Mushroom teas have grown increasingly popular as people discover their potential health benefits, such as improving immune function, relieving stress and anxiety and supporting digestion.

Medicinal mushrooms can be consumed in different ways: whole pieces, dried powder, capsules, tinctures or tea. Chaga, Reishi and Maitake are three excellent medicinal mushrooms to consume as tea beverages.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus found on birch trees in northern climates. While many fear its use as an immune booster or medication against cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, natural medicine practitioners use Chaga to boost immunity as well as treat cancer, diabetes or heart conditions with success.

Although no human clinical trials of chaga have yet been conducted, numerous animal and test-tube studies indicate it possesses powerful antioxidant properties, helps lower cholesterol, combats inflammation and strengthens immune function. Furthermore, animal studies have also indicated chaga may increase white blood cell count – one of the primary defenses against viruses and bacteria in our bodies – as well as reduce oxidative stress according to research published in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

Why chaga makes such an effective medicinal mushroom is its powerful immune-enhancing compound known as Beta-D-Glucans. This water-soluble component is responsible for stimulating our immune systems, helping prevent colds and flu and fighting viral infections in our bodies.

As a medicinal treatment, chaga is often ground into powder form and taken either as a supplement or used in tea preparations. Additionally, capsules are available. When buying a supplement containing chaga extract (and not just powder) it’s important to read labels closely in order to be certain you are purchasing real chaga instead of powder without being processed first; unfortunately many supplements sold contain powdered forms only and no extracted versions; the only sure way of knowing for certain you are receiving real chaga is checking nutritional facts table on back of products that have percentage of D-Glucans listed -D Glucans listed.

To create a chaga extract, the fungus is cooked at sub boiling temperatures in hot water to extract beneficial compounds, before being strained of excess fiber and spray dried for future use. You may also choose to combine both alcohol extraction and hot water extraction into one process for even greater effect.

Reishi

Reishi mushroom is often known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.” Long revered in Eastern cultures for its longevity benefits, Reishi is now being studied and recognized for its health advantages in modern science. Reishi acts as an adaptogen, helping your body manage stress better and enhance immune responses; additionally it contains beta-glucans which support cholesterol and blood pressure regulation, plus may improve sleep quality.

Reishi mushrooms contain potency antioxidant properties that help to decrease inflammation in your body, increase activity of white blood cells (which help fight off viruses and bacteria) as well as help lower blood sugar. They may even help those living with type 2 diabetes reduce their blood sugar. Reishi should not be taken if taking medications that affect blood clotting such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), pentoxifylline (Trental), or ticlopidine (Ticlid).

One study with breast cancer survivors discovered that Reishi can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life, as well as alleviate urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Animal and test tube studies have also demonstrated its anticancer capabilities by protecting liver tissue against damage as well as killing microbes.

Reishi mushrooms are saprophytic organisms that feed off of decayed organic material found on dead or dying trees to break it down and provide essential nutrients for living trees to thrive in their ecosystems. Reishi is also an adaptogen with powerful relaxation benefits that may aid insomnia sufferers and anxiety sufferers alike.

Reishi can be taken in many different forms, from supplement to herbal tea and more. Side effects may include digestive upset and rashes. Some individuals may be allergic to Reishi; it’s wise to start off slowly and monitor your health regularly if taking long term. Reishi may cause liver complications over time for certain individuals so it should only be taken under medical guidance; this is especially important for individuals with preexisting health conditions or taking multiple medications at the same time.

Maitake

Maitake (Dagalana rugosa) is an edible mushroom known for its many potential health benefits and culinary uses in Japan. Found on decaying hardwood trees in warmer climates, maitake mushrooms possess an umami flavor that adds rich meatiness to soups and stews. Studies show maitake’s beta-D glucans stimulate both cellular and humoral branches of immunity for cancer protection as well as maintaining balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels in healthy individuals.

Although some double-blind, placebo-controlled trials suggest maitake may help manage diabetes and cancer symptoms, further research is still required. Maitake contains bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, antioxidants and enzymes which have numerous health benefits – they’re also an excellent source of protein, potassium and B vitamins!

Maitake mushrooms are often combined with shiitake, known for its high concentration of lentinan, to create an immune- and digestive-supportive tea blend that’s popular throughout East Asia and used as an everyday tonic that stimulates our jing – the vital energy connecting us to nature.

Maitake has also been shown to promote immune health while simultaneously helping reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels, helping reduce blood pressure by decreasing LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol that accumulates in arteries and increases cardiovascular disease risk.

Mushrooms have long been used in Chinese medicine as an aid for supporting spleen health, with Korean brewing also using this medicinal mushroom to improve both lung and spleen function. Songi-cha is also popularly drunk by Japanese in cold weather to strengthen lung function – this tea recipe being known as Songi-cha. Songi-cha is also made in South Korea where its active compounds are preserved without boiling – similar to how chaga tea works! Furthermore, spices or other herbs may be added for additional flavoring as part of its recipe chaga tea!

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have recently made waves in the holistic health world, becoming popular as both food and an ingredient for medicinal mushroom teas and capsules. Not only are its unique shaggy textures beloved, but these mushrooms boast numerous potential health advantages as well.

Lion’s mane mushrooms have been proven to support immune health. Packed with polysaccharides that modulate immune system activity and act as antioxidants, such as beta-glucan (found specifically in this mushroom), which has been shown to support gut health – this is crucial as research indicates a healthy gut microbiome can have positive impacts on overall immunity.

Lion’s mane can assist the brain by improving cognitive function. Studies have demonstrated its positive effects, such as memory enhancement and alertness improvement – as well as reduced mild anxiety and depression symptoms – due to two compounds found in lion’s mane called hericenones and erinacines which promote neuron growth by increasing nerve growth factor (NGF), an essential protein which aids nerve regeneration.

Lion’s Mane not only enhances cognition, but it can also aid digestive health. Used as a supporter of gut health and with antibacterial properties that protect against stomach ulcers; additionally it’s been proven to prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol which leads to heart disease.

Lion’s mane has been investigated for its effects on the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and immune system; however, more clinical trials must take place before definitive conclusions can be drawn about its therapeutic applications. Unfortunately this fungus may not be appropriate for everyone; those allergic to mushrooms should refrain from taking supplements or drinking tea made from it, while it’s also not advised for use by people living with diabetes as its consumption could adversely impact blood sugar levels.

Lion’s mane can be found in most natural health stores and online retailers. It can be taken as tea, powder or capsule, but beware that some products may have been dried at an inappropriate temperature that compromises its quality – look for one sundried at low temperatures to get maximum bioactive compounds!