Mushroom teas have experienced an upswing lately, and for good reason: functional mushrooms such as chaga, reishi and lion’s mane are highly valued in eastern medicine for their potential immune-enhancing benefits.

Tea is an ideal way to experience these powerful fungi, as the steeping process breaks down cell walls and makes nutrients bioavailable – providing prebiotic benefits in the form of food for beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Chaga

Chaga is an unusual black mushroom found on the bark of birch trees that is known for its rugged exterior and packed with biological chemicals such as antioxidants that have been scientifically shown to support healthy immune system functioning. Chaga acts as a free radical scavenger, helping the body flush harmful substances out. Studies have also indicated it to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. You can brew Chaga into tea or take supplements daily.

As with other superfoods, chaga has long been used to support human health, yet remains poorly researched with no human clinical trials or randomized controlled studies conducted to date. Chaga mushrooms contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties thanks to an abundance of polysaccharides beta glucans betulinic acid inotodiol and terpenes found within its tissues which support immune function while simultaneously providing inflammation-reducing benefits as well as offering blood vessel protection benefits.

Chaga mushrooms contain melanin, which helps shield cells against UV radiation and oxidants such as pollution. Melanin has also been discovered to possess DNA-protective properties and help slow cancer cell proliferation. Chaga also boasts inotodiol triterpenoid which supports immune systems while also inhibiting tumor formation.

Studies have also demonstrated that chaga has gastroprotective properties and can help balance gut microbiota by the action of its terpenes, believed to be responsible. Chaga mushroom also serves as an adaptogen, meaning that its effects can help balance immune systems that may be overactive or over-reacting, as well as decrease allergic reactions in eyes and sinuses by lowering mast cell activity.

Chaga tea is simple to make at home; simply steep chunks of chaga overnight in a crockpot. Chaga powder can be found at most health food stores or purchased online, although chunks have the best flavor when fully brewed compared to powder. There are even pre-made chaga tea options such as Four Sigmatic’s offering found on Amazon or Whole Foods stores that make things even simpler!

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms are widely recognized for enhancing energy and immune function, as well as for lowering blood pressure, alleviating heart failure symptoms, and slowing tumor growth among lung cancer patients.

Reishi can be taken in various forms: tea, capsules or as a tincture. It may also be combined with other herbs and mushrooms; for instance, using coriolus mushrooms alongside reishi may help treat herpes outbreaks in mouth or genital areas while studies have revealed its ability to decrease duration and severity of cold sores.

Reishi mushrooms feature a distinctive “fan-like” shape that earned it the Latin name lingzhi, or lacquered bracket, from its Latin name in China, “reishi.” Reishi closely resembles Chinese ginseng roots in terms of appearance; as such it is known as the queen of mushrooms; this mushroom resembles dried fruit with red or purple caps and long stems and looks much like the former.

Reishi is an adaptogen, helping the body and mind balance by supporting healthy sleep patterns and relieving stress hormone release, supporting liver health, and even having anti-ageing properties which could potentially lower cholesterol. Some research indicates this medicinal plant’s anti-ageing capabilities as well as potential cholesterol reducing benefits.

Studies on animals and in test tubes indicate that Reishi can strengthen immunity response while inhibiting tumor development; however, few double-blind human studies have been performed; thus more research must be completed.

Reishi does not appear to help people with mild high blood pressure lower their blood pressure, but may improve quality of life for those living with severe high blood pressure. Reishi can also improve heart function and help alleviate symptoms associated with liver disease such as elevated bilirubin levels.

Before beginning Reishi therapy, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider as any side effects could include stomach upset and an allergic reaction. Reishi may also interact with medications like blood thinners.

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail Mushrooms are an extremely functional fungus, often relied upon to treat various health ailments. From strengthening immunity, providing antioxidants and supporting gut health – turkey tail mushrooms have many uses! Ideally grown organically with leathery texture and multicolored zones above and whitish yellow underside – perfect for year-round cluster growth on stumps or logs of deciduous trees! They often resemble other species but careful investigation must be made in order to know if you’ve actually discovered true turkey tails!

Researchers are discovering that turkey tail mushroom polysaccharide peptides (PSPs) help strengthen what’s known as “trained innate immunity.” PSPs help activate immune cells and improve cell function, while supporting healthy blood sugar levels and normal insulin sensitivity.

Other advantages of functional mushrooms like this one include their ability to fight inflammation, protect against radiation damage and increase physical performance. A study with mice found that turkey tail mushroom extracts helped decrease muscle-damaging lactate and ammonia accumulation post-exercise and also helped the mice resist fatigue while increasing forelimb grip strength.

As well as these essential advantages, turkey tail fungus may also help strengthen liver and respiratory tract. A popular choice among Asian medicine practitioners for centuries to prevent diseases of the heart, lung, spleen and spleen; its use may even alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.

Turkey tail mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which have been proven to help prevent obesity. One study demonstrated this benefit when mice given a high fat diet but treated with turkey tail mushroom extract gained less weight compared to mice who did not receive treatment.

If you want to introduce this fungus into your life, make sure you purchase only pure supplements. Since mycelium grows on grain to produce its final product, this dilutes its potency and loads it with unnecessary starch and filler – which means powdered supplements may be easier for mixing into drinks or smoothies.

Maitake

Maitake mushrooms, commonly referred to as “hen of the woods,” grow in large clusters with spoon-shaped mushroom caps that are grayish brown on top and white below. One of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms, they’re well known for their anti-inflammatory beta glucan content and benefits as one of their key medicinal compounds.

Maitake has long been known for its immune-enhancing and blood sugar balancing properties. A study that fed diabetic mice powdered maitake supplements revealed significant improvement in both their blood glucose tolerance and insulin levels within four months, likely due to mycoplasmic factor-like activity within its polysaccharides which stimulate key enzymes involved in metabolism of glucose metabolism.

Maitake can also help to lower blood pressure. A laboratory study demonstrated this by showing how extract of bioactive glycoprotein from maitake decreased systolic blood pressure in rats by inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory proteins and stimulating insulin receptor synthesis synthesis; furthermore, it helped decrease cholesterol levels as well.

Maitake mushrooms, like many other fungi, contain B vitamins and vitamin D in abundance. Phosphorus helps form bones and teeth as well as produce energy via amino acids for production of energy from amino acids; potassium also provides an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in our bodies.

Maitake contains copper, an essential trace mineral which contributes to cell health, nerve protection and iron absorption – making this mushroom an apt candidate as a superfood!

Maitake can produce vitamin D depending on its growing conditions and sun exposure, providing an alternative source for people lacking sufficient fatty fish intake or taking medications that inhibit vitamin D absorption. Studies have even shown the D-fraction of maitake’s beta-glucans to increase natural killer cell activity 2.2 times faster. Maitake’s other benefits include immunomodulatory properties as well as antiangiogenic capabilities.