Reishi mushroom tea is an exquisite and healthy beverage, featuring subtle bitter notes. Sweeteners may be added according to taste preferences.

Reishi mushrooms can be easily found across Appalachia. One species in particular that’s easy to spot here is Ganoderma tsugae, found most frequently on dead hemlock trees or hardwood trees.

1. Soak the Mushrooms

For optimal reishi tea preparation, begin by decocting mushrooms by boiling them for 30 minutes in water, which will release all their beneficial properties and then allow to cool before straining and cooling to make tea as soon as you want it. This step can be completed several hours ahead or right before your tea time!

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum and other species) are widely recognized medicinal mushrooms that are used as tonic herbs to boost immune systems and support liver functions. As one of the world’s most researched and revered medicinal mushrooms, Reishi have become widely studied and respected medicinal choices in both traditional and Western herbal medicine practices, having anti-inflammatory properties, aiding liver health functions, decreasing blood sugar levels, increasing energy and providing other beneficial properties such as antibacterial activity and decreasing antigen production by bacteria.

Reishi mushrooms can be found throughout the year in nature, though late spring and early summer is their peak bloom time. Reishi should be harvested for medicinal use when their white growing tips turn brown and form into an eye-catching lacquered gradient of color – typically this happens on dead hemlock trees that have died off, though other trees might support their growth too. Our primary species in Appalachia is Ganoderma tsugae which grows on hardwood trees east of the Rocky Mountains.

Reishi tea is the easiest and simplest way to utilize Reishi. This can be made using either dried or fresh mushrooms; fresh ones tend to have more flavor. To prepare this brew, place one tablespoon of ground reishi in a saucepan with two inches of water, simmer for one to two hours on low heat, cool it down before straining for sweetener according to taste and strain again once chilled before enjoying! Reishi can have an extremely bitter flavor which some may prefer using less. Taking large doses can damage immunity so consuming small amounts may help protect them as well. It is advised consuming small amounts at one time in order to protect both parties involved if taking blood thinners or have compromised immune systems.

2. Boil Water

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a Chinese fungus commonly referred to as “the mushroom of spiritual potency.” It boasts anti-aging and immune system stimulating effects as well as helping prevent tumor growth and lower blood pressure. While fresh Reishi may be hard to come by, dried Reishi can easily be ground into powder form and made into decoction or tea for an herbal beverage that is both palatable and healing, although slightly bitter tasting.

Reishi mushroom harvesting requires collecting it as soon as its young fruiting tips appear, typically May or June, however for best results fully mature mushrooms with vibrant lacquered gradient colors on both caps and stems are harvested in late June for medicine use.

To create Reishi tea, first decoct the mushrooms in 4 cups of water by boiling and simmering the mixture. You can do this a day or so in advance or just prior to making your tea.

Next, strain and let the mixture cool before pouring it into a jar for storage in the fridge until you’re ready to make your tea. While you can drink this medicinal brew as-is, adding honey for extra sweetness or citrus zest adds depth of flavor and should only be done occasionally as too much sugar will defeat its purpose of creating a health beverage.

3. Steep the Mushrooms

Reishi mushroom has an earthy and bitter flavor that goes perfectly with the fragrant spices found in chai tea, making for an ideal immune boosting tonic that protects against various cancers while improving sleep and fighting high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. You can sweeten it up a bit with honey, sugar or cinnamon before drinking regularly if neccessary; though as some individuals have reported stomach upset and allergic reactions.

Reishi mushrooms can be consumed directly, however most people prefer taking them in tea form for multiple advantages. Chai spices add extra benefits and enhance its taste; plus drinking it quickly acts faster, subsides more quickly, causes less side effects including nausea. Plus it makes dosage control much simpler!

As part of decocting, which is the initial step of creating mushroom tea, use either a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder to break up dried reishi mushrooms into pieces before boiling them. If neither option is available to you, cut coarsely with a knife or chop by hand instead – this process is known as decocting.

Reishi mushrooms can be decocted easily using 4 cups of boiling water and simmering them for 1 to 2 hours, while simultaneously preparing all other ingredients. Once cool, strain out and store in clean sealed jars in your fridge – the liquid should keep for several weeks!

4. Add Sweetener

Reishi mushrooms have long been revered in traditional Chinese medicine as a powerful tonic for long-term health and longevity, known to boost white blood cell activity that fights off viruses and bacteria in the body. Furthermore, Reishi is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help lower high blood pressure while improving heart health overall.

While these mushroom fungi can be consumed fresh or dried, their most popular application is making tea. Tea from this fungus can either be enjoyed on its own, or with flavors such as lemon or honey to balance its earthy flavors.

To create homemade reishi tea, begin by prepping your mushroom by either crushing it into powder form or cutting into small pieces with a knife. Next, combine chopped reishi with water in a large pot and bring to boil before simmering for approximately 30 minutes, or until liquid turns darker in color. You may then either strain out or leave mixture simmering to create your custom blend!

This recipe can be modified as needed to add other ingredients such as black tea or herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, lavender or mint. Sweetener like honey or brown sugar may help offset any bitterness of reishi tea and help strengthen immune systems.

Add other spices, like cinnamon or cloves, for more flavor and to help stay warm during colder temperatures. One popular recipe of Reishi tea includes mixing 1 cup of brewed Reishi with 1 tablespoon of toasted Five Spice blend (clove, star anise, ginger cinnamon cumin) and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in 1 mug.

5. Enjoy

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum), commonly referred to as the “king of mushrooms” or the “herb of spiritual potency,” can serve as an effective natural tonic that boosts immune system functioning, reduce inflammation and help alleviate occasional stress. Reishi also has anti-aging properties and may help lower blood pressure as well as improving sleep quality.

These tasty and nutritive mushrooms can be found both powdered or as extracts in supplements, tinctures, teas and protein shakes. Their bitter and woody flavors may make them unsuitable to be consumed raw; however, when used in supplements and dietary beverages this intense taste can often be subdued by other ingredients.

Reishi is thought to promote white blood cell activity that targets and kills abnormal cells, including cancerous ones. Reishi may also help decrease symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome due to infections, immune system issues, hormonal imbalances or stress.

Reishi may not be harmful for most individuals; however, taking too much may increase bleeding among those taking blood thinners or prevent blood from clotting properly during surgery. Reishi can also interfere with certain medications used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune bowel disease or psoriasis.

If you want to enjoy all the health benefits offered by this functional food, try creating your own cup of reishi mushroom tea. This easy recipe provides an effective and tasty way of reaping some of its many health advantages; its only drawback may be an unpleasant bitter taste which may need to be mitigated with sweeteners and herbal flavors if necessary. Enjoy!