How Long Should You Steep Magic Mushrooms for Tea?

Making tea from dried magic mushrooms is a popular method for those who prefer a smoother, easier-to-digest option. It’s gentle on the stomach, quicker to take effect, and allows more control over flavor. But how long should you steep magic mushrooms to get the best results? Let’s break it down by time, temperature, and technique, so you can steep smart.

How Long to Steep: The 10–15 Minute Rule

The ideal steeping time for magic mushroom tea is between 10 to 15 minutes. This window gives enough time for the active compounds to move from the mushrooms into the water.

• 10 minutes works well if your mushrooms are finely ground or if you’re combining them with lemon juice (known as Lemon Tek).

• 15 minutes is better for mushrooms that are only chopped or still in larger pieces. It gives the hot water time to soak through the dense mushroom material.

Anything longer than 15 minutes usually isn’t necessary. Most of the water-soluble compounds, like psilocybin, are already in the tea by that point. Some people steep longer, but it won’t make a big difference, and might even lead to a bitter taste.

What About Water Temperature?

Some people worry that hot water might “kill” the effects of magic mushrooms. The truth is, that’s mostly a myth.

The active compound in mushrooms, psilocybin, starts to break down only at very high temperatures, between 220°C and 228°C. That’s way hotter than boiling water. Standard boiling water is around 100°C (212°F), which is safe to use if handled properly.

Here’s the best approach:

• Boil your water, then let it sit for about 60 seconds.

• This brings it down to around 90°C to 95°C, which is perfect.

• Pour it over your mushrooms and let them steep.

Avoid keeping the mushrooms in actively boiling water for too long. While a short steep is fine, long-term boiling (like 30 minutes or more) might cause a small drop in potency.

Easy Methods to Make Mushroom Tea

There are two common ways people prepare mushroom tea: the standard steep and the Lemon Tek method. Each has its own style, so it depends on what you’re looking for.

1. The Standard Steep

Best for taste and a smooth experience

This is the classic way to make mushroom tea. It takes about 15 minutes and gives a mild, even effect.

Steps:

• Grind or chop your dried mushrooms into small pieces. A clean coffee grinder works well.

• Boil water, then wait about 60 seconds after boiling.

• Place the mushrooms in a mug.

• Pour the hot water over the mushrooms.

• Let steep for 10–15 minutes. Stir every few minutes.

• Strain the tea using a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer.

• Throw out the mushroom bits left behind (they contain chitin, a tough fiber most people don’t digest well).

Optional: Add some ginger or honey to improve the taste.

2. The Lemon Tek Method

Best for a faster, stronger effect

Lemon Tek is a bit more advanced. It uses lemon juice to break down the mushrooms before they steep, which may lead to a quicker onset and stronger experience.

Steps:

• Grind the mushrooms into powder.

• Soak them in fresh lemon juice for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

• After soaking, add hot (not boiling) water to the lemon-mushroom mix.

• Let it steep for 5 more minutes.

• Strain and drink.

This method can lead to faster effects (as soon as 15–30 minutes) and may feel more intense, but it also tends to wear off a little quicker than traditional tea.

Should You Eat the Mushrooms After?

Most people throw out the mushroom bits after steeping. That’s because the important compounds are already in the tea, and the leftover material can be hard to digest. If you’ve strained the tea well, you’ve likely already gotten most of what matters.

Extra Tips for a Better Tea Experience

• Use fresh lemon if you’re trying the Lemon Tek method. Bottled juice may not have the same acidity.

• Don’t microwave your mushrooms or tea. It’s harder to control the heat and may affect the results.

• Label your tea clearly if you’re storing it. Keep it away from children and pets.

• Add flavor boosters like mint, chamomile, or ginger to balance out the earthy taste.

Steep Smart, Stay Informed

While tea-making is a common method in communities where mushroom use is legal or decriminalized, the laws in the U.S. and Canada still classify psilocybin as a controlled substance in most areas. The information here is provided for general educational purposes and not to encourage use.

If you’re exploring the world of mushroom edibles and teas, always do so in a safe, informed, and respectful way, understanding the laws and potential effects.