Mushroom tea is an infusion created by steeping dried mushrooms or dissolving mushroom powder into hot water, such as reishi. Mushrooms such as lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms can all be used in making mushroom tea for medicinal use, including immunity-boosting, stress reduction, improved sleep quality, blood pressure lowering effects and aiding weight loss benefits. They are also said to increase energy and focus levels – tailor-made blends may include combinations with such popular combinations like reishi/ashwagandha for relaxation or lion’s mane/chaga for energy boost.

As with many foods, mushrooms can quickly lose their freshness when stored improperly. As their exposure to air and moisture increases, their freshness diminishes more quickly. Airtight containers with silica gel packets or oxygen absorbers will help your mushrooms remain dry for extended shelf life.

Make regular checks of your mushrooms for signs of mold growth, fuzzy areas or any changes in texture or color; should any appear, discard immediately as this may contain harmful bacteria or yeast that could spread disease.

Freshly-brewed mushroom tea may last several hours at room temperature before it should be enjoyed within several hours of being prepared, though for optimal results it should be refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours of brewing.

Taste of mushroom tea depends on both its source mushroom and method of preparation. Chaga mushroom tea offers an earthy, woodsy taste while maitake tea boasts woody and spicy undertones. Meanwhile, Lion’s mane mushroom tea boasts more subtle sweetness compared to bitterness found in chaga varieties.

How long mushrooms stay in your system depends on several factors, including dosage and frequency of ingestion, your tolerance levels, bodyweight and tolerance thresholds. Mushrooms ingested for an extended period can lead to serotonin levels declining over time in your brain which could result in side effects such as fatigue and depression.

Mushrooms typically do not show up on routine drug tests or screenings, though they may be detected if taking certain antidepressant medication, including SSRIs. You should always consult your physician prior to taking mushrooms as they can interact with many different medicines and supplements, particularly antipsychotics and MAOIs (e.g. SSRIs). Combining magic mushrooms with medications that increase serotonin levels in your body may prove particularly hazardous.