What is the Best Way to Eat Shrooms? Here are 7 Favorites

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms or simply shrooms, have been used for centuries in spiritual and therapeutic practices. Today, many people seek different ways to consume these psychoactive fungi, seeking both their hallucinogenic effects and potential benefits for mental health.

From traditional methods to more creative culinary approaches, finding the best way to eat shrooms can enhance both the experience and the onset of effects. In this article, we’ll learn some of the most popular and effective methods for consuming magic mushrooms.

Best Way to Eat Shrooms

• Chew and swallow

The most straightforward method is chewing dried mushrooms thoroughly and swallowing. This allows psilocybin to break down into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors and leads to the classic psychedelic experience. Onset of effects usually occurs within 20 to 40 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.

• Make mushroom tea

Mushroom tea is a popular option for those who want to reduce nausea and vomiting. Boiling dried mushrooms in water and steeping them like tea can make ingestion smoother on the stomach. This method may also lead to a quicker onset of effects and a gentler come-up.

• Lemon tek

Lemon tekking involves soaking finely chopped or powdered mushrooms in lemon juice before ingestion. The citric acid helps convert psilocybin into psilocin before it enters the body, often resulting in more intense psychoactive effects and a shorter, more concentrated trip.

• Mix with food

To mask the strong, earthy flavor of mushrooms, many people mix them with food like peanut butter, Nutella, or even pizza. This approach doesn’t significantly alter the onset or intensity of effects, but it makes consuming magic mushrooms more palatable.

• Capsules

Encapsulated mushroom powder is a discreet and convenient way to consume shrooms. This method is often used for microdosing or controlled dosage. It may take longer to feel the effects, but it helps manage nausea and bitterness.

• Mushroom Chocolate

Mushroom-infused chocolate combines psilocybin with cocoa to create a sweet and effective edible. It’s popular for recreational use due to its taste and easy dosage control, though the chocolate may slightly delay the onset of effects.

• Smoothies

Blending mushrooms into smoothies helps mask the taste while easing digestion. Combining dried mushrooms with fruits, yogurt, or juice can support a more pleasant experience, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.

Understanding Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms or shrooms, contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These substances cause mind-altering effects such as visual distortions, euphoria, and shifts in perception. 

Often used for recreational or spiritual purposes, they can also lead to nausea and vomiting. While some studies suggest potential benefits in addiction and mental health treatment, using psilocybin mushrooms comes with risks, including bad trips and the danger of mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms.

Why People Take Shrooms

People take shrooms for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal growth to therapeutic exploration. Here are some common motivations:

• Spiritual experiences – Shrooms can induce altered states of consciousness that some describe as mystical or enlightening.
• Recreational use – Many seek the sense of euphoria, vivid visuals, and mind-altering effects associated with psilocybin mushrooms.
• Therapeutic potential – Emerging research suggests psilocybin may help with addiction treatment, depression, and anxiety.
• Creative boost – Some users report enhanced creativity and new perspectives during and after taking shrooms.
• Emotional healing – Psilocybin can bring suppressed thoughts and emotions to the surface, offering a chance for introspection.
• Microdosing – Taking very small amounts of psilocybin may improve mood, focus, and mental clarity without causing hallucinations.

How Long Before I Feel the Effects of Shrooms?

The onset of effects from magic mushrooms typically begins within 20 to 40 minutes after ingestion, depending on factors like the method of consumption, stomach acidity, and whether the mushrooms are dried or fresh. The experience usually lasts between 3 to 6 hours, with lingering effects that may extend up to 12 hours.

• 20 to 40 minutes – Onset of effects begins; users may feel slight changes in perception.
• 60 to 90 minutes – Peak effects occur, often including visual distortions and heightened emotions.
• 3 to 6 hours – Core psychedelic experience continues before gradually tapering off.
• 6 to 8 hours – Effects wear off, though some may feel mentally tired or emotionally reflective.
• 12 to 24 hours – In some cases, residual effects like altered thinking or fatigue may persist.

How Long Do Shroom Effects Last?

The effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually last several hours, but the full experience can extend beyond that depending on dosage, individual metabolism, and the type of mushroom. While the most intense effects fade within a few hours, subtle mental and emotional aftereffects may linger longer.

• 0 to 1 hour – Onset of psychoactive effects begins.
• 1 to 3 hours – Peak of the trip, with strong hallucinations and altered perception.
• 3 to 6 hours – Effects gradually decline but may still influence body and mind.
• 6 to 12 hours – Return to baseline, though some emotional or cognitive shifts may persist.
• 12 to 24 hours – Possible afterglow or fatigue; no active hallucinations but reflective or introspective thoughts may remain.

What Affects the Duration of Shroom Effects in My Body?

Several factors influence how long psilocybin mushrooms stay active in your system and how long you feel their effects. Here are key elements that can affect the duration:

• Dosage – Higher amounts of shrooms generally lead to longer and more intense effects.
• Mushroom type – Different psilocybin mushrooms vary in potency and psilocybin content.
• Method of consumption – Mushroom tea or lemon tek may lead to faster onset and potentially shorter trips.
• Stomach contents – A full stomach can slow absorption, delaying the onset and prolonging the experience.
• Body chemistry – Metabolism, weight, and serotonin levels play a role in how your body processes psilocybin and psilocin.
• Tolerance – Frequent users may feel weaker effects or shorter durations due to temporary tolerance.
• Mental state and setting – Emotional readiness and environment can influence the intensity and perceived length of the trip.

Do Shrooms Appear on Drug Tests?

Shrooms typically do not appear on standard drug tests because most panels do not screen for psilocybin or psilocin. However, specialized tests can detect them under certain circumstances, especially in extended toxicology screenings.

• Urine tests – Standard panels don’t detect psilocybin, but extended tests may find it within 1 to 3 days.
• Blood tests – Rarely used for psilocybin; detection window is short, usually less than 24 hours.
• Hair tests – Can detect psilocybin use for up to 90 days, though it’s uncommon and expensive.
• Saliva tests – Not effective for detecting psilocybin or psilocin.
• Specialized tests – Some drug screens used in addiction treatment or forensic settings can specifically target hallucinogens.

Considerations Before Taking Magic Mushrooms

Before using magic mushrooms, it’s important to consider several factors to reduce risks and enhance safety. Here are key points to think about:

• Mental health status – Pre-existing conditions like anxiety or psychosis can worsen with psilocybin use.
• Set and setting – Your mood and environment greatly influence the experience and help prevent a bad trip.
• Dosage – Start with a low dose, especially if you're new, to manage the psychoactive effects safely.
• Mushroom type – Ensure you’re using a non-poisonous mushroom that contains psilocybin.
• Physical effects – Be aware of common symptoms like nausea and vomiting, especially on an empty stomach.
• Medication interactions – Psilocybin may interact with SSRIs or other substances, affecting safety and intensity.
• Legal status – In many places, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal and possession may have legal consequences.
• Support system – Having a sober and trusted person present can be helpful during intense or disorienting moments.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the best way to eat shrooms depends on your personal preferences, goals, and how your body responds to psilocybin and psilocin. Whether you’re seeking altered states of consciousness, therapeutic benefits, or a smoother ingestion method, understanding the options can help you make safer, more informed choices. Always consider harm reduction, proper dosage, and your physical and mental state before consuming magic mushrooms.