Medicinal mushroom teas have grown increasingly popular. Fungi are thought to increase energy, enhance immunity, and enhance cognitive performance.

Coffee-free and adaptogenic blends offer users a customizable option, enabling them to mix species such as chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps into one capsule for optimal immune support. Some even add functional fungi such as turkey tail for further support.

Chaga

Chaga, often described by Alexander Solzhenitsyn as an unsightly “hideous growth” or a “cancer of the birch,” is one of the most valued foraged mushrooms in Northern cultures. With an ancient history dating back to antiquity and rooted in holistic thinking that emphasizes respecting trees, fungi and creatures living alongside humans in our environment.

Chaga has long been used in traditional medicine to treat tuberculosis, diabetes and stomach ulcers among other conditions. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help protect DNA by reducing oxidative stress levels and increasing activity of enzymes that repair damaged DNA strands. Chaga can act as a natural immune stimulator and may help reduce cancer, inflammation diseases and viral infections by supporting immunity levels and strengthening immunity systems.

Turmeric is an indispensable ingredient of tea, and combining it with other herbs to form delicious herbal blends is also very popular. Common combinations include turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and licorice for optimal results. This mixture can be served hot or cold as an aromatic beverage and helps reduce inflammation, fight infections and balance hormone levels – as well as helping with reduction of inflammation caused by chronic diseases.

Chaga contains numerous water-soluble components such as b-D-glucans, polyphenols, triterpenes, and betulinic acid. Additionally it is rich in minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron calcium zinc. Chaga has long been used traditionally in Siberia and Russia to bolster immunity, treat tumors and alleviate discomfort.

One method for making chaga is boiling it as a decoction, which involves simmering blocklike pieces of chaga in several quarts of water until its volume has decreased and concentrated amounts of its water-soluble compounds remain. This is an easy method that makes an excellent homemade remedy!

Another method of preparing chaga is by drying it in a desiccator before grinding into powder form. This allows it to be reused repeatedly and is much simpler than boiling it; its powder can then be added into beverages such as tea or smoothies.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that contains probiotics, glucuronic acid and other organic acids, B vitamins, phenolic compounds and other health-promoting ingredients. Originating in Russia as an ancient health tonic drink during Soviet rule and later popular in Germany during World War II (known as Heldenpilz or Kombuchaschwamm). According to legend, Kombucha was first created when monks made use of fermented tea made with juice from specific insects such as termites to treat sick Emperors sick with illness with tea made from juice from specific ants or termite colony colonies as treatment against illness or sickness.

Fermenting tea and sugar together by bacteria and yeast yields a viscous liquid consisting of bacteria, yeast, amino acids, glucuronic acid, organic acids and B-complex vitamins. A SCOBY, an intricate gelatinous disc found floating at the top of your brew is central to this fermentation process and essential to its success; these microorganisms act as catalysts that transform raw ingredients into final products.

Kombucha can be made using different kinds of tea, including black, oolong and green varieties. Green tea brews have greater health-promoting effects due to the higher content of polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate–an antioxidant.

Kombucha has long been recognized for its numerous health benefits in both animal and human studies. Studies on both animals and humans have reported it having antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, immunostimulatory properties as well as anti-inflammatory effects in joints and digestive tracts. Furthermore, studies indicate it can even inhibit cancer growth, protect against viral/bacterial infections as well as stimulate normal central nervous system function.

Kombucha may be promoted as a cure for diseases, yet scientific evidence for its benefits remains limited. Studies have demonstrated a positive impact on digestive and immune systems as well as relieving arthritis pain and lowering blood pressure levels.

Rose Hips

Rose hips are bright red fruits produced from the flowers of Rosa roxburghii rose plants. Rich in vitamin C and other immune-enhancing substances, including antioxidant lycopene that has been known to protect cells against damage, rose hips are an invaluable source of flavonoids and calcium essential for bone health – ideal as raw snacks or cooked into jam, syrup, tea or jelly for daily consumption!

Rose hips contain vitamin C, which boosts white blood cell production and strengthens immunity against colds and flu. Rose hips may also be used to treat skin conditions or heal wounds, while vitamin E serves as an antioxidant protecting the body against free radical damage while supporting healthy cells.

Rose hips’ choleretic effects enable them to promote liver cell regeneration and the flow of bile, thus helping prevent stagnation and reduce gallstone risk. Rose hips may also be used to treat stomach or intestinal ailments or as general tonic for digestive health.

Rose hips should be consumed in the form of juice, tea and jellies; salads and dishes that incorporate them may also benefit. Due to their high vitamin C content, consumption should be undertaken with caution as excessive consumption could result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

There is limited clinical evidence supporting the use of rose hips for various health conditions, such as aging, arthritis and fibromyalgia. More research needs to be conducted in order to confirm these findings.

Clinical studies support the use of rose hips to boost antioxidant status among healthy young adults. Their fruit extract is also utilized for treating symptoms associated with osteoarthritis and relieving menstruation pain, while premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as mood swings and aches and pains have also been reduced thanks to this natural remedy.

Elderberries

Elder (Sambucus nigra) trees can often be seen dotting Britain’s country lanes and garden verges with their small purple-black berries, often harvested in summer and fall for use in juice, syrup or jellies. As this shrub can thrive in many different climates it makes an ideal addition for many growing zones. Elderberries are harvested during these months as an annual harvest season that lasts until late winter/early spring for use as juice, syrup or jellies production.

Elderberries contain high levels of anti-oxidants and anthocyanins, known for reducing inflammation and inhibiting cancer cell growth, acting as anti-bacterials to protect against viral infections and possibly helping with their recovery, as well as helping improve glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar levels; making elderberries an invaluable asset to people suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Anthocyanins have also been demonstrated to promote immune function and protect against oxidative stress, while also helping lower cholesterol and increase heart health. More research needs to be completed before conclusively validating these claims.

Washington State University researchers recently conducted a study that concluded drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice each day for one week improved insulin sensitivity and promoted a healthier gut microbiome, according to results published in Nutrients journal.

Elderberries contain phytochemicals known for reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals as well as helping with weight loss through increased fat oxidation and glucose tolerance. Elderberry plants can help prevent chronic diseases like asthma and cardiovascular disease as well as reduce symptoms from arthritis and sinusitis.

Fruit is a vital ingredient in traditional remedies for treating colds, helping speed recovery time while simultaneously protecting against respiratory infections and digestive disorders. Elderberry active compounds may work by stimulating production of cytokines – proteins which help fight off infections. Elderberry extract has also been reported to show antiviral activity against influenza and other respiratory infections; however, more clinical studies must be completed to validate this claim. As with all natural remedies, consult your physician prior to using elderberries as treatment of any illness; pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid taking elderberry products due to possible toxicity risks associated with large doses.