Mushroom tea is an infusion prepared from one or more varieties of edible mushrooms that when exposed to hot water releases an abundance of health-supportive compounds that offer numerous therapeutic benefits.

Mushroom tea can provide numerous health benefits, including immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and heart protection properties. Furthermore, its properties may help reduce stress and enhance sleep quality – while some varieties provide energy-boosting qualities.

1. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is revered in Asian cultures and considered to be “queen of the mushroom kingdom” or the “mushroom of immortality.” This medicinal fungus contains natural compounds which have been shown to strengthen our immune systems by fighting viruses, bacteria and pathogens such as candida. Reishi is naturally antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial; stimulating natural killer cell production which defend against infection disease and cancer.

Studies indicate that Reishi mushrooms may help slow tumor growth. Cancer patients and survivors often utilize Reishi mushrooms to increase energy, strengthen immunity, decrease fatigue and boost endurance levels. Reishi is also well known to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Chronic fatigue is a side effect of chemotherapy or other medical treatments, and can be difficult to manage. Reishi can help alleviate fatigue while supporting your natural sleep cycle through its combination of both sedative and hypnotic compounds.

Reishi can be consumed in various forms such as powders, capsules and tinctures. You can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or enjoy as a warming drink with plant-based milks – Coco Dream (the chill blend) is a unique combination of Reishi extract with adaptogen ashwagandha and raw Peruvian cacao that works beautifully to relax, unwind and relieve stress.

2. Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushroom, found growing on birch trees in cold climates, has long been used as an ancient remedy. From preventative health benefits to curative properties and its ability to increase energy production. Brewing Chaga as tea, taking it as tincture or even snacking on it are all ways that this ancient remedy can be utilized – not forgetting its rich antioxidant and other nutrient content that supports immune function, balanced blood sugar levels and energy production; anti-inflammatory effects may provide pain relief and joint health support as well.

Chaga mushrooms are among the most nutritious and powerful on Earth, packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals that damage cells and contribute to early aging and chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, Chaga contains beta-glucans which boost your immunity and energy levels for greater wellbeing.

Making tea from chaga is the easiest and tastiest way to experience its earthy flavors, similar to coffee but stronger. Simply chop or grind a chunk and combine with boiling water in a pot – the results should produce a chaga tea that boasts distinct earthy notes similar to coffee but stronger in taste. If the tea becomes too strong, simply add additional water until simmering is complete for another hour – the resulting brew may have an earthy aroma like coffee but slightly stronger flavor! If too strong for you then simply add additional water until simmering time has expired – or add additional time if necessary for optimal results!

Use only high quality chaga mushrooms when crafting tea. Seek out wild-harvested specimens harvested from live trees in its native growing region and make sure it has not been exposed to harmful pesticides or chemicals. It is best to harvest chaga during winter, when its antioxidant levels and nutritional value peak.

3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hieracium erinaceus) are shaggy white puff balls resembling a lion’s mane in appearance. Also referred to as pom pom or yamabushitake mushrooms, they can be found throughout North America and Asia.

Lion’s mane mushrooms have long been a favorite in Chinese cuisine and medicine, used as tonics or teas to treat conditions associated with the heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys and bones. Boasting delicate natural mushroom flavor with meaty texture reminiscent of shellfish–you can find these mushrooms anywhere from farmers markets and specialty grocery stores to your local farmers market or stew dishes!

Research has demonstrated that lion’s mane mushrooms may help address certain digestive problems, including indigestion and colitis. It is thought this may be due to Hericium erinaceus’ compounds inhibiting Helicobacter pylori growth – which causes stomach ulcers – contributing to this outcome.

Researchers have recently discovered that lion’s mane mushrooms can help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms by restoring chemical imbalance in our brains. Furthermore, this mushroom may assist with stress management, memory function improvement, improving focus and mental clarity as well as stress relief. Researchers believe this effect occurs because lion’s mane contains hericenones and erinacines which stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), an essential protein which promotes neuronal growth within our bodies.

Lion’s mane mushrooms can be purchased raw, dried and powder form from herbal and nutrition stores. You can also get them as supplements in capsule or pre-packed form; add them to hot drinks such as tea and coffee and use as a tincture – a concentrated liquid used under the tongue – as an aid.

4. Maitake Mushroom

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), commonly referred to as hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, have an earthy and umami flavor with subtle undertones that is perfect for adding depth and dimension to any recipe. Less meaty than shiitake but more delicate than porcini mushrooms make them ideal kitchen companions – great additions for soups and stews or simply roasting up as delicious sides!

Asian-inspired meals make great use of cucumbers, which can either be served whole or torn into bite-size pieces. When sauteed they take on an irresistibly rich aroma while the crisp edges make for delicious texture – perfect for an omelet or stir fry but equally as tasty alone!

Maitake mushrooms are one of the few immune-enhancing fungi, while at the same time serving as powerful insulin regulators that may benefit people living with PCOS by helping reduce high blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. Maitake also functions as an adaptogen, meaning it assists the body in dealing with stressors such as environmental challenges.

Explore farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores or the produce section of larger supermarkets for fresh maitake; you can also find dried maitake at natural foods stores or online, which you’ll then rehydrate before using it in recipes such as salad sprinkling or vegan mushroom wontons stuffing – perfect ways to use maitake mushrooms! You could try sprinkling on salad, adding them to vegan ramen bowls, stuffing vegan mushroom wontons with them for a filling dinner option; toss them into soups for rich mushroom sauce- and use pan-frying with avocado, cilantro and lime; perfect additions when pan-fried with avocado cilantro lime, pan-fried until crisp on both ends while soft inside! Alternatively you could lightly oiling and roasting in your oven until crispy on both ends but soft interior!

5. Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps is an intriguing mushroom used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Commonly referred to as the Emperor’s Mushroom, its primary benefits are supporting breathing health, stimulating sexual performance and improving physical endurance and energy levels. Recently it’s also been introduced into Western countries as an adaptogen – helping people cope with stress better while increasing athletic performance.

This fungus can often be found in China and Tibet mountains, and is an entomopathogenic species which targets insects as their host, feeding on them until death occurs and antler-shaped reproductive structures push out from beneath the ground in an antler-shaped fashion. Once this happens, its spores spread by wind into more caterpillars’ bodies.

Scientists have recently identified numerous compounds found in Cordyceps mushrooms as beneficial compounds that can reduce inflammation, stimulate immunity and support heart health. One such compound found within this fungus – cordycepin – may contribute to anti-cancer properties and has even shown to enhance aerobic exercise performance, making it an excellent way to enhance stamina.

As with most fungus-rich foods, the ideal way to consume this fungus is as a tea. Simply decoct it for 20 minutes in hot water until all its nutrients have been extracted – this process is known as decoction. Additionally, other varieties like Reishi, Many-zoned Polypore, Chaga or Birch Polypore mushrooms can be added for even greater benefits!