Psilocybin Mushrooms

Chemistry

Psilocybin is a tryptamine compound with a chemical structure containing an indole ring linked to an ethylamine substituent. It is chemically related to the amino acid tryptophan, and is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Psilocybin is a member of the general class of tryptophan-based compounds that originally functioned as antioxidants in earlier life forms before assuming more complex functions in multicellular organisms, including humans.

Psilocybin is an alkaloid that is soluble in water, methanol and aqueous ethanol, but insoluble in organic solvents like chloroform and petroleum ether. Exposure to light is detrimental to the stability of aqueous solutions of psilocybin, and will cause it to rapidly oxidize. So remember to never let your Mushroom products be exposed to the light!

Preparation

Psilocybin Mushrooms are generally prepared as a Tea or dried and grounded to be placed in smoothies or vitamin capsules for micro-dosing. Cold ice water extraction will create a traditional “Blue Juice”. Mushrooms can also be soaked in a alcohol mixture to extract the psilocybin present in the Caps and Stems.

Effects

Psilocybin can induce states of consciousness that have lasting personal meaning and spiritual significance. A wide range of subjective effects may be experienced including, feelings of disorientation, lethargy, giddiness, euphoria, joy, and depression. A user can expect a mixed range of emotions varying from extremely happy and blissful to paranoid and panicked. Visual and auditory hallucinations will occur 25-45 mins after ingesting. Peak effects will be felt typically by the 3rd hour after ingestion.

Set & Setting

Probably the most important when consuming psilocybin. Always choose a safe place to prepare and consume the psilocybin. Typically a place to have privacy and not be startled or surprised by any unexpected guests. A place you feel comfortable and are able to fully relax and let the medicine take you. Some choose to have a “Trip Sitter” or friend near by to serve you in times of need and to keep you from hurting yourself or others.

Dosing

Psilocybin mushrooms are generally eaten in their whole, dried form and most people agree they don’t taste great. To mask the flavor, some people brew the mushrooms into a tea, put them in Nutella or peanut butter, blend them a juice or smoothie, or grind them up and put them into capsules. Each of these ways will have a slightly different effect. Drinking a mushroom tea, for example, will bring on the effects faster than eating them; swallowing capsules will make the effects come on a little later.

A typical trip on a moderate dose of psilocybin mushrooms (1-2.5g) includes an increased intensity of emotional experiences, increased introspection, and altered psychological functioning

Integration

Integration of the experience will increase the overall therapeutic benefits. Working with a trained psychotherapist to learn how to integrate the psychedelic experience into ones everyday life is vital in the healing process.