Kick start your morning with the power of mushrooms with Sevenhills Wholefood’s Organic 7 Mushroom Blend powder from Sevenhills Wholefood. Packed full with lion’s mane, turkey tail, cordyceps, shiitake maitake and chaga for optimal performance, it makes an ideal caffeine-free cup!

To best extract flavor and nutrients, prepare this tea by simmering in water for 20 minutes in order to form a decoction (simmering under low heat for this amount of time). This ensures maximum extraction.

1. Reishi

Reishi mushrooms, commonly referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” or the “elixir of life,” have long been revered for their health-giving benefits. Reishi has been used by ancient cultures and modern researchers alike as an aid for strengthening immunity, improving sleep patterns, mental wellbeing and even decreasing cancer risks – yet despite these claims this powerful fungus still isn’t an all-in-one cure.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) belongs to the Ganodermataceae family of mushrooms, alongside turkey tail mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), maitake hen-of-the-wood (Grifola purpurea) and maitake shiitake (Lentinula edodes). Reishi’s woody texture comes from complex polysaccharides like beta-glucans and chitin (like those found in insects’ exoskeletons or crustacean shells); these complex compounds can prove difficult for our digestive systems to break down.

Lab studies demonstrate the power of Reishi to stimulate white blood cell activity, helping destroy tumors and abnormal cells more effectively; however, human research on its efficacy remains scarce.

Reishi can provide relief for chronic fatigue syndrome. This widespread but poorly understood condition causes people to feel tired even after sufficient rest; scientists do not fully understand its cause, although hormone imbalances and stress could play a part.

Some studies suggest reishi supplements may help manage high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, although more evidence must be accumulated and other supplements may prove more effective for treating such conditions.

This recipe for two is created from Reishi mushroom extract, adaptogen ashwagandha and raw Peruvian cacao for maximum health benefits and taste! Enjoy it hot or chilled as part of a healthy lifestyle to combat stress while supporting restful sleep, mood balance and energy levels.

2. Chaga

Chaga fungus grows on birch trees in cold climates like Russia, Alaska, Northern Europe and Canada. Revered for its immune-enhancing qualities and adaptogenic effects – helping your body adapt to internal and external stressors – Chaga is known as “The King of Mushrooms.”

Beta-glucans, a group of polysaccharides that boost immunity, are present. Furthermore, betulinic acid has been found in high concentration and may help inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

Traditional uses for chaga involved its use as a tea, which was believed to increase longevity and overall body health. More recent research indicates that it can even help treat cancer – specifically squamous cell carcinoma – by inhibiting precancerous cells growth and slowing their spread.

Chaga’s immune-supportive compounds can be extracted from its fungus via hot water extraction, also known as decoction. This method involves simmering blocklike pieces of the fungus in multiple quarts of water in order to extract its soluble components and preserve them for consumption.

Chaga extract can be found either as powder or tincture and taken orally; its bitter taste may also be reduced with other herbs mixed into tea. For optimal performance, look for forms that contain iso-beta-D-glucans, betulinic acid and polyphenols – the active compounds responsible for supporting immunity and decreasing inflammation within the body. When selecting formulas made from Chaga, look for formulas harvested under ideal conditions – at least 200-300 kilometers away from any human settlements and without woody mushroom substitutes present – for maximum effectiveness!

3. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus (hedgehog mushroom or bearded tooth fungus), is increasingly appearing in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages. You’ll find it in mushroom coffees, mushroom hot cocoa, and mushroom spice blends for adding flair to food dishes. The tea offers mild seafood-like notes that pair perfectly with spices like turmeric and ginger; plus its mild seafood-esque taste complements other flavors well in sauteeing, soups or egg dishes!

Lion’s mane was once used by Buddhist monks to improve their meditation sessions, and more recently it has been studied as a potential means to promote cognitive function and prevent brain decline. Initial animal model tests suggest H. erinaceus could reduce inflammation while stimulating nerve cell growth and stimulating neurogenesis.

Anti-inflammatory effects and potential antioxidant effects have been studied extensively; research is still in progress.

Another benefit of eating it is its role in supporting a healthy digestive tract. Ginger has long been used to treat certain digestive conditions, including stomach ulcers. Furthermore, studies have revealed its ability to combat infections such as Helicobacter pylori which cause gastric discomfort, bloating, and weight loss.

Tea can be easily prepared with any type of hot water and requires minimal preparation time. Aim to prepare a cup with temperatures at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit as this temperature allows most cells in your body to thrive and function normally.

Look for brands of lion’s mane powder with third-party laboratory analysis, transparent extraction processes, and 100% lion’s mane fruiting bodies. Mushroom Revival stands out as an exceptional provider, using trusted growing practices, sustainable harvesting, water AND alcohol extracts for maximum medicinal benefit – we highly recommend their brand!

4. Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are among the world’s most widely cultivated cultivated varieties, boasting incredible nutritional values that make them ideal for adding umami flavor to broths and sauces. Furthermore, this edible variety boasts powerful medicinal properties including anticancer agents AHCC compound and bone strengthening Vitamin D.

To maximize the flavor and aroma of shiitake mushrooms, cook them whole or cut in slices – but beware the woody stems, as they may be difficult to chew! Once they’re cooked, their aroma and flavors will come alive to create an irresistibly full-bodied experience.

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their delicious taste and ability to both reduce inflammation and enhance immunity, making it a valuable ingredient in Chinese medicine for treating colds and flu. Furthermore, their rich content of polysaccharides helps balance energy levels within the body as well as relieve stress.

To prepare a cup of shiitake tea for two people, boil mushrooms with water in a pot until tender, strain out and pour the liquid into cups, and drink as needed to help soothe symptoms. Shiitake can also be made into tincture by placing mushrooms and liquid in mason jar; once cool remove shiitake from liquid and strain out any residue.

Shiitake’s polysaccharides have been shown to effectively reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage, making this mushroom associated with longevity and vitality in Asia. Furthermore, this powerhouse boasts abundant vitamin D levels which may stimulate skin renewal and increase elasticity.

5. Maitake

Maitake (Griffola frondosa) mushrooms have garnered much deserved recognition due to their potential health benefits and delicious umami flavor. Also referred to as hen of the woods, cloud mushroom, dancing mushroom and king of mushrooms – they have long been used throughout Asia but now gaining increasing attention in Western culture as well.

Maitake shares similar properties to reishi, turkey tail, and lion’s mane mushrooms; its antioxidant effects come from its high concentration of anti-inflammatory beta-glucans and polysaccharides that have shown immune boosting effects. Maitake can also act as an adaptogen by naturally relieving stress from within your body.

Fresh maitake mushrooms can easily be found at farmers markets and stores. When purchasing them, look for specimens with firm texture that have rich brown hue. Avoid those that feel slimy when touched; to maintain freshness they should be stored in paper bags in the fridge for up to five days before using as ingredients in recipes such as stews and soups.

For an herbal tea experience, simply steep dried maitake mushrooms in hot water for 5-15 minutes to extract their benefits as a tea or combine with other medicinal mushrooms to form an herbal blend. They contain protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, phosphorus and potassium as well as fiber to support our beneficial gut bacteria.

Maitake’s immune-enhancing and insulin regulating properties make it an excellent way to support both weight management and healthy glucose levels, while simultaneously strengthening immunity against autoimmune conditions, cancer, allergies, hay fever and chronic fatigue syndrome.