Mushroom enthusiasts have long looked to fungi for its health-enhancing benefits in herbal tea. Popular examples of fungi include chaga, reishi, turkey tail and lion’s mane which contain powerful antioxidants as well as other natural healing compounds that can strengthen immunity and enhance mood; but recently people’s attention has been drawn towards magic mushrooms because of psilocybin, found in teas, supplements and edible products such as chocolate bars and coffee. Over the last month alone UK searches of this mind-altering mind-altering fungus have increased 2650%!

Although psilocybin in mushrooms isn’t technically classified as a drug, when taken orally it has hallucinogenic properties which may lead to visual distortion, altered perception of time and space perception as well as feelings of euphoria or deep introspection. Therefore, magic mushroom tea consumption should only take place under safe and controlled circumstances with guidance from sober friends.

Traditional magic mushroom tea has long been prepared from the fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms; however, many people now use an assortment of varieties in their blend. This tea has long been touted for its ability to promote emotional and mental well-being, enhance cognition, relieve anxiety, improve sleep quality and facilitate digestion; however, the experience of taking psilocybin may differ dramatically for each person depending on its setting and mentality of ingestion.

Preparing delicious mushroom tea begins with proper storage. To maximize potency and preserve shelf life, mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container away from sunlight, heat, and moisture for storage before use.

Once the mushrooms have been prepared, making a cup of mushroom tea is simple. Simply steep for 3-4 minutes before adding your sweetener and steamed milk for an optional foamy topping! This step adds delicious depth and aroma.

Mushroom tea offers an enjoyable alternative to other herbal beverages, and can be enjoyed alone or as the basis for more complex blends. Many find that adding other herbs – such as chai spices for relaxation or hibiscus for invigoration – to their magic mushroom tea amplifies its effects further.

The most popular mushroom tea recipe involves mixing psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms with soothing herbals such as chamomile, passion flower or ginger to produce an intoxicating and stimulating elixir. Sage, rosemary and lavender may also be added for additional herbal benefits in these tea recipes; however, be wary combining such substances with stimulating substances as their effects may be unpredictable and dangerous.