Mushroom tea is a delectable brew prepared by steeping functional fungi such as reishi, lion’s mane or chaga mushrooms for several minutes in hot water. This popular beverage is said to improve energy, cognitive function and stress reduction levels while helping users relax more deeply during their day.

Some adaptogens come in powder form that can easily be mixed with soup recipes and smoothies, or dissolved into hot water to make an invigorating mushroom tea. Meanwhile, others come as capsules.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms have long been prized as health aids and considered one of the Queens of Mushroom Kingdom, or immortality mushrooms, due to their various health benefits. Also referred to as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi and recognized by its kidney-shaped cap with red-varnished finish, Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy against fatigue, coughs and lung problems as well as increasing longevity for over four millennia.

Reishi contains compounds that stimulate white blood cells – the immune system’s “killer” cells that attack foreign substances like bacteria – while its powerful antioxidant properties protect it from damage by neutralizing free radicals in your body.

Studies have demonstrated the ability of Reishi to help alleviate stress, fatigue and depression. Furthermore, its sedative properties allow it to promote healthier sleeping cycles and promote restful night’s rest. One research study on women suffering from fibromyalgia indicated that those taking Reishi extract experienced improved quality of life compared to placebo group members.

Reishi is generally considered safe; however, taking high doses may result in mild hepatitis, but usually self-limits quickly after discontinuation of use. Therefore, starting at lower dosage levels and gradually increasing them according to wellness goals should be undertaken.

Reishi can be taken in various forms, including powders and capsules. Doses for powder range between 1.5-9 grams daily in multiple dosages throughout the day or taken once in the morning and evening; for capsules, dosage may differ depending on brand of supplement chosen. Reishi should be avoided in cases of liver disease or those using anticoagulant medication or having bleeding disorders due to its potential effect of inhibiting clotting and increasing bleeding risk; any adverse reactions should be discontinued immediately and professional advice sought immediately.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), with its characteristic shaggy beard-like structure, has recently come into prominence due to several studies suggesting its beneficial properties for brain health; human studies are limited on this fungus’ effects though. Like other adaptogens like Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms, Lion’s Mane can help us manage stress better and is now joining other functional mushrooms such as Reishi in helping people better adapt.

Animal experiments show lion’s mane can improve both nerve health and cognitive performance, and three small clinical trials suggest lion’s mane may also help healthy adults improve their cognitive functions – one such trial included taking it for 16 weeks with positive trends being noted in their cognitive scores.

Hericenones and erinacines found in lion’s mane mushrooms are being investigated for their potential benefits to supporting nerve and brain health. Both substances can be found in its mycelia, threadlike roots which extend from its head.

These compounds may help stimulate neurons in the brain and promote neurogenesis – the formation of new nerve cells – as well as protect against neurodegeneration and decrease depression symptoms. Research also suggests lion’s mane may help protect against neurodegeneration as well as lessen depression effects.

Mushroom tea enthusiasts swear it can improve energy levels and support mental health, though scientists remain unclear as to how it works. “Ultimately,” according to Noelle Citarella MS RDN RDN of Buffalo Nutrition and Dietetics: “while some research may indicate the beneficial properties of certain herbs plants or mushrooms; there simply isn’t enough human evidence supporting them as treatments.”

To make mushroom tea, simply soak sliced or whole mushrooms in hot water for 10 minutes before straining the liquid and sweetening with honey or maple syrup as desired. You could also combine your mushroom tea with other herbal infusions like reishi and chaga for an enhanced experience, or incorporate low-acid varieties like lion’s mane mushrooms into recipes; Peak State Coffee founder Danny Walsh even incorporates low-acid versions like low-acid lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps into his high performance coffee blend for optimal performance!

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushroom tea is an established medicinal mushroom remedy known to improve immunity and cognitive functioning, while providing antioxidant protection from free radical damage. Furthermore, this tea’s high content of nutrients detoxify and purify both liver and kidneys simultaneously.

Dongchongxiacao or winter-worm summer-grass was first documented by Wang Ang in Ben Cao Bei Yao in 1694. This mushroom attacks certain types of insect larvae and transforms them into fruiting bodies that resemble caterpillars, giving this mushroom its distinctive taste and characteristic C shape.

Studies of cordyceps’ immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities in vitro have demonstrated its beneficial properties. Cordyceps has the ability to increase macrophage activity and natural killer cell activity while simultaneously inhibiting tumor growth, activating T cells more efficiently, lowering production of IgE by B lymphocytes, as well as directly acting against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, meth-A fibrosarcoma, B16 melanoma, and EL-4 lymphoma in mice while simultaneously increasing immune response responses against chemotherapy (Ng and Wang 2005).

Clinical studies have demonstrated the use of cordyceps can greatly strengthen immune functions, especially innate immunity. One such trial showed how Cs-4 cordyceps mycelia (JinShuiBao) significantly ameliorated renal transplant rejection among patients suffering from renal failure while simultaneously regulating hypoproteinemia and hyperlipidemia levels and supporting renal and hepatic functions in those suffering chronic hepatitis B infections and posthepatic cirrhosis.

Studies demonstrate the hepatoprotective potential of Cs-4, with studies showing its ability to decrease hepatitis B-related diseases among chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis patients, while increasing activity of hepatocytes – ultimately improving liver function and decreasing development of fibrosis (Ng & Wang 2005). Some have speculated that its beneficial properties may stem from improving blood circulation within the liver while simultaneously encouraging proliferation of normal hepatocytes (Ng & Wang 2005).

Chaga

Chaga mushroom is well known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and immune-enhancing properties. Additionally, chaga has been shown to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Commonly used as tea additive, powder capsules, or tincture is also available.

Chaga mushroom contains powerful antioxidants that may contribute to healthy cell function and help protect against disease, such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels, cancer and other illnesses. Studies have also demonstrated its ability to strengthen immunity systems and boost heart health, helping combat symptoms associated with depression like anxiety or mood swings.

Chaga extract has been found to effectively inhibit oral cancer cell tumor growth. It did this by altering cell metabolism through changes to glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential that resulted in decreased ATP levels resulting in autophagy and stoppage of division; additionally it activated AMPK signaling while dephosphorylating STAT3 which caused its demise and ultimately led to apoptosis.

Results of this research demonstrate the significance of chaga in treating oral cancer and other malignancies, including colon cancer. Its antitumor and immunopotentiating properties may help prevent or treat cancer by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, supporting repair processes within cells, and decreasing proinflammatory mediator production.

Chaga can make an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It can be consumed either as tea or as a supplement; however, before making this addition to your regimen, always consult with a physician first as this herb could have adverse side effects or interact with medications you’re currently taking.

Mushrooms have been around for centuries and used as natural remedies for various health conditions for millennia. Today they are an integral part of many diets; studies have linked mushrooms with numerous health benefits ranging from cardiovascular disease prevention and cancer therapy therapy, to stress relief, increased energy levels and mental clarity maintenance. Quantum Leaf’s Rise Adaptogenic Mushroom Tea offers just such an option to start each day off right!