The process involves steeping psilocybin-containing mushrooms in hot water to extract the psychoactive compounds. The resulting liquid, consumed as a beverage, offers an alternative to ingesting the dried mushrooms directly. This method typically involves chopping the mushrooms into smaller pieces, steeping them in hot, non-boiling water for a specified duration, and then straining the liquid to remove the solids before consumption.
This preparation method can offer certain advantages. Some individuals report a faster onset of effects and potentially reduced nausea compared to eating the mushrooms whole. The warm liquid can be soothing, and the taste, often cited as a deterrent to direct consumption, is often masked with added flavorings such as lemon, ginger, or honey. Historically, similar preparations have been used in various cultures where psychoactive mushrooms held spiritual or ceremonial significance.