Set & Setting
Set and Setting are the two most important aspect when it comes to consuming your mushrooms. When Set & Setting are right, you are off to a good start.
Set
The "Set" is your mindset. You should be in a good mood, with no negative thoughts on your mind, and not stressed out. Try to calm down before you start. Make sure you know what your intentions are. Do you want to learn something about yourself or just have the experience? The most important thing is not to try to control the trip because you can't. Trying to control your trip just makes it worse. It might sound strange, but give the control to the mushrooms.
Setting
The "Setting" is the environment you are in. An optimal setting is crucial for a good trip. You should be in an environment you know and feel comfortable in. It can be indoors or outdoors with an option to lie down, such as your bedroom or garden. Besides that, music you like, snacks, and water can help you calm down. You should also have no time pressure; it is not unusual to be tired the day after. For the first time, I would recommend having someone with you that you can 100% trust. A trip sitter who looks after you if you need anything can be very helpful. Some other useful advice includes turning off your mobile phone as you won't need it, not mixing substances, and not looking at the time, especially when you are having a bad trip. It could make you feel like you're trapped in time.
Bad Trip
The best advice to avoid a bad trip is to be cautious. But if that doesn't work, there are a few things that have helped me. First, drink water to clear your mind and take some deep breaths. Try to calm down by eating snacks, listening to your favorite music, or drawing – things you would normally do to settle down. Another thing that worked very well for me is to hug people you're close to. It makes you feel safe and reduces anxiety. And always keep in mind that everything is just happening inside your head. Try to accept what’s going on.
How to Consume Your Mushrooms
Consuming magic mushrooms can be done in various ways, each offering a unique experience. Before you prepare them, make sure you decide on the amount you want to take. The optimal beginner's dose is around 2 grams dried. Fasting for 3 hours beforehand can help reduce nausea. Once you've decided on the dose, choose a method of preparation. Below are three methods: eating them, using the Lemon Tek method, and making mushroom tea.
1. Eating Mushrooms
Eating the mushrooms is the simplest and most traditional method. For consumption, you can either chew the mushrooms thoroughly to help release the psychoactive compounds or eat dried mushrooms as they are, ensuring you chew them well for proper digestion and absorption. The effects usually begin within 30-60 minutes after ingestion and typically last 4-6 hours. Personally, I don’t like the taste, which is why I prefer the other two methods. However, for the first time, eating them is perfect.
2. Lemon Tek
Lemon Tek involves soaking ground mushrooms in lemon juice to enhance and accelerate the effects. You’ll need fresh lemons, a grinder or knife, and a small cup or glass.
First, grind or finely chop the mushrooms using a grinder or knife. Squeeze enough lemon juice to cover the mushrooms, preferably fresh lemon juice. Place the ground mushrooms in the lemon juice and let them soak for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. After soaking, drink the entire mixture, including the mushroom bits. Effects can start as quickly as 15-30 minutes and may be more intense but shorter in duration compared to eating them raw. I wouldn’t recommend this for the first time, as it significantly increases the intensity.
3. Mushroom Tea
Making tea from magic mushrooms is a popular method that can make the experience more pleasant and easier to digest. You'll need hot water, a teapot, a strainer or tea bag, and optionally, honey or another sweetener.
First, finely chop or grind the mushrooms. Boil water and let it cool slightly, as boiling water can degrade the psychoactive compounds, so let it cool for a few minutes. Place the mushrooms in the teapot and pour the hot (not boiling) water over them. Let them steep for 10-15 minutes. After steeping, strain the mushroom bits from the tea using a strainer or a tea bag. Pour the tea into a cup and add honey or another sweetener to improve the taste, if desired. Drink the tea slowly. Effects can start within 15-45 minutes and typically last 4-6 hours. This is a great method to avoid the taste and reduce nausea.
By following these methods and taking the necessary precautions, you can have a safer and more enjoyable experience.