An aromatic cup of tea can strengthen immunity and refresh the body. This recipe for reishi mushroom decoction (Ganoderma lucidum and other species) works well for true tinder polypore (Fomitopsis officinalis) and artist’s conk (Ganoderma applanatum).

Reishi (also known as Mushroom of Immortality) has long been utilized in herbal medicine and traditional Chinese practices for improving overall wellbeing and supporting cell health. Studies conducted on Reishi have demonstrated its anti-fatigue and growth supporting properties as evidenced by western medical studies.

1. Dried Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum), also referred to in China as lingzhi or the “Mushroom of Immortality,” have long been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for spiritual well-being, immune enhancement and cell regeneration. Reishi contains polysaccharides called beta-glucans that have been shown to promote white blood cell activity against cancer while simultaneously lowering cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure levels and fighting inflammation – this unique ingredient can now be purchased as nutritional powder, dietary supplements and teas.

Fresh reishi mushrooms contain vitamins D and other key vitamins for immune system health, but when dried they become hard and brittle. To prepare the mushrooms before use, slice into 1/4-inch strips before drying for 8 to 12 hours in direct sunlight or 4 hours at 105F-110F dehydrators. Although this process takes more time than others, this step ensures your mushrooms maintain all of their medicinal benefits without turning moldy or tasting bad.

Once dried, mushrooms can be used for tea or herbal remedies. One popular Reishi tea recipe features ingredients with additional benefits, including cinnamon (a natural blood thinner) and licorice root (which provides anti-inflammatory support). Furthermore, this blend includes rooibos which is caffeine free yet offers antioxidant and cardiovascular protection.

Reishi mushroom tea may help promote energy and vitality by balancing hormone levels. It may also relieve stress and anxiety, providing calmness and mental clarity. Reishi tea may even assist those struggling with insomnia by increasing natural melatonin production while decreasing dependence on chemical-produced sleeping aids.

Reishi tea can provide a healthy pick-me-up throughout the day and is especially popular with busy executives seeking an natural way to relax before bedtime or in the afternoon. Although it should not be used by pregnant women or children, or as an alternative blood-thinning medication replacement therapy; it should always be discussed with your physician first before beginning use of reishi tea.

2. Water

Reishi tea is an invigorating herbal tonic that can be enjoyed alone or as part of a light meal. Packed with antioxidants and proven health benefits, Ayurvedic practitioners consider Reishi a rasayana or longevity-promoting plant, helping balance Vata Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Chop the mushrooms coarsely before grinding them to a fine powder in either a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to achieve maximum surface area for extraction. Securely wrap this powder in muslin cloth for storage purposes.

Bring 8 cups of nonreactive water (glass or stainless steel is recommended; aluminum should be avoided) to a boil in a nonreactive pot (preferably glass or stainless steel), adding more as necessary. Once boiling, carefully drop in your reishi mushroom bag and reduce heat until simmering begins; simmer for at least one hour or until liquid has decreased by half, to maximize beneficial compounds from this powerful mushroom.

Reishi tea is now ready to be enjoyed, whether hot or iced and with or without sweetener. Enjoy it mindfully while appreciating its centuries of knowledge in every sip!

Make an even more concentrated reishi extract with an alcoholic tincture instead. The alcohol will help bind and deliver beneficial compounds more rapidly into your system – this can be accomplished with either a vodka/alcohol mixture, or following this recipe for double extraction tincture.

3. Heat

Step two of making Reishi Tea requires using heat to bring water to a boil and decoct (simmer) Reishi slices for several minutes in a stainless steel pot or ceramic pot; this helps extract more beneficial ingredients while making drinking it much simpler. Stainless steel pots or ceramic pots should be preferred over aluminum for this lengthy boiling process. You could also purchase pre-sliced bags of Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum).

Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen and immune system regulator. It provides powerful stress relief and may assist with insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure and cancer treatments. However, you should avoid taking blood-thinning medication while on Reishi treatment as its consumption could increase bleeding time.

Reishi mushrooms grow on the bark of Eastern hemlocks and other hardwood trees, with Eastern hemlock being preferred over any other hardwood tree species. When hunting them for medicinal use, ideally hunt in an undisturbed forest setting without signs of human disturbance; waiting until their white edges have faded and developed a vibrant lacquered gradient color may provide additional medicinal properties if harvested early enough. You could even wait till their spores release which will add an extra medicinal boost into your tea blend!

4. Steep

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) tea can provide an effective immune-booster. Studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory properties; that’s why our tea blends include this medicinal mushroom alongside cinnamon and rooibos, to further its beneficial healing properties.

Reishi mushroom tea blends combine this ancient tonic, known as “The Mushroom of Immortality”, with soothing cinnamon and adaptogenic rooibos for an enjoyable herbal experience that will revive and strengthen both spirit and body throughout your day. Reishi is revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an immunity booster, natural stress reducer, and has even been shown to aid cellular immunity among cancer patients with reduced immunity [3,4]. Our Reishi Mushroom Tea Collection includes delicious blends that incorporate this powerful ingredient with adaptogenic rooibos for an irresistibly indulgent experience! Enjoy our Reishi Mushroom Tea Blends throughout your day to revive your spirit while strengthening both body and spirit!