Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, chaga and lion’s mane are powerful supplements that can be used to reduce stress, boost immune function and enhance cognitive performance. But to take full advantage of their therapeutic potential you must consume these medicinal mushrooms on an ongoing basis – mushroom tea is a tasty and convenient way to do just that! Whether making your own mushroom tea from scratch or purchasing pre-packaged varieties is ideal as proper storage and preservation ensure maximum potency and safety.

Mushrooms can quickly spoil, even in the refrigerator, when exposed to moisture and contaminants such as mold. Though refrigeration can help delay this process, storing your mushrooms in airtight containers for months or even years could increase their lifespan and extend their shelf life significantly.

Culinary expert Andrea Gentl has noted that washing raw mushrooms may strip some essential oils and introduce bacteria, possibly altering their flavor profile and potentially impacting on overall nutrition. Instead, she advises scrubbing to remove debris like bugs prior to cooking, while water can compromise flavor if left in contact for too long; airtight containers storing mushrooms with desiccants absorbing excess moisture are suggested instead as storage solutions.

Proper storage for both fresh and dried mushrooms is paramount, with special considerations needed when it comes to mushroom tea preservation. Psilocybin mushrooms must be stored in a cool dark location without direct light and heat in order to avoid breaking down too rapidly and becoming less effective over time. Breathable packaging that includes expiration dates is key in prolonging shelf life and increasing effectiveness.

Shiitake and maitake mushrooms don’t contain psilocybin, so plastic bags may trap moisture and speed deterioration. When it comes to dried chaga or other psilocybin-containing mushrooms, be extra vigilant about recognizing when they’ve gone bad by carefully inspecting for signs of mold or rancidity.

Once prepared, mushroom tea should be consumed within three to six hours for its effects to become evident and create altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings. For a more measured experience, use a tea bag or infuser to steep your fungi for several minutes at a time – this allows for gradual accumulation of its effects as well as being an excellent way of monitoring how they affect your body physiology – giving you control over dose and dose adjustments accordingly.