Functional mushrooms like chaga, reishi and lion’s mane have become increasingly popular as health-promoting tea ingredients. They help promote balance by alleviating stress, anxiety and fatigue while supporting mental wellbeing.

Preparations can range from loose-leaf blends, bagged tea and extract powders. Standardised extract powders are heat-stable and ideal for hot or cold beverages; whole mushroom teas require steeping to release their water-soluble compounds.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an edible fungus that thrives on living trunks of birch trees in cold regions of North America and Siberia, and is prized for its healing properties by native peoples of both Arctic and Northern Europe for centuries. Today, commercial cultivation continues as extract and supplement sales abound; additionally it can also be added into various beverages including tea, coffee, chai or even iced oatmeal drinks!

Chaga tea can be prepared much like other forms of black or rooibos teas and has an earthy, robust flavor with subtle dark roast coffee hints. It provides an enjoyable balanced tasting experience without leaning toward bitter, sour or sweet sensations.

Chaga provides a natural caffeine-free alternative to coffee and has been shown to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, aid cancer treatments and have anti-inflammatory properties. Chaga contains betulinic acid which has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth while at the same time protecting against oxidative stress and increasing immune system functioning.

Chaga tea offers an interesting balance between burnt blister and woody cork flavors that makes it an increasingly popular beverage option. This appealing taste makes chaga an irresistibly flavorful beverage choice.

Chaga may not be suitable for everyone and those suffering from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure should consult their naturopathic doctor prior to taking supplements or tea made from it to ensure it’s appropriate for them and that they take an adequate dosage. Chaga also contains high amounts of oxalate content which could interfere with kidney function.

For beginners to medicinal mushrooms, Reishi should be your starting point before moving onto Chaga which has more researched benefits. Chaga comes in different forms including whole dried pieces, powder, capsules and tinctures – so experiment and find your favorites!

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), is an attractive red to orange mushroom with lacquer-like texture, popular among mycophiles who enjoy keeping its fruiting bodies as decorative accents. Mycophiles cherish Ganoderma lucidum’s appearance.

Reishi strengthens immunity, improving overall wellness and decreasing illness risk. This effect can be attributed to beta-glucans and polysaccharides found in mushrooms; they help increase natural defenses against tumor growth by stimulating natural defense mechanisms within your body while inhibiting tumor development. For cancer patients specifically, Reishi may increase white blood cell activity to aid their fight against tumors.

Studies suggest Reishi can reduce stress and enhance sleep quality. This effect is attributed to its adaptogenic properties which assist the body with dealing with stressors and emotional balance. Furthermore, Reishi was shown to increase levels of cytokines which help manage inflammation reactions.

Studies conducted in 2019 discovered that Reishi polysaccharides could enhance the activity of enzymes which manage harmful free radicals and protect against damage caused by environmental factors like pollution. This discovery is especially significant, since free radical damage is one of the primary contributors to aging and disease.

Reishi is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent addition to skincare routines that include antioxidants. Reishi can help soothe irritation, inflammation and hyperpigmentation within the skin. This herbaceous plant makes an excellent addition to any daily skin care regime!

Reishi can be taken in either powder or extract form, with capsules and tablets being the most commonly consumed forms, which can then be mixed into beverages or foods. Liquid extracts are another popular way of taking this superfood supplement, though starting off on low doses and gradually increasing it over time depending on wellness goals and individual responses is recommended. When taking Reishi supplements for prolonged periods, liver function should also be closely monitored, especially those taking other medications as this could alter them significantly; other individuals have reported allergic reactions so consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements is important to ensure optimal results and success!

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom with a unique shaggy appearance resembling that of a lion’s mane, long prized for supporting nerve health and the nervous system – however recent preclinical research indicates it may reduce biological markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease, support memory retention, and promote mental clarity.

Studies conducted in laboratory settings demonstrate that hericenones and erinacines, compounds present in lion’s mane mushrooms, stimulate production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), an essential protein necessary for brain cell health and regeneration. Furthermore, this substance may enhance spatial memory – the type of long-term memory which recalls objects’ locations relative to each other – while improving spatial memory as a form of long-term recalling memory that involves remembering locations of objects and their relationships between one another.

One small clinical trial revealed that taking lion’s mane supplements for 12 weeks improved performance on a test of visual memory,3 however the improvement did not last once the treatment period concluded, suggesting further studies are necessary to ascertain its impact in people living with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.

Lion’s mane is known for its neuroprotective properties and contains beta-glucans which act as fuel for beneficial bacteria in your gut and maintain a healthy balance. Furthermore, this plant offers vitamin B1, B2 and B3 as well as potassium manganese and zinc – making it a fantastic nutritional resource.

Lion’s mane can be purchased fresh, dried, and in supplement form such as powder, liquid or capsule form. Additionally, it may be found as an ingredient in functional drinks or protein bars.

Though further clinical research must be completed to establish its effects, lion’s mane appears to be safe and effective at supporting memory, focus and anxiety. If you have any reservations about trying any new supplements, always check with a licensed dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), who can ensure they are appropriate for you. You should also be mindful of potential interactions between prescription medicines you are taking (especially anticoagulants, blood thinners or immunosuppressant drugs) and taking lion’s mane for longer than eight weeks at once.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are culinary chameleons, adapting easily to whatever they’re cooked with in terms of taste and texture. Aside from adding bold umami notes to dishes, these mushrooms also boast significant health benefits including anti-inflammatory benefits as well as immune system support.

Shiitake mushrooms hail from East Asia but can now be found across temperate climates worldwide, including North America. Popularly used as an ingredient in various dishes ranging from soups and stews to meatloaf and stir fries, Shiitakes are low in calories, sodium and fat while providing essential B vitamins, potassium and iron nutrients.

As with other mushrooms, Shiitakes contain beta-glucans which stimulate the immune system. Furthermore, they are packed with dietary fiber and antioxidants which make them a healthy addition to any diet; in addition, their low sodium content makes them an excellent protein source.

Shiitake mushrooms can be found year-round in stores, either fresh or dried, as well as powder, tincture, gummies and drops forms. *

Mushrooms are unique in that they produce vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight. Because this makes them one of the few natural food sources of this essential nutrient, consuming raw fungi (particularly edible varieties) should provide sufficient amounts.

Shiitake mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory agents called Lentinan that can activate white blood cells to fight infections by attacking pathogens*. Shiitake’s Lentinan content provides anti-inflammatory benefits.*

Shitake mushrooms have also been shown to boost immune function, regulate blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels.*

Looking to add fresh or dried Shiitake mushrooms to your next dish? Head to either your farmers market or supermarket – these popular mushrooms use recycled water and waste from cultivation in closed loop systems for optimal cultivation practices, making it easier for you to purchase locally.

To achieve optimal results when cooking shiitake mushrooms, use medium heat. Too low may cause too much water to release, leaving rubbery mushroom caps; too high and you risk burning them before they’re fully done cooking. Be sure to save any of their soaking liquid for use as an amazing base in soups or noodles dishes!