People from diverse backgrounds are turning to functional mushroom teas as part of their wellness regimes. Reishi and Turkey Tail mushrooms provide stress-reducing adaptogenic benefits while gradually improving mood over time; brain-enhancing Lion’s Mane promotes focus; while physical stamina and energy support comes via Chaga.

1. Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as red reishi or Lingzhi mushrooms, are revered as “queen of mushrooms” and considered the “mushroom of immortality.” They’ve long been utilized in traditional medicine due to their medicinal benefits – people once believed reishi increased longevity while providing strength, physical wellbeing, and spiritual well-being benefits.

Reishi offers anti-aging, immune boosting and stress relieving properties. It stimulates production of immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages as well as increasing cytokine production to fight infection and disease. Reishi can also act as an adaptogen that helps us deal with stress more effectively; recent research indicates it may regulate stress hormone release while having a calming effect on the brain. Furthermore, Reishi interacts with something known as GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) pathway which inhibits neural activity while encouraging sleepiness.

Research indicates that Reishi has antiviral, antifungal and natural antibacterial/anti-inflammatory properties as well as strong antioxidant capacities to fight oxidative stress and disease prevention. Reishi can even kill cancerous cells. Reishi also supports healthy liver function as well as helping lower high blood pressure for some individuals.

Reishi mushrooms appear safe for most individuals, although it’s wise to purchase high-quality products from trusted sources. People with bleeding disorders should avoid it as it increases risk. It should be used with caution if you already have low blood pressure as it could further decrease it; consult your physician if any concerns arise.

2. Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushroom is a non-psychoactive medicinal mushroom renowned for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with high concentrations of antioxidants, lignans, and beta glucans found within. Studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate immune system response, improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol levels, prevent cancer formation, as well as antiviral, antibacterial, hypoglycemic properties – providing natural remedies against colds or flu, as well as being effective against other illnesses like diabetes.

Chaga has a hard, deeply cracked surface resembling charred wood that is typically ground or roasted into powder for tea brewing or as an herbal medicine supplement in North America and Europe. Considered one of Mother Nature’s oldest and most potent healing herbs, it can be found growing wild on Birch trees across both regions, making this natural remedy available as both supplement and food ingredient in America today.

Studies conducted with chaga extract demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammation-inducing TNF-a levels in splenocytes and restore normal development after exposure to UVB radiation, in an important study that demonstrated its efficacy against the effects of oxidative stress in cells throughout the body while simultaneously increasing immune function.

Consuming chaga has no reported side effects or drug interactions when consumed as part of a healthy diet; however, it is best to consult your physician first before including it into your routine. Chaga mushrooms can be found both naturally in the wild as well as purchased through health food stores and online retailers in various forms like whole dried pieces, powder, capsules and tinctures.

3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane mushrooms belong to the Hericium genus and can also be known by other names, including bearded tooth fungus or pom-pom mushroom. They stand out among mushrooms due to their distinctive texture that resembles shaggy balls made up of closely packed threads with icicle-like spines at close range. Studies have demonstrated several potential health benefits associated with Lion’s Mane fungi including enhanced cognitive performance and improving mental clarity.

Lion’s Mane has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic to enhance overall vitality and maintain mental wellbeing. Additionally, its use may help protect nerves in the brain through compounds called hericenones and erinacines that may provide neuroprotective properties; furthermore these compounds may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by supporting healthy moods while aiding digestion through soothing the gastrointestinal tract.

Although Lion’s Mane mushrooms are generally safe to consume, those with certain health issues should avoid high doses. High doses may cause bloating, stomach upset and allergic reactions in certain individuals; raw mushrooms may not allow the body to fully absorb active compounds effectively and thus it is recommended that this mushroom be cooked before consumption in order to minimize potential side effects.

Lion’s Mane can be purchased in herbal and nutritional supplement stores as a dried powder supplement or pre-packaged capsules, for easy addition into tea, juice or smoothie beverages. When selecting quality Lion’s Mane supplements it should have been grown organically without chemicals or preservatives; there have been reports of interactions between this mushroom and prescription medications so it is advised to speak to a healthcare provider first before adding this herb into your diet.

4. Maitake Mushroom

Maitake mushrooms have received much recognition due to their powerful cancer treatment support properties. Packed with beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that stimulates immunity, Maitake mushroom extract can strengthen macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-cell activity as well as improving immunity during chemotherapy treatments thus decreasing side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs.

It has also been claimed that fungus can help to protect cells and facilitate their recovery from stress, most likely because it contains strong antioxidant properties to neutralize free radicals – unstable atoms that create oxidative stress, potentially contributing to diseases. Furthermore, some believe the fungus can strengthen immunity against cancerous cells.

According to Ayurveda, maitake is an Ayurvedic rasayana (tonic) that can balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Furthermore, maitake mushrooms provide protein and fiber. Furthermore, potassium plays an essential role in fluid balance and nerve function in our bodies and they’re an excellent source of vitamin B, calcium magnesium phosphorus.

If you want to incorporate maitake mushrooms into your diet, look for those with plump appearance and earthy scent. Steer clear of those that appear slimy or have an off-odor; these could be indicators of decay. These mushrooms can be used in many dishes or be simmered into tea for a soothing drink.

This mushroom can be found throughout Japan, China, northern Europe and northeastern US; particularly hardwood forests (particularly oak trees ) where moisture-laden conditions prevail. Harvested for its culinary and medicinal qualities.

5. Cordyceps Mushroom

Many species of Cordyceps have been isolated for their bioactive components, which contribute to a broad spectrum of biological activities (Table 5.3). Cordycepin has been demonstrated to modulate various cellular processes; other active components in cordyceps include polysaccharides, sterols, proteins and polyphenolic antioxidants that may play roles in its antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, apoptotic or antioxidant activities.

The zombie fungus’ most widely studied activity is neuroprotection, as evidenced by its ability to mitigate oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and limit programmed cell death (apoptosis). Bioactive compounds found in teas made with reishi, lion’s mane or cordyceps help protect neurons by decreasing ROS levels, blocking inflammation responses, improving mitochondrial function or increasing antioxidant enzyme levels (Table 5.4).

Multiple clinical trials have supported cordyceps for its renoprotective properties (Table 5.5). A preparation of C. sinensis mycelia (Bailing capsule) reduced rejection among renal transplant recipients while increasing GFR and kidney function; Cs-4 extract significantly regulated hypoproteinemia/hyperlipidemia as well as enhanced hemopoietic activity in transplant recipients.

To maximize your mushroom tea experience, it is best to opt for full-spectrum extracts, which contain the widest range of active compounds for greater balance between mind and body benefits. When making this choice, be sure to choose blends without artificial sweeteners and synthetic additives; additionally look for third-party lab testing to verify purity and potency – this way functional mushroom teas can become part of a daily wellness routine!