Magic mushrooms have long been associated with various psychoactive effects that may last for hours or days after consumption, depending on various factors like mushroom species used, method of ingestion and individual metabolism. A popular way of taking magic mushrooms is boiling them and drinking the resulting tea; many users report this method amplifies their experience while making its effects more potency psychedelic.

Though psychoactive mushrooms can be identified without their signature blue hue, their signature hue has become an easily recognizable sign of psilocybin potency. Foragers have also used other characteristics of mushrooms as indicators of potency; relying solely on its use can be dangerous since it’s not always accurate; non-psychoactive bruise blue mushrooms may share this feature, and deadly Galerina species don’t contain psilocybin and may prove fatal if consumed.

Why mushrooms turn blue is still unknown, although oxidation may play a part. Oxidation breaks down psilocybin into chemicals that eventually form blue pigmentation; however, the process itself involves multiple stages and molecules; an innovative 2019 study provided insight into this complex transformation by showing how psilocylin plays an essential part.

Interesting findings show that psilocylin can form on its own even without the presence of psilocin, and then interacts with phenol oxidase enzymes to polymerize and form blue pigment molecule chains deposited onto mushrooms as their signature blue hue.

One theory suggests that this oxidation process occurs when mushrooms are damaged or handled improperly, such as cutting them open or boiling them, which releases large quantities of psilocylin into the air, where it interacts with oxygen to initiate its blueing reaction. This mechanism is similar to why cut apples and avocados turn brown when exposed to similar chemical interactions that cause their skins to oxidize and produce brown pigments.

Fungi that live on mushrooms could release substances that bind and block the action of psilocybin on serotonin receptors in the brain, thus preventing its desired effects and leading to bruised effects as a result; this theory has yet to be scientifically evaluated.

In any event, to ensure that your magic mushroom tea is both safe and effective, proper storage is absolutely crucial. This includes making sure it’s completely dry before use to extend its lifespan and reduce risk of contamination. In addition, conducting regular inspections on mushroom-infused products can detect any signs of mold or rot that could pose potential hazards when consumed directly.