What is Shroom Tea? Understanding Effects and Benefits

Shroom tea, often made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water, is gaining attention for its psychoactive and potential medicinal properties. Commonly associated with psilocybin-containing mushrooms, this tea is consumed both recreationally and in therapeutic settings to explore its effects on mental health, creativity, and emotional well-being.

As interest in natural remedies and alternative wellness practices grows, understanding the benefits, risks, and science behind taking mushrooms in this form becomes increasingly important.

What is Shroom Tea?

Shroom tea is a beverage prepared by steeping psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms, in hot water. These mushrooms contain active compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause hallucinations and alter perception, mood, and cognition.

Drinking tea made from these mushrooms is a popular alternative to eating them raw or dried, as it may be easier on the stomach and help reduce side effects like nausea or vomiting. The tea is sometimes mixed with herbs or other ingredients to improve taste and enhance its calming or medicinal effects.

Different Types of Magic Mushrooms

There are several varieties of magic mushrooms, each containing varying levels of psilocybin and psilocin. The effects and intensity can differ depending on the species, making it important to understand the differences before consumption.

• Psilocybe cubensis – One of the most common and widely cultivated, known for moderate potency and accessibility.
• Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap) – Found in grassy fields, this type is potent and known for intense visual hallucinations.
• Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy Cap) – Highly potent with a distinct wavy cap, often found in wood chips and mulched areas.
• Psilocybe azurescens – One of the strongest varieties, known for causing powerful psychedelic experiences and a higher risk of adverse effects.
• Psilocybe mexicana – Historically used in indigenous rituals, milder in potency and often used in medicinal or ceremonial contexts.

Edible Mushrooms Vs Mushroom Tea

While both edible mushrooms and mushroom tea come from fungi, they serve very different purposes. Edible mushrooms are typically consumed for their nutritional value and culinary use, whereas mushroom tea—especially when made from psilocybin-containing mushrooms—is used for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects.

Here’s a comparison of the two:

How Does Mushroom Tea Affect the Body?

Mushroom tea made from psilocybin mushrooms can significantly impact both the body and mind. Its effects vary based on the dose, individual tolerance, and the type of mushroom used. Here are some of the ways it may affect users:

Alters Perception and Mood

Psilocybin in mushroom tea can alter sensory perception, leading to visual and auditory hallucinations, time distortion, and intensified emotions. Users may feel euphoria, introspection, or emotional release, but may also experience paranoia or delusion, especially with higher doses.

Triggers Physical Responses

Common physical effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in heart rate. These symptoms often occur within the first hour of consumption and vary in intensity depending on individual sensitivity and substance use history.

Enhances Creativity and Insight

Many users report enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities while under the influence of psilocybin. This can foster deep self-reflection or therapeutic breakthroughs, particularly under professional supervision.

Potential Mental Health Benefits

Research suggests that psilocybin may reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Under controlled settings, it’s being studied as a treatment option for various mental health conditions, though risks like flashback or psychosis still require careful management.

Possible Long-Term Effects

While some users report lasting improvements in mood and well-being, repeated use may lead to psychological dependence or worsen underlying mental health disorders. The intensity and unpredictability of effects make long-term impact hard to determine without ongoing supervision.

How Long Does Shroom Tea Effects Last?

The effects of shroom tea typically begin within 20 to 40 minutes after consumption and can last around 4 to 6 hours, depending on various factors. While the tea form may cause faster onset compared to eating whole mushrooms, the duration and intensity can still vary widely from person to person.

• Dosage – Higher doses lead to stronger and longer-lasting effects, increasing the risk of a bad trip or overdose.
• Mushroom species – Different types of magic mushrooms have varying psilocybin concentrations, which directly impact intensity.
• Individual tolerance – Frequent users may develop a tolerance, reducing effects over time.
• Empty vs. full stomach – Consuming shroom tea on an empty stomach can lead to quicker absorption and more intense experiences.
• Mental and physical health – Preexisting anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions can influence how the body and mind respond.
• Set and setting – The user’s mindset and physical environment significantly shape whether the experience is positive or adverse.

Can You Overdose on Shroom Tea?

While a fatal overdose from psilocybin in shroom tea is extremely rare, taking higher doses can still lead to serious psychological and physical consequences. Overconsumption may cause intense hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks, delusions, or psychosis, especially in individuals with underlying mental health conditions.

Physical symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or drowsiness may also intensify. In rare cases, consuming poisonous mushrooms misidentified as psilocybin species can be life-threatening and cause organ damage or death. Always approach shroom tea with caution, as it's hard to know how strong a dose might be without proper guidance or testing.

Considerations Before Taking Magic Mushroom Tea

Before consuming magic mushroom tea, it's important to consider several factors to ensure safety and minimize the risk of adverse effects. Proper preparation, mental readiness, and legal awareness are key.

• Know the source – Only use mushrooms that are clearly identified as non-poisonous and psilocybin-containing to avoid toxic reactions.
• Start with a low dose – Especially for first-time users, lower doses help assess individual sensitivity and reduce the risk of overwhelming effects.
• Check mental health status – Those with a history of trauma, anxiety, or mental health disorders may be more vulnerable to bad trips or psychosis.
• Avoid mixing substances – Combining mushroom tea with alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs can intensify side effects and cause unpredictable reactions.
• Have a trusted sitter – A sober and experienced person present can help manage the experience, especially if symptoms like paranoia or delusion arise.
• Be aware of legality – Psilocybin remains illegal in many areas; possession or use may carry legal consequences.
• Understand possible side effects – Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and hallucination are common, and long-term use may affect mental health or lead to dependence.

Final Thoughts

Shroom tea offers a unique way to experience the effects of psilocybin, whether for recreational curiosity or potential mental health benefits. However, its potency, unpredictability, and legal status make it essential to approach with informed caution. 

Understanding the type of mushroom, dosage, individual health, and environment can significantly shape the outcome. As interest in natural psychedelics grows, responsible use—guided by awareness and, when possible, professional supervision—remains key to unlocking its potential while minimizing the risks.