How to Take Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms can be consumed in several ways, and the method you choose affects the onset, intensity, and overall experience. Below is an in-depth look at the most popular intake methods along with their pros and cons.

Eating Them Raw or Dried

The simplest method is to eat them as they are. Fresh mushrooms can be eaten whole (although their earthy flavor might be an acquired taste), while dried mushrooms are usually chewed thoroughly to release psilocybin. Expect the effects to begin within 30–60 minutes.

Pros: Easiest method; no preparation needed.

Cons: Some users may experience nausea (eating something light beforehand may help); the taste can be quite bitter.

Tip: Many users recommend fasting for 2–3 hours before consuming mushrooms to reduce nausea.

Shroom Tea

Brewing mushrooms into tea is a popular and gentle option. This method helps bypass the raw texture and flavor, often reducing nausea. To prepare mushroom tea, grind your dried shrooms, steep them in hot (not boiling) water with a bit of lemon (optional) for 10–15 minutes, and then strain. Add tea bags, ginger, or honey for improved flavor. Effects can start as quickly as 15–20 minutes.

Pros: Gentler on the stomach; faster onset; easy to ingest.

Cons: Requires slight preparation; careful water temperature is needed (boiling water can degrade psilocybin).

Tip: Adding ginger to your shroom tea can help settle your stomach.

Lemon Tek

The Lemon Tek method involves soaking ground mushrooms in lemon or lime juice for about 20 minutes. The acidic juice partially converts psilocybin to psilocin, potentially resulting in a faster onset and a more intense—but shorter—trip. After the soaking period, drink the entire mixture, including the solids.

Pros: Rapid onset (15–20 minutes), potentially stronger peak, and reduced gut discomfort due to pre-digestion by citric acid.

Cons: The trip may be shorter overall; intensity might be unexpectedly high for those accustomed to standard methods.

Tip: Use a coffee grinder to achieve a fine powder for better absorption when using the Lemon Tek method.

Capsules or Edibles

For a discreet and precise intake, you can grind dried mushrooms into a powder and fill gelatin capsules (often called “microdose caps” or “hallucinogenic caps”). Alternatively, incorporate the powder into edibles such as chocolate or gummies. This method helps mask the taste completely and allows for accurate dosing.

Pros: Tastiest and most discreet method; allows for precise dosage control.

Cons: The onset is slower due to digestion; extra care must be taken to distribute the dose evenly in edibles.

Regardless of the method chosen, always label your shroom preparations clearly and store them safely away from children or unintended users. And don’t forget to stay hydrated with water or a gentle drink like lemonade during your trip.