While we often think of mushrooms as toppings or snacks, they also boast an extensive history as a morning fuel. Ladders recently covered the benefits of mushroom coffee; other varieties like chaga, lion’s mane and reishi powder can also be purchased to make tea.

Add these adaptogenic mushrooms to tea for a soothing way to combat stress and fatigue. Here’s how.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom has long been revered in Eastern medicine as the “Mushroom of Immortality.” This reddish-brown, fan-shaped fungus contains polysaccharides and triterpenes thought to support immune system health as well as antioxidant effects beneficial to cardiovascular wellness, with Reishi capsules, powder, tea or powder tea available as supplements for cardiovascular wellness and stress resistance. Reishi acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress by decreasing fatigue while supporting healthy sleep quality – further supporting immune system support while fighting inflammation as well as helping fight fatigue for improved energy levels overall.

Reishi may provide anticancer benefits and promote new cell growth. It also appears to enhance white blood cell functions for those suffering cancer patients, suggesting potential benefits in terms of secondary tumor prevention in liver and lung areas as well as possible use against coronavirus infections – however more research needs to be conducted into its use against such infections.

Reishi can increase natural killer cell activity, helping eliminate tumors and viruses more effectively. Reishi should be taken alongside other immune-enhancing mushrooms or supplements; regular doses are advised for maximum benefit.

Reishi can not only support immunity but can also promote healthy liver function and aid with digestion, reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as help digestion issues. Reishi can be taken in various forms such as tea or capsules/powder/tablets.

Reishi can cause mild side effects that vary by individual and depending on dosage levels. They include digestive discomfort, allergic reactions and dry mouth. To get optimal results it’s wise to start with low doses gradually increasing them according to wellness goals.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible and medicinal fungus with longstanding use in Asian cultures, known for its many health-enhancing benefits and therapeutic potential that could potentially treat various conditions.

Studies suggest CBD’s ability to strengthen cognitive function and increase mental clarity may even help prevent or slow neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is likely thanks to its unique compounds like hericenones and erinacines which stimulate nerve growth factor production and therefore increase neuron growth and repair within the brain.

Lion’s Mane can also help reduce anxiety and stress levels. One study showed that subjects who took Lion’s Mane experienced significant relief of symptoms associated with chronic stress. Furthermore, taking Lion’s Mane helped increase serotonin levels which is essential to mood regulation.

Lion’s Mane has also been proven to be a potency antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent solution for decreasing inflammation throughout the body and maintaining proper cardiovascular and blood vessel health.

Lion’s mane has many beneficial effects for digestive health. According to studies, it can protect GI tract against damage and irritation as well as improve digestion and promote regularity.

Studies have also demonstrated its ability to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, protecting heart health. Furthermore, studies conducted on animals have confirmed its anti-aging benefits on brains while mitigating signs of aging or depression.

For optimal results, it is recommended that lion’s mane mushrooms be taken as pills rather than tea. To do this, combine powder with an easy-to-swallow carrier substance like coconut oil or apple cider vinegar and form a pill supplement that’s easier for you to swallow. There are various online or store-bought options for taking this route.

Maitake Mushroom

Grifola frondosa, more commonly known as maitake or hen of the woods mushroom, is a Basidiomycetes fungus found on tree stumps of oak trees in clusters. Long prized for its medicinal benefits in China and Japan, modern scientific research is only now beginning to understand maitake’s true potential.

Maitake mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds which have been scientifically demonstrated to aid cancer therapy, strengthen immunity, and support heart health. A particular form of beta-glucan found in maitake called D-fraction or MD-fraction has been scientifically shown to boost production of lymphokines and interleukins essential for optimal immune system functioning.

Maitake fungus has multiple advantages that go far beyond immune-enhancing capabilities. Not only is it known to enhance immunity, but its antiviral and cancer-protective qualities may help stop tumor growth as well. Furthermore, its powerful antioxidant effects protect against free radicals linked to age and disease progression.

Maitake mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, fiber and B vitamins. Furthermore, they are low in fat content and contain niacin which has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels. According to one study conducted, eating maitake helped significantly decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol while simultaneously raising HDL (good) levels, thus decreasing cardiovascular disease risks significantly.

Maitake fungus can be consumed raw, cooked or in supplement form; it is most frequently utilized in traditional Chinese medicine herbal teas and soups for optimal use. 3-7 grams of dried maitake is recommended daily as part of daily regime for optimal performance.

Maitake can cause slight gastrointestinal upset; those with sensitive stomachs should take caution in how much maitake they consume. Furthermore, taking immunosuppressant drugs containing maitake (its immune-boosting properties may interfere with them and lead to serious side effects); such drugs are frequently prescribed after organ transplants and for treating autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, maitake should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods due to unknown safety issues related to its consumption.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushrooms, commonly referred to as the “meaty mushroom”, are an extremely nutrituous ingredient. Rich in essential amino acids including B vitamins, zinc and copper; rich in antioxidants; as well as being an excellent source of potassium.

Mushrooms contain natural chemicals that help lower cholesterol and protect against cardiovascular disease. Plus, their low caloric count adds flavorful flair to dishes!

Shiitake mushrooms add delicious umami flavor to soups and sauces when used dried, so simply soak them in hot water to rehydrate before squeezing to expel any extra liquid before cooking them – you could even use their soaking liquid as vegetable stock!

Cooking shiitake mushrooms is simple. Simply saute or add to soups and stews; these versatile mushrooms pair beautifully with ginger, garlic and scalions as well as chicken, pork beef rice dishes – or add them directly into eggs or omelets for even easier preparation!

When purchasing shiitake mushrooms, ensure they are fresh and firm with no discolorations or visible disfigurement. They can usually be found at most grocery stores.

Add spice and texture to shiitake mushrooms by seasoning them with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning, such as paprika for an irresistibly smokey aroma or red pepper flakes for some spice. Cheese also pairs well with this ingredient – try topping your mushrooms off with parmesan for an irresistibly nutty and umami taste!

To maximize flavor when it comes to shiitake mushrooms, be sure to cook them in small batches. Too many mushrooms at once could steam instead of brown properly and turn out chewy or tough; once done, sprinkle your cooked mushrooms with chopped parsley or other fresh herbs for extra flair!

Integrating mushrooms into your diet is an excellent way to enhance immune health, protect against heart disease and cancer, promote digestive wellness and more. Join Cyrex expert Aristo Vojdani this Thursday for a webinar entitled “Beyond Exposure: Understanding Immune Reactivity Patterns,” where he will explain how immune reactivity testing complements traditional environmental exposure assessments. Register here now.