Adaptogenic mushroom teas offer delicious health benefits beyond simply being tasty beverages. In fact, they work in tandem with other healing herbs like licorice root (for healing leaky gut), Himematsutake (also referred to as God’s mushroom due to the high level of protein blazein contained therein that has been proven to decrease cancer cells), Rhaponticum and others.

Pearl

Pearls can be found both in saltwater environments and fresh water environments in various species of bivalves (clams). Pearls form when an irritant lodges between an mantle lobe and shell, prompting it to secrete layers of nacre over it in imbricate or brick wall-like layers, then later reflecting light off its surface, with light reflecting off of that surface determining luster and orientation; pearls are graded according to color, luster, orientation, shape and size for sorting purposes.

Pearls differ from other gems in that their colors come not from pigments but from how the nacre platelets reflect and scatter light at submicroscopic levels, providing their signature iridescence. Their thickness determines its iridescence.

Adaptogenic teas, such as Pearl, can offer many health benefits including stress relief, mental clarity and adrenal support. By helping regulate the body’s stress response and improve focus without providing energy from caffeine sources alone, adaptogenic tea can provide many health advantages. To make an adaptogenic tea at home simply add one teaspoon of mushrooms and herbs from local farms into hot water in a cup, select ingredients with sustainable agriculture practices in mind (Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha or Reishi are excellent adaptogenic mushroom tea ingredients). Recommended adaptogenic mushroom tea ingredients include Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha or Reishi for maximum adaptogenic effect.

Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is another medicinal mushroom with potential immune-enhancing benefits, its beta-glucans exhibiting antitumor properties and potentially helping lower cholesterol. Animal studies suggest maitake may aid with type 2 diabetes; more research needs to be conducted with human patients before such claims can be verified.

Maitake mushrooms offer an earthy flavor that works well in many dishes. Mason Bresett, ND, an expert on functional medicine who specializes in mushrooms suggests sauteing or adding them to soups and stir-fries for best results.

Maitake mushrooms can be found both at supermarkets and specialty food stores such as natural grocery stores. You can use these mushrooms either in cooking applications or supplement form (capsule, liquid extract or powder form). Dried maitake mushrooms can even be found in spice aisles.

Maitake mushrooms are generally safe for most individuals; however, some individuals may find it hard to digest or cause nausea when trying to digest it. Therefore, it may be prudent to avoid it if you suffer from bleeding disorders or plan surgery; unfortunately there hasn’t been enough research to ascertain if maitake could interfere with any medications or supplements being taken by their patient; please discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider immediately.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps genus includes over 750 species and has been shown to possess many folk medicinal uses, pharmacological activities and potential bioactive compounds. Antitumor, immunomodulatory and other health properties demonstrated through in vitro studies have also been evidenced in its compounds. Cordyceps mushrooms are abundant throughout humid temperate and tropical forests worldwide and renowned for both their healing abilities as well as their unique ability to evade immune systems through various biological mechanisms.

Cordyceps was found to have direct cytotoxic effects against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and meth-A fibrosarcoma cells as well as Ehrlich lymphoma, B16 melanoma cells, HepG2 colorectal (Hep3B), breast, prostate, hepatocellular liver cancer cells (Wu, Zhang and Leung 2007a). Furthermore, its ethanol extract reversed Taxol’s suppressive effect on peripheral blood leukocyte count levels significantly improving overall survival (Wu, Zhang and Leung 2007b). Furthermore, its ethanol extract reversed this suppressive effect and significantly enhanced survival (Wu, Zhang and Leung 2007a).

Due to their rare and costly nature, most research on Cordyceps species is conducted using artificially cultured strains. Over 60% of published work focused on two specific species; C. sinensis and C. militaris. However, other species from this genus could provide useful bioactive leads that could aid drug discovery efforts.

Lion’s Mane

Today’s most widely taken supplements – from ginseng for stamina to ginkgo biloba for circulation support and lion’s mane mushrooms to enhance cognitive function – have their roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Hericium erinaceus, commonly referred to as the deer’s tongue mushroom or “lion’s mane mushroom”, has been extensively researched due to its health-promoting properties.

Preclinical experiments conducted on this mushroom have demonstrated its ability to decrease inflammation and biological markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease, while stimulating nerve growth factor production [1]. Small clinical trials using this herb have had mixed results when it comes to improving cognitive functioning; some showed positive outcomes while others did not [2]. Thus, larger, longer-duration and better controlled clinical trials must take place in humans in order to ascertain its effectiveness in humans.

Lion’s mane mushrooms are generally safe to consume as food and are sold as supplements, however some individuals may experience discomfort, bloating or nausea when taking this mushroom supplement. Furthermore, certain medications and medical conditions such as high blood sugar levels or autoimmune diseases could interact negatively with it and should also not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding periods.

Rhaponticum

Rhaponticum Carthamoides, more commonly known as maral root or rhaponticum, is an adaptogenic herb with rejuvenating and energizing properties. Its adaptogenic effects make it particularly helpful in relieving fatigue, stress and insomnia as well as helping treat chronic illnesses such as arthritis. Maral Root also supports skin health while strengthening immune response against environmental pollutants as well as protecting from oxidative damage. For optimal effectiveness pair it with herbs such as ginseng and holy basil to maximize rejuvenative effects of rejuvenating effects of maral Root’s rejuvenating effects.

Researchers conducted a recent research study assessing Rhaponticum’s effectiveness in an animal model of resistance exercise known to increase protein synthesis (MPS). Their results demonstrated that when combined together, Rhaponticum and Rhodiola increased climbing mechanical power significantly more than placebo; individual extracts had no such effects; this may be attributed to synergy created between their combined plant extracts being rich in phytoecdysteroids.

These phytoecdysteroids are polyhydroxylated ketosteroids with long carbon side-chains produced by plants and acting as ecdysteroid hormones in animals to regulate tissue growth, such as seeds, flowers, or young leaves. Ecdysteroid concentrations differ among species but often reach significant levels within certain tissues such as Leuzea nigricans seeds or Rhaponticum carthamoides roots.

Maca

Lepidium meyenii, more commonly known by its scientific name maca, is an Andean mountain plant native to central South America that has become a widely consumed energy-boosting superfood. Packed full of calcium, vitamin C, fatty acids and amino acids as well as plant sterols, glucosinolates and phytochemicals; (1) maca is considered a top superfood source. (1)

Studies have demonstrated the ability of maca to reduce benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Additionally, this plant contains compounds called glucosinolates which have been studied as possible agents against cancer risk in women (2).

Traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) uses this herb to alleviate menstrual symptoms and balance hormones while increasing energy and endurance in its patients (3). (3)

As a powder, this herb can be added to smoothies, chia pudding, acai bowls, soups and baked goods for consumption. It pairs particularly well with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and other adaptogenic roots such as rhodiola and ho shou yu for enhanced adaptogenic effects and its taste has been described by some people as caramel- or malty in nature. Furthermore, love potions often include this ingredient because its effects may increase sexual function.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is widely utilized as an ingredient for functional drinks and health products in China, Russia, Korea and some Western nations due to its antitumor, immunomodulating antioxidant properties as well as hypoglycemic and antilipidemic activities.

Chaga tea, traditionally drunk for centuries in Arctic and Nordic forests, is one of nature’s most powerful adaptogens. Packed with beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and betulinic acid – an impressive list – it helps promote immune health while providing stress resilience support.

Our Chaga Mushroom Tea Blend is packed with comforting spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg – the perfect blend to enjoy in a hot mug! Available both capsule and loose leaf form for your convenience – contact us now if you would like samples or more information!