Mushroom Tea: A Gentle Brew for Sensitive Stomachs

Let's be honest: dried mushrooms don't taste amazing, and chewing a few grams of them can upset a sensitive stomach. Tea is a popular way around both problems. It's one of the oldest ways of preparing mushrooms, and many people find it smoother from start to finish.

Why tea?

• Easier on the stomach. A lot of the nausea people feel with dried mushrooms seems to come from digesting the tough mushroom material itself. With tea, many people strain out the solids and drink only the liquid.
• Faster onset. Because psilocybin is already extracted into hot water, tea often kicks in within about 10 to 30 minutes, compared with 20 to 60 minutes for dried mushrooms.
• A slightly shorter, more compact experience. Many people report the peak arrives sooner and the whole thing wraps up a little earlier.
• Better flavour. Ginger, lemon and honey go a long way.

Ready-made tea bags

The easiest option is a pre-measured mushroom tea bag, like Temple tea bags. The amount per bag is on the label, so there's no grinding or weighing. Follow the directions on the box: generally, use hot rather than boiling water and steep for the time listed. Browse all tea products.

Making it from dried mushrooms

If you're using dried mushrooms, the basic method is simple:

• Weigh your amount and grind it finely.
• Heat water until it's hot but just off the boil. Very high, prolonged heat may degrade psilocybin, so many people avoid a rolling boil.
• Steep the ground mushrooms for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then.
• Strain through a fine mesh or coffee filter.
• Add flavour and sip slowly.

For a step-by-step recipe with variations, read How to Make Mushroom Tea.

Make it tasty

• Ginger: The classic pairing. Many people find it settles the stomach.
• Lemon: Bright and fresh. Some people report that lemon makes effects come on faster and feel stronger, so be cautious.
• Honey or maple syrup: A splash of Canadian sweetness.
• Mint, chamomile or a regular tea bag: For a familiar, comforting flavour.

Dose: same rules as dried

Tea doesn't make a dose weaker. A full dose in tea is still a full experience, and because it comes on quicker, it can feel more intense at the start. Approximate ranges for dried Psilocybe cubensis apply: low about 0.5 to 1 g, moderate about 1 to 2.5 g, strong about 2.5 to 3.5 g. Potency varies by strain and batch. Start low. Our dose sizes guide has details.

Timing tips

• Be settled in your comfortable spot before you start sipping.
• Drink your cup over about 10 to 15 minutes rather than gulping it.
• If you're sharing a pot, measure each person's portion carefully so nobody gets more than they planned.
• Don't re-dose early. Wait at least two hours.

See our timeline guide for more.

Batch brewing for two

If two people are sharing a pot, the safest approach is to brew each person's portion separately, or to measure the finished tea carefully into separate cups. Psilocybin doesn't always spread perfectly evenly, and it's easy to pour unequal cups.

Leftover mushroom material

After straining, some people eat the leftover mushroom material, while others discard it. Steeping extracts much, but not necessarily all, of the psilocybin, so eating the leftovers can make the experience stronger and add to nausea. Decide in advance, and count it as part of your dose if you do.

Same safety rules apply

Have a sober friend nearby, clear your day, and never drive afterwards. Skip psilocybin if you take lithium, MAOIs, tramadol or antidepressants without medical advice, or have a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder. You must be 19 or older to shop with us, and psilocybin is a controlled substance in Canada.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you have health questions, talk to a health professional.