Properly prepared mushroom teas release earthy flavors and many of their beneficial properties into boiling water, elevating this health trend into functional medicine.

Teas made with mushrooms combined with other medicinal herbs and spices may produce specific results. For instance, using Lion’s Mane with Cordyceps to boost energy while improving mood and mental clarity could be used as part of such an infusion.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms–commonly known as the “mushroom of immortality” or lingzhi–have long been used as part of traditional Asian medicine, thought to nourish heart health, strengthen immunity, and promote long-term wellbeing. Reishi contains numerous active compounds including polysaccharides and triterpenoids which may contribute to its healing properties.

Reishi has been shown to have adaptogenic properties, meaning it can help the body resist physical, chemical and biological stressors. Furthermore, it has been linked to improved mental health and may assist with sleep improvement; further studies are necessary on this point.

Reishi contains anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating properties that may help those living with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Furthermore, its potential antiviral properties and potential hepatoprotective benefits could support cardiovascular system health – as well as being effective against cancerous tumors. Reishi has even been used for treating high blood pressure, respiratory illnesses and some forms of cancer.

Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidant properties that may help prevent oxidative damage to cells and DNA, so its consumption in moderation should be undertaken for maximum results. While pregnant and breastfeeding women can find many potential advantages from reishi mushroom use, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it as it increases the risk of bleeding as well as interact with certain medications that might interfere.

Like with most supplements, it’s wise to consult a healthcare practitioner prior to taking Reishi mushroom supplements. A doctor can assist in determining an appropriate dosage and provide any answers about this powerful natural health tool.

Research indicates that Reishi may help manage blood sugar levels for those living with diabetes. While this could be promising for patients, additional study in this area is still necessary to confirm these claims.

Reishi mushroom extract can act as a nootropic, meaning that it helps the body produce more phosphatidylserine for improved brain health and functioning. Phosphatidylserine is an essential nutrient in both the nervous system and neurotransmitter production processes as well as cell growth and energy metabolism processes. Our distant ancestors likely relied on organ meats – rich sources of Phosphatidylserine- to support mental and neurological wellbeing – while Reishi mushroom extract provides yet another option for supporting mental and neurological wellbeing.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom), is an edible fungus with numerous health benefits including enhanced cognitive performance and memory enhancement. Research suggests this may be because its compounds help neuron cells form new connections in the brain through neurogenesis; an essential process essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system5.5

Lion’s mane extract can also act as an anti-inflammatory, providing relief for symptoms associated with stress and depression. One study used lion’s mane extract on mice suffering from Parkinson’s disease; after four weeks they experienced significant reduction in motor deficits.6

Lion’s Mane has also been proven to help regulate blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy. Its antioxidant properties promote blood flow to increase oxygen and nutrients to the brain and other organs thereby decreasing inflammation and increasing stamina.

Lion’s Mane can also help treat digestive issues. Studies have indicated it can prevent stomach ulcers by restricting Helicobacter pylori, as well as decreasing gastric acidity levels and gastric ulcers. Furthermore, Lion’s Mane may even help treat liver damage caused by alcohol misuse.

Fresh Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be found at both grocery stores and farmers markets, featuring mild flavors with tender textures similar to seafood. Perfectly suitable for soups, stews and pasta dishes; raw consumption may also be possible but is best left for cooking purposes such as sauteing in butter before grilling or roasting, even adding them into salads!

Lion’s mane not only provides health-promoting effects but it has an earthy, lobster-like flavor – perfect for replacing seafood in vegetarian crab cakes, sauces or even adding as an additional boost for hot cups of coffee!

Mushroom powders and supplements have become a growing trend in dietary products across the board, from mushroom hot chocolate to coffee. You can find mushroom supplements in capsule form as well as in tincture form; always consult a healthcare provider prior to adding new supplements into your regimen, since any type of fungi such as Lion’s Mane may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a natural health tonic. In 1993, Chinese long distance runners using Cordyceps as part of their training regimen achieved world records by taking Cordyceps as a training tonic. Benefits of taking Cordyceps include improving physical stamina, immunity boosting and increasing longevity; some research suggests it can increase levels of male sex hormones while improving sperm quality as well.

Scientists have discovered that both the mycelium and fruiting bodies of this mushroom contain many bioactive compounds, such as adenosine, b-glucans, cordycepin and ergosterol. These bioactive substances possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, tumoricidal and apoptotic effects while modulating immune systems while decreasing oxidative stress (Table 2).

C. militaris has been widely cultivated as it produces compounds with similar health benefits as those produced by C. sinensis; however, its cultivation process does not entail insects and is therefore considered vegan. Furthermore, its cultivation has lower costs and reduced environmental disruption.

This mushroom is packed with antioxidants that can neutralise free radicals and protect cells from damage, while simultaneously supporting energy production, oxygen uptake and blood flow to tissues. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its ability to increase superoxide dismutase activity as well as catalase enzyme levels as well as reduce lipid peroxidation in mice.

Studies conducted on this mushroom have also demonstrated its neuroprotective qualities, with one showing it reduced neuron loss and enhanced memory in rats by decreasing expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as iNOS, TNF-a and IL-6 and increasing expression of anti-inflammatory molecules like GFAP.

Neuroprotective benefits are of particular significance with ageing due to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation as well as a decline in anti-oxidative enzyme production. Studies have revealed that mushroom fruiting body and mycelium extracts can effectively prevent and treat neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis – in addition to atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.

Spirulina

Spirulina, like its aquatic cousin Chlorella, is widely considered a superfood. Packed with proteins and chlorophyll, Spirulina boasts an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, B6, C as well as anti-inflammatory GLA fatty acids to reduce inflammation. Other benefits of Spirulina include anti-aging properties, detoxification benefits and immune system strengthening capabilities as well as increasing beneficial bacteria while inhibiting candida growth in your gut lining.

Spirulina was an essential staple for the Aztecs of Mexico, known as Tecuitlatl. It grew in lakes such as Lake Texcoco which provided them with protein. Today, most often consumed as a powder supplement and pairing well in smoothies featuring tropical ingredients like coconut, kale, ginger and mint for flavor enhancement.

Spirulina is not only rich in proteins but is an exceptional source of B vitamins as well. The pigment phycocyanin gives spirulina its vibrant blue-green hue and may provide anti-inflammatory benefits as it scavenges free radicals to protect cells and DNA against damage caused by free radicals.

A 2022 study revealed that spirulina can help people both lose weight and manage their appetite by providing low calories with an abundance of protein, and high iron/dietary fiber content.

Spirulina offers many health advantages, but it is essential that before adding it to your diet it be discussed with a medical provider first. Spirulina could potentially interfere with immunosuppressants or medications that alter blood clotting; moreover it contains the amino acid phenylalanine which should be avoided by anyone suffering from phenylketonuria or who struggles to metabolize this amino acid.

Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to spirulina. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately and speak to your healthcare provider immediately. Initially begin by starting with a smaller dosage before gradually increasing it over time.