Mushroom tea has quickly become an alternative to more conventional herbal infusions like green and black teas, not just among coffee enthusiasts but also those looking for something different.

Medicinal mushrooms such as chaga and cordyceps have long been recognized for their immune-enhancing benefits.

Chaga is sustainably harvested in Siberian birch tree forests, drawing particular interest due to its polysaccharides which may provide health-related benefits.

Medicinal Properties

Health benefits of tea are widely acknowledged, yet its newest iteration may come as a surprise: mushroom tea. This infusion consists of non-Camellia sinensis herbs and spices (black, green, oolong and pu-erh) combined to produce synergistic effects; then infusing in water before drinking to support immune function as well as promote vitality and detoxify the body.

Mushrooms contain numerous phytochemicals, including polysaccharides and polyphenols. These substances have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects; in fact, some research indicates they also help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels as well as decrease cardiovascular disease risk and cancer risks.

Traditional Eastern cultures have a long history of using medicinal mushrooms in tea form as herbal medicine, often for religious or ceremonial reasons. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” can be consumed to promote longevity and increase immunity; typically this tea preparation uses Kombu Seaweed which contains minerals to extract its beneficial compounds from within the mushroom.

Other medicinal mushrooms used in teas include lion’s mane, turkey tail and cordyceps mushrooms – known as adaptogens that help the body cope with stress and restore equilibrium – that have also been noted as potential improvers for mental clarity and exercise performance.

Chaga is another medicinal mushroom that can be made into tea for consumption, traditionally to boost immune function and ward off infections. More recently, animal and lab studies suggest chaga may prevent cancer as well as lower high blood pressure, arthritis pain and increase energy. Although these claims require further confirmation through clinical trials.

Many companies today are taking advantage of the health properties of mushrooms to produce innovative blends with other tea ingredients. Sayan Tea Company for instance harvests wild chaga from remote Siberian Birch Tree forests away from human pollution before roasting and processing to ensure maximum nutrient absorption – creating high-quality mushroom tea ingredients with which many varieties can be created.

Flavors

Mushroom tea enthusiasts claim the flavorful beverage can increase energy, improve cognitive function and even offer adaptogenic properties – but is this latest tea trend living up to its promises? We consulted experts, including registered dietitians, in order to put this assertion to the test.

Mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants and other vital nutrients, including those known to support immunity and reduce inflammation. While mushroom tea can provide additional health benefits, taking too much can cause imbalance in your body as well as side effects like nausea, diarrhea or fatigue.

Some mushrooms can be harmful. To protect yourself from possible problems with mushrooms, the key is eating only organically grown varieties and avoiding those treated with pesticides and herbicides. Also be sure to read labels to make sure all the ingredients are safe as well as provide sufficient dosage of mushroom for individual health needs.

Reishi, lion’s mane and chaga teas are among the most beloved mushroom teas, providing adaptogens, anti-inflammatories and antioxidants all rolled into one. Reishi boasts bitter, tree bark flavors that pair nicely with Chai spices; research indicates it can reduce stress while increasing longevity and even helping treat cancer.

Lion’s Mane is an adaptogen known for reducing inflammation and strengthening immune functions. With a fruity citrus taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying, it may even improve mental clarity while simultaneously decreasing fatigue and indigestion symptoms.

Chaga is a potency antioxidant and adaptogen found on hardwood trees found throughout Russia, Korea, Japan, and the US cold forests. Commonly referred to as the Herb of Kings or Gift from God by indigenous Siberians for centuries – Chaga can fight infections while showing promise as helping with autoimmune disorders; more research needs to be conducted in this regard.

Nokcha (Korean green tea), another popular type of mushroom tea, can be made using nonoxidized leaves and classified depending on when and how the leaves were plucked – typically either before rain arrives (known as pre-rain in Chinese), sejak (Xi Que – “thin sparrow”) and jungjak (Zhong Qian – medium sparrow). Nokcha can be served hot or iced and sweeteners added for more flavor!

Preparation

Mushroom tea has quickly become a hot trend, with fans touting its energy-boosting and cognitive function-supportive properties. Mushroom tea can be made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water to produce a savory brew that looks and tastes unique from coffee or grassy green tea brews. Mushrooms used include Reishi, Lion’s Mane and superfood Chaga varieties – among many others.

Ancient cultures across East Asia developed sophisticated ways of preparing medicinal mushrooms, with Reishi tea being perhaps the most well-known example. Also known as Lingzhi in Chinese, many individuals drink this tea daily as part of a plan to promote longevity and increase spiritual awareness (or “shen”). Reishi powder mixed with water is used for preparation while long brewing times may be required in order to extract its compounds effectively.

Indigenous populations in the Pacific Northwest developed a preparation using puffball mushrooms (Fomitopsis betulina). This tea, known as Agarikon, is commonly used to treat respiratory conditions and provide general immune tonic benefits. Powdered Agarikon allows it to dissolve quickly into hot water compared to whole Agarikon that requires lengthy brewing times in other mushroom teas for full extraction of active compounds.

Eastern European forests have long been home to longstanding traditions of mushroom hunting and preparation, including chaga tea – revered in traditional Russian medicine for its immune-supportive properties. Sayan sources its sustainable chaga harvest from wild birch trees using far-infrared roasting technology and proprietary far-infrared roasting processes in order to optimize nutrient content, according to company information.

Korean pine mushrooms have long been revered for both their culinary and medicinal uses, and this tea combines these properties in an easy to use package. Sterile inoculation with cordyceps mycelia enhances nutritional content before drying and roasting for optimal nutrient absorption. Kombu seaweed adds minerals while caraway seeds promote digestive health – the result is an exquisite herbal blend with its own distinctive flavor profile, perfect for sipping alone or creating other medicinal herbal recipes.

Storage

The supply chain for mushroom tea can be complex, and its quality varies widely. Some brands rely on wild, sustainably collected mushrooms like Chaga harvested from remote forests for their product, while others cultivate their own fungi to ensure consistent quality with every batch produced.

Hanyeoul Bio Valley of Korea grows its fungus on farms situated in some of Yeoncheon county’s cleanest environments, producing their products in a state-of-the-art facility that has received HACCP and ISO certifications. Their offerings include Sanghwang mushroom liquid tea, Geumbit Farm Lingzhi Powder Tea and Korea Lingzhi Mushroom Extract called Herb of External Youth that can all be mixed into water to create tea drinks with 1 or 2 doses for optimal taste – sweeteners may even add further.