Mushroom tea is an easy and tasty way to experience the adaptogenic, immune-enhancing properties of mushrooms, while simultaneously increasing antioxidant intake and supporting respiratory health, blood sugar regulation and improving gut microbiome.

Benefits of mushroom tea may differ depending on its variety, so let’s explore some of its most popular types, such as Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Maitake.

Chaga

Chaga mushroom, revered in European and Russian folk medicine, parasitizes birch trees in northern climates, appearing as a black charcoal-like growth with soft orange interior and esteemed for its antioxidant properties. Used in teas or tinctures to support immunity, digestion health, energy levels and skin health.

Chaga fungus is a slow-growing, rock-hard fungus with high nutritional density. Chitin makes up its energy-producing compounds as well as several essential vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and can even protect against cancer, viral infections, or other conditions. Chaga is known to stimulate immunity while simultaneously being effective immune-system stimulant; with betulinic acid which may provide protection from cancer or viral infections.

If you want to brew yourself a cup of chaga tea, simply steep chunks of the fungus for at least an hour in hot water before simmering it over low heat for up to 4 hours for a deeper, richer brew that almost looks like black ink. Chaga is well known for reducing stress levels and aiding sleep, as well as helping the body balance hormone levels and cope with daily stresses more effectively.

To maximize its benefits, chaga should be consumed in combination with other beneficial mushrooms such as turkey tail or Lion’s Mane mushrooms, creating a tea blend which reduces dose while still giving your body full access to its beneficial compounds. However, for a higher-dose chaga tea experience you can also take it alone and increase dosage based on individual needs or for specific health conditions.

Always use filtered water when making mushroom tea to avoid chlorine and other chemicals from interfering with the extraction process. Furthermore, it is crucial that water temperatures stay below boiling, as some beneficial compounds degrade at higher temperatures. It is advised to allow it to cool gradually during the steeping process as maintaining a rolling boil can damage or degrade delicate chitin of certain varieties of mushrooms; adding natural sweeteners may improve flavor balance earthy or bitter notes found in certain mushroom tea varieties.

Reishi

Reishi is an ancient healing herb revered for millennia in Asia as a semi-magical healing herb. Considered more powerful than its rival ginseng, Reishi’s longevity-promoting benefits have earned it the moniker “mushroom of immortality”. Reishi can improve sleep quality, decrease stress levels, promote balance and wellbeing in its users.

Reishi’s benefits can be attributed to its immunostimulatory and hepatoprotective actions. Reishi contains polysaccharides which have been shown to stimulate white blood cells that kill tumor cells and other abnormal cells, and research also indicates it could potentially aid conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Reishi can be combined in tea blends with other adaptogenic herbs to strengthen immunity and increase energy. Reishi’s adaptogenic properties may also provide support during times of stress.

Reishi tea offers a mild, vanilla-like flavor when prepared as a hot beverage, making it easily combined with ingredients such as chai spices, matcha powder, licorice root or rooibos yerba mate for additional health benefits. Sweeteners may help moderate its bitterness.

Reishi mushrooms are often added to cacao blends for their mood-enhancing, stress-reducing and energy boosting benefits. Reishi may even help enhance cognitive function and some studies indicate it could even support memory retention.

Reishi can easily be found at most grocery stores. To create Reishi hot tea, combine dried Reishi with 1 cup of filtered water in a kettle and bring to boil before turning down to maintain a gentle simmer for at least 10 minutes to extract its benefits.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are beautiful edible mushrooms whose name refers to their shaggy appearance resembling that of a lion’s shaggy mane. Found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia on various trees such as ash, beech, oak species. In its natural environment it helps break down and recycle nutrients from these trees, such as manganese potassium calcium magnesium manganesesaccharides erinacines hericenones which have been shown to increase nerve growth factor (NGF).

Hou Tou Gu, or Chinese mushroom medicine, has long used this mushroom as part of their regimen to address inflammation, immunity and digestion issues. Over time it has also been utilized as part of tonics and teas to provide anti-inflammatory, immunological and digestive support – with potential cognitive-enhancing qualities, enhanced brain health benefits and protection against age related decline.

Mushroom tea made with lion’s mane mushrooms is an increasingly popular choice among both students and professionals who seek mental clarity and focus. Ideal as an afternoon or morning caffeine-free tea alternative, mushroom tea made from this mushroom variety can provide mental clarity when needed.

Lion’s Mane mushroom can be an ideal option for people with sensitivities to the flavor and texture of mushrooms or mild stomach upset, as its flavors and textures are gentle. Unfortunately, however, its mild flavors and textures do not make it suitable for people suffering from acid reflux, Crohn’s disease or diabetes as it could worsen symptoms significantly and change blood sugar levels significantly.

When buying lion’s mane supplements, seek high-quality organically grown products with firm texture, no blemishes, and pleasant aroma. Powdered form of the mushroom may also be more convenient to use when making tea; to do this simply measure 1 teaspoon of powder into one cup of hot water then steep for five to ten minutes before adding honey or cinnamon as desired – perfect as an after meal digestive booster!

Maitake

Maitake mushroom (Grifola fondosa), also referred to as hen of the woods or dashishiitake, is prized both culinaryly and medicinally. With its distinctive fan shape resembling that of ruffled feathers on a nesting hen’s feathers – which gives rise to its name – maitake is beloved both in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, but now more commonly found across North America and Europe as one of few mushrooms known to contain an immune-enhancing compound called Lentinan which boosts immune function significantly.

Maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans which have antitumor properties. Studies have indicated that D-fraction beta glucan supports immune system functions while being effective against cancer cells. Furthermore, maitake may reduce insulin resistance and regulate cholesterol levels as well.

Maitake mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses, packed with B vitamins and vitamin D. Their cell walls contain amino acids and dietary fiber that support gut health, feeding good bacteria. Maitake also boasts high potassium levels to lower blood pressure and relax arteries; furthermore it has proven its worth as an effective treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome by helping women ovulate more often and thus improve fertility.

Maitake supplements can be taken in various forms. Capsules offer convenient dosing, while powders, gummies and liquid extracts may also prove effective; which method best fits with your lifestyle will depend on which form is chosen.

As is the case for many mushrooms, maitake must be left alone until it reaches full maturity and should only be harvested when fully mature. Maitake only grows during autumn and can usually be found clustering beneath oak trees near oak forests where its colors blend in seamlessly. It has the potential of reaching up to one head size so when foraging for it you must carefully locate each mushroom; any that appear damaged must not be consumed!