Mushroom tea is the latest health trend that may have made waves at your local coffee shop or health food store. Though sipping on functional mushrooms as a beverage may seem novel, medicinal mushrooms have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and other ancient healing practices for their many health benefits. By drinking mushroom teas we can unlock many benefits provided by functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane and Turkey Tail mushrooms.

As much as we may like the image of mushrooms as toadstools with stems and caps, they’re actually fungi that grow from dense networks of underground mycelium. One mushroom produces spores which can be spread by wind, water or living organisms to form more mushrooms – also providing its coloration, making identification between poisonous species possible.

Mushrooms are easily recognized by their familiar stalk and cap shapes; however, there are also varieties with fleshy bases. Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms which decompose organic material into nutrients for other living organisms as they absorb them through decomposition. While decomposing organic matter, mushrooms also secrete enzymes to extract those minerals and nutrients from the environment; making them a fantastic natural source of Vitamin D as well as B vitamins.

Medicinal mushrooms contain numerous antioxidants and nutrient compounds that are known to aid immunity, reduce stress levels, enhance cognitive performance and contribute to overall wellbeing. Their anti-inflammatory properties have even been demonstrated as being capable of slowing or even reversing various aspects of aging such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked and are commonly included in sauces, soups and stews to add flavor, texture and nutritional value. When made into tea form, however, their volatile compounds seep into boiling hot water to infuse it with beneficial compounds from within their roots – adding yet another beneficial layer to their liquid form!

There are various mushroom tea recipes and blends, each offering different benefits and ingredients to reduce anxiety. Reishi for its soothing properties may be combined with cordyceps for energy without the caffeine jitters; others might include chaga for its antioxidant benefits or lion’s mane for mental clarity and focus.

Homemakers looking to make their own mushroom tea at home will find it simple. Simply combine dried or powdered mushrooms with hot water and steep them for an extended period. Some prefer adding honey for sweetness. Because mushrooms can quickly go from being too dry to becoming soggy when stored in the refrigerator, paper bags or baskets that absorb excess moisture are recommended to ensure safe storage conditions.