come with risks like paranoia, accidents and legal issues in most areas.

Consult your healthcare provider before consuming to understand all the pros and cons. Focus on living an overall healthy lifestyle with plenty of whole foods, herbs, adaptogens and legal mushroom products for optimal well-being.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.