Psilocybin mushrooms sometimes cause nausea as a side effect, especially after consumption. Nausea is frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and stomach cramps. But why is this occurrence so common? One word – Chitin.
Chitin is broken down when mushrooms are cooked, therefore it’s probably the reason why we don’t feel nauseous after eating delicious gourmet mushrooms. However, high heat can degrade psychoactive compounds found in magic mushrooms, therefore cooking them is not the best option. Luckily, there are ways how you can be less nauseous without diminishing the potency of your mushrooms.
Let’s explore the best way how you can combat the nausea and enjoy your trip!
A polymer called chitin can be found in the cell walls of insects, fungi, and other living things, including shellfish. Even though chitin is a naturally occurring substance in many living forms and is commonly found in human diets, taking too much of it can have negative consequences on the body, especially when magic mushrooms are involved. Chitin causes difficulties for the human digestive system and can cause irritation of the digestive tract when consumed too much can lead to symptoms like upset stomach, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
When it comes to psilocybin mushrooms, avoiding certain aspects of the breakdown process beforehand can help reduce the stress on the digestive system. Some people, for instance, choose to dry the mushrooms and grind them into a powder in advance. When it comes time to eat them, brewing tea with powdered mushrooms in warm water is a much gentler method than eating the mushrooms as a whole.
The sole process of grinding mushrooms into a powder can help bypass the mechanical breakdown of chitin, reducing stress on the digestive system. The powdered mushroom is then steeped in hot water for up to 25 minutes to extract the psilocybin into the solution.
By adding this simple extra step to the preparation of your psychedelic dose, you can reduce some of the gastrointestinal strain and, in turn, lessen the chance that you will become nauseous. If you are wondering how to create such tea, here are 7 Amazing Magic Mushroom Tea Recipes you must try!
A common technique for preparing magic mushrooms is lemon tekking, which is well known for its ability to enhance psilocybin’s effects while lowering the risk of nausea. This technique involves soaking the mushrooms in lemon juice or citric acid, aiming to accelerate the conversion of psilocybin into psilocin, the compound responsible for the psychedelic effects.
There are not a lot of scientific studies clarifying Lemon Tek’s mechanism of action, but an abundance of anecdotal reports indicate that it is useful in reducing nausea. Grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder helps break down the chitinous flesh of the mushroom and eases the strain on the stomach. To further simulate the acidic environment of digestion, soak the powdered mushroom in lemon juice. Interestingly, lemon juice’s pH closely matches the stomach’s, which allows psilocybin to be converted into psilocin outside of the body.
If you never heard about this method of preparing psilocybin mushrooms we got you covered with our Ultimate Guide on How to Lemon Tek.
This is the simplest way to consume magic mushrooms for a lot of people. Take your dose of the mushroom and chew it for no less than half an hour before swallowing. Chewing the mushrooms longer than simply swallowing them starts the digestive process early on. The extra grinding and saliva exposure help to break down chitin by increasing the activity of the enzyme chitinase.
Unlike the slight chewing and swallowing, extended chewing of the mushrooms not only helps reduce nausea but also allows people to experience a rapid onset of effects.
In addition to its many other therapeutic uses, ginger has long been known for its strong antiemetic qualities. Notably, ginger is thought to be a safe and effective treatment for feelings of nausea and vomiting since it efficiently combats these symptoms.
Ginger tea, ginger sweets, and ginger capsules are just a few of the ways that ginger can be consumed. Chewing little pieces of raw ginger without the peel is another alternative for reducing nausea caused by psilocybin mushrooms.
During a psychedelic trip, some triggers can exacerbate nausea symptoms. Because of this increased sensitivity when in an altered state of mind, even the slightest whiff might cause happiness or discomfort. Controlling exposure to possible triggers is simpler in a controlled setting. It’s crucial to remember, though, that strong smells and particular patterns of vision can also increase nausea.
Furthermore, taking a steady position, such as lying down or just relaxing, may assist in easing discomfort. Even while moving about can occasionally assist ease of uncomfortable feelings, it’s best to stay motionless until the dizziness passes.
Physical discomfort can be a symptom of anxiety, paranoia, and stress. It might not be known for those who are lucky enough never to have had a panic attack just how closely nausea and anxiety are related. When unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, don’t go away, try lying down, being still, breathing deeply, and accepting the moment as it is. Some breathing techniques may help combat the nausea. Our article about Microdosing and Breathwork covered a couple of them.
When it comes to psilocybin use, we encourage people to discover their own personalized approach. There is no universal method that suits everyone. Each person is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Nausea can sometimes go beyond creating a perfect set and setting. Although it’s a frequent side effect, it’s important to know that it might negatively affect your ideal psychedelic experience.
The good news is that you may counteract this nausea by being well-prepared and using the right remedies. We’ve listed strategies you should think about to maximize the psilocybin experience while lowering the possibility of experiencing nausea or vomiting. Now it’s up to you to experiment and explore the psychedelic realm!
