Tea made of mushrooms may sound bizarre, but it’s the latest trend in healthy drinking. Mushrooms are being touted as immune-boosting superfoods that may even slow the aging process.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin that alter our perceptions of time, space and reality; this substance may produce trips that last up to 6 hours in duration.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), is a species of Inonotus obliquus fungi found on birch trees throughout Siberia and Alaska. Historically used as a natural remedy for centuries, chaga mushroom boasts one of the highest ORAC values among all substances, which indicates its high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, it acts as a biotic response modifier by helping your body fight infections more effectively while providing adaptogenic properties which promote balance within your system.

People commonly prepare chaga mushrooms into tea by steeping them for several hours in hot water until the liquid becomes dark brown in color, with an earthy and plant-like flavor with a bitter finish that resembles coffee. Honey or other herbs may be added for sweetness or added as flavors to add variety and to add additional health benefits such as relieving stress and anxiety, increasing immunity levels and energy levels, or treating cancer.

People can use chaga mushroom tea in many different forms, from drinking it as tea to using capsules or powder form for easier ingestion. Due to being more potency, however, it’s essential that they adhere strictly to dosage instructions.

While psychedelic mushrooms may produce mind-altering effects, some people prefer the less intense experience provided by mushroom tea. Mushroom tea works faster, lasts longer, causes less side effects and can even be consumed on an occasional basis for maximum control over effects.

No matter the goal of taking any type of mushroom, taking them can pose some risks. Misidentification could result in accidentally eating poisonous mushrooms which could result in organ damage and/or death; potential side effects also include psychological distress, hallucinations, disconnection from reality as well as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia symptoms worsening during a mushroom trip; some people also report flashbacks reliving part of their mushroom experience days or months later.

Although consuming chaga mushrooms in tea or other forms is generally safe, it’s still wise to consult a physician prior to beginning any new supplement regimen. A physician can offer guidance regarding dosages and safety precautions as well as address any queries or provide answers for concerns that arise.

Reishi

Reishi (also referred to in China as lingzhi) is said to strengthen immunity and promote longevity, lowering blood pressure, helping prevent cancerous tumors, reducing inflammation and ulcers as well as decreasing anxiety stress fatigue levels. Reishi has also been proven to decrease anxiety stress fatigue levels.

Reishi grows on deciduous tree stems and branches in temperate forests around the world, making it a popular addition to tea blends for its energy-boosting and mind-calming properties. Reishi can be found in powder and extract forms but for ease of consumption the most appropriate format may be tincture as this allows it to be easily consumed without chewing or straining to swallow it.

To create a tincture, dissolve polysaccharides (complex sugars) in water before extracting triterpenes from mushrooms to produce an extract that can then be combined with alcohol to make an oral medicine or added to food or drinks.

Polysaccharides are essential components of our diets, providing energy storage and serving as the building blocks of cells in the body. Furthermore, they play an essential role in mitigating oxidative stress and maintaining cardiovascular health – and in Reishi they have even been found to stimulate white blood cells that help fight abnormal or cancerous cells.

Research suggests Reishi can be beneficial to people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Its ability to alleviate stress and fatigue as an adaptogen may contribute to this effect, along with helping prevent or treat heart disease, insomnia, high blood pressure and urinary tract symptoms and pain. Reishi may even help improve memory retention!

Reishi mushrooms are widely considered safe; however, as with any herbal or nutritional supplement, it’s wise to begin slowly and monitor reactions. As with any supplement or herb, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Reishi mushroom products, and those with bleeding issues should steer clear as Reishi may inhibit blood clotting processes. Furthermore, those consuming Reishi in large doses or for extended periods should regularly assess liver function to detect potential issues.

Lion’s Mane

Hericium erinaceus mushrooms, commonly referred to as lion’s mane mushrooms, are distinctive-looking mushroom with densely packed, soft white spines resembling those seen on lions’ manes. Animal studies have demonstrated their efficacy at supporting nerve health, improving cognition and increasing alertness; additionally they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and have also been proven effective at supporting immunity as well as decreasing mild anxiety or depression symptoms; more clinical trials need to take place before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding long-term safety implications and therapeutic applications are assessed and determined.

Lion’s mane is an excellent source of beta-glucans that support healthy gut bacteria and increase immune system functions by activating natural killer cells and macrophages – two key cells of the innate immune system. Furthermore, its administration has proven helpful at treating neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and depression while possibly providing some cancer management benefits as it inhibits tumor growth and metastasis as an immunostimulant.

Multiple small clinical trials suggest that Lion’s mane extracts and supplements may aid cognitive performance among adults, with mixed results. One randomized placebo-controlled trial demonstrated improved performance up to 16 weeks, but after treatment ceased this improvement gradually declined [1]. Another small trial revealed possible improvements to activities of daily living among people living with Alzheimer’s disease but these effects weren’t permanent [2-4].

Lion’s mane is generally considered safe when consumed as food and used in small doses as a supplement, with no reported side effects other than mild gastrointestinal discomfort or skin rashes [1]. More research should be conducted into its long-term safety; those allergic to mushrooms, blood thinners or immune modulating medications should consult their healthcare provider before beginning use of Lion’s Mane supplements.

Lion’s mane can be purchased fresh in specialty markets and farmers’ markets as well as online or grocery stores, or dried and used in soups, teas or other culinary dishes. Its delicate mushroomy flavor and tender texture mimic shellfish like scallops, crab or lobster for an ideal seafood alternative or feature ingredient for surf and turf meals.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail is an interesting bracket fungus found worldwide and growing on dead wood, known as deadwood. The mushroom’s colorful cap features rings of various shades of browns, blacks, and creams which lend it its name. Turkey tail mushrooms have become one of the most widely-used medicinal mushrooms due to their ability to strengthen and support healthy immune systems by providing essential polysaccharides including PSK (polysaccharopeptide) as well as various phenolic compounds; additionally they make for excellent prebiotics to feed good bacteria while supporting gut health improvement.

Like Lion’s Mane, Caffeine also exhibits anti-cancer properties. Studies have demonstrated its ability to lower blood glucose levels for people living with diabetes as well as reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health. Due to these anti-inflammatory properties it makes Caffeine an excellent choice for treating autoimmune conditions, digestive issues and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Turkey tail can boost immunity in several ways. Not only is it antiviral and antibacterial, it is also an excellent natural blood thinner – something which could benefit those with high blood pressure or heart disease, and turkey tail’s unique structure makes it suitable for chronic pain or fatigue relief.

Turkey tail can also act as a tonic, strengthening your central nervous system and aiding memory and mental clarity while alleviating anxiety and depression.

Similar to Chaga and Lion’s Mane, Lion’s Mane contains potency antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and digestion-promoting properties; additionally it may aid heart health benefits as well as cancer fighting capacities. Chaga mushroom is known as the “king of mushrooms”, used to increase energy, build immunity and even aid weight loss!

For those seeking a deeper mind-expanding experience, there’s psychedelic mushroom tea. This blend of herbal tea contains psilocybin extract for an immersive spiritual journey – but always consume responsibly and safely.