Mushroom tea is the latest health trend, produced by steeping mushrooms or mushroom powder in hot water for several minutes and reaping many potential health benefits such as strengthening immunity and fighting off toxins.

Chaga mushroom water extracts stimulate splenic lymphocyte proliferation and enhance hematopoiesis recovery in chemically-suppressed mice, as well as activating natural killer cells that target abnormal cells.

Chaga

Chaga is a slow-growing, black mushroom found growing on birch trees in cold climates. It forms an intimate partnership with these trees, protecting against pathogens while helping heal any injuries that arise from pathogen invasion and wound repair. Chaga fungus has long been used as folk medicine and health food in numerous cultures around the world, with studies highlighting its antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and hypoglycemic properties as well as hypoglycemic potential. Chaga polysaccharide (IOPS) has been studied extensively as its most active bioactive compound due to its antitumor properties; researchers have studied its extraction, purification characterization biological activities; IOPS’ antitumor effects as well as antioxidant activity; suggesting it may aiding cancer treatments or treating type 2 diabetes treatments as a potential treatment method.

Chaga can help bolster immunity by stimulating white blood cells to attack viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, it reduces oxidative stress in the body and may help lower cholesterol levels; often combined with other supplements like lycopene or vitamin C for maximum effectiveness against free radical damage during healthy aging.

Studies on animals and human cells demonstrate the therapeutic value of Chaga in terms of suppressing tumor growth, inhibiting viral replication, reducing inflammation, causing cancer cells to self-destruct, thereby preventing their spread among other tumors. You can find Chaga in teas, capsules or tinctures; but as with all medicinal herbs it should always be discussed with a healthcare provider before beginning use.

Chaga mushroom can be an invaluable addition to your health regimen if you are dealing with inflammation from arthritis or an autoimmune disease, as its powerful anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate discomfort. Furthermore, its benefits also extend beyond anti-inflammation; in fact, its digestive health-promoting qualities make chaga an invaluable antidote that heals stomach ulcers as well as protecting livers against any issues they might cause.

Chaga mushrooms come in many forms, from whole dried pieces and capsules to powder and powder capsules. You can use it to make tincture (an alcohol-based solution made by soaking chaga for at least one week in high proof alcohol) and even foraging it yourself in local forests; just be sure that you know how to identify this mushroom before beginning!

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also referred to as deer mushroom or lingzhi in traditional Chinese medicine, is an ancient medicinal mushroom used to treat asthma, cough and liver problems in patients. Reishi is considered spiritual in its use and has long been linked with longevity. Along with its immunomodulatory effects and powerful antiviral activity, Reishi also acts as an effective hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent; its b-glucan constituents may help bolster innate immunity while increasing cell cytotoxicity when fighting opportunistic viral infections or malignancies occurring within healthy individuals.

Reishi is an effective antioxidant that can help your body resist oxidative stress, which is often the root of chronic diseases such as heart disease. Reishi contains compounds which provide cell protection and help lower oxidative stress such as triterpenes and ganoderic acid; furthermore it supports activities of enzymes which manage free radicals like superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes to effectively deal with harmful free radicals.

Reishi mushroom also supports your body into entering into a natural sleep cycle and enhances quality sleep, helping you wake up feeling rejuvenated. Reishi can improve cognitive function making concentration and focus easier while decreasing cortisol stress hormone to balance mood and prevent fatigue.

Reishi extract can be taken in powder or capsule form, with powder dosage ranging from 1.5-9 grams taken daily in two or three doses throughout the day, or capsule dosage typically being lower and convenient for taking as a supplement. However, taking too much reishi may increase bleeding risk when taken alongside herbs that reduce blood clotting such as aloe vera juice, bitter melons, cassia cinnamon or prickly pear cactus which all reduce clotting risk; children, pregnant or breastfeeding women or individuals taking other medicines must use under medical supervision reishi should use under medical supervision when taken alongside these medicines or diseases that prevent blood clotting such as aloe or bitter melons for example.

Reishi can cause side effects that are usually mild and short-lived. These side effects include digestive discomfort, increased risk of stomach ache and allergic reactions. Reishi is also known to act as an immune stimulant so it may not be suitable for those who already use strong immunity boosting supplements.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms have long been an essential element of East Asian cuisine, as well as being packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Not only are they low-caloric but they provide essential B vitamins, potassium, fibre, and cholesterol-reducing compounds such as polysaccharides such as Lentinan which stimulate white blood cell production to fight infections or tumours; furthermore shiitake mushrooms may even help prevent cardiovascular diseases as they help lower LDL cholesterol levels while improving circulation.

Studies conducted with people who consumed two dried shiitake mushrooms daily demonstrated increased immune function while their inflammation and antibody levels declined, as did inflammation levels. Shiitake may also help prevent age-related declines in immunity; one mice study revealed taking an extract of Shiitake helped reverse some of the decline seen due to polysaccharides known as Lentinan (12), potentially due to one of their polysaccharides known as Lentianan (12). Shiitake may even help inhibit cancer tumor growth with Lentinan also present within its contents (12).

When purchasing shiitake mushrooms, look for ones with firm and fresh appearances, without signs of dryness or shrivelling, which should have deep white gills. Brown or yellow patches indicate age; fresh and dried shiitake varieties both offer umami flavor; however dried varieties should be rehydrated in hot water prior to using so they remain properly hydrated for cooking purposes.

Eating undercooked shiitakes may result in itchy, skin rashes known as flagellate dermatitis, which appear as narrow strips on your skin and are caused by an absorbable substance called lentinan found within shiitakes, typically disappearing within 24 hours after eating cooked shiitakes.

Shiitake mushrooms contain an active hexose-correlated compound (AHCC). This extract from cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia has been proven to stimulate immune cells that help kill virus-infected and tumour cells.

Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a widely recognized mushroom with immune-enhancing benefits, touted to aid weight loss, improve immunity and decrease blood pressure. While research on Maitake may still be limited, evidence points towards its efficacy for improving immune systems and supporting weight loss; as well as being used medicinally against conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, HIV as well as stimulating immunity to fight cancer.

Researchers have recently identified beta-1,6-glucan as being responsible for Maitake’s immune-enhancing properties. The polysaccharide can be extracted from its fruiting body and mycelium for administration into patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, beta-1,6-glucan may inhibit tumor growth while simultaneously lowering their blood sugar levels.

One study demonstrated how oral maitake extract can boost cellular immunity in breast cancer patients while improving neutrophil and monocyte functions in those diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome – a blood cell disorder marked by abnormalities. The findings from this research study were published in Immunology and Cell Biology journal.

Maitake can be purchased in various forms, from dried powder and tincture to capsules and tablets. Dried maitake is commonly sprinkled onto foods or added to smoothies for an immune-boosting boost; while tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts derived by steeping ingredients in alcohol or glycerin and can be taken orally, added to beverages, or used as flavoring agents.

The appropriate dose of maitake for each person varies based on individual circumstances and intended purpose. As a general guideline, low dosage should be taken for short-term use while for serious conditions or desired outcomes, more may be required – it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider prior to beginning this supplement regimen.

Of note is anyone allergic to mushrooms. Furthermore, those with bleeding disorders should avoid taking this supplement since it could increase the risk of bleeding. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as people living with autoimmune disease should refrain from taking it due to potential interference with treatment.