Hi grollum.
Eating before is ok, but as I understand it, any food in your stomach will lower the max concentration of psilocybin in your brain since it will take longer to get into the blood stream. This is what I've heard, not sure though.
If hunger is a big issue for you, the herbs you use in the mushroom tea may help. Green tea contains capsaicin which should help the feeling of hunger. There is also an interesting plant, carralluma fimbriata that may be useful for hunger issues. You mentioned throat pain, I have found that Marshmallow plant tea is very soothing when I a get sore throat.
In my particular case I add lemon balm and ginger as my preferred herbs for my magic tea. I find they calm my mind and stomach and help with the set and setting. They also give the tea a great flavor. I've also wanted to add Valerian, but I have not been able to grow this plant yet. These herbs are not what I always use, but lately they are my favorite.
You can also try to make teas without the mushroom. Mix different herbs and see how they affect you. We are all different and exploring a personal relationship with medicinal herbs a can be very rewarding. Use these learnings when it is time to make the magical tea.
I hope you find something that works or helps. There is a lot of synergy to be found in nature, and ultimately the mushrooms can themselves be considered another herbal ingredient. The Changa combo is well know by nexians, what else is there out there?
The herbal book I recommend is "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook A Home Manual", by James Green. Everything a beginner needs to know yet deep in knowledge. If focuses on a few key plants (and one mushroom
so you really get to know them).
One thing to keep in mind is that while natural herbs are very safe there could be rare interactions with combinations. St. John's Wort has some questions around it for example (read
this). I don't want to overly concern you, just be mindful that these natural plants can be powerful and read about them, especially if you try the newer or esoteric plants. Good old green tea, lemon balm, marshmallow, and ginger are very safe for example and could be a good starting point for you. Try them without mushrooms first and get to know them if interested in them.
I wish you safe and pleasant travels brother.