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5 Ways to Use Mushroom Tea for Gut Health
Mushroom tea encapsulates nature’s wisdom when it comes to building digestive resilience and vitality. You may have seen mushroom-infused coffee being shared across social media or yogi influencers sipping on chaga tea on TikTok; both practices show its therapeutic qualities.
These herbal treasures, found from Siberia to India and beyond, offer gut-nourishing benefits that span continents. Chaga, poria and turkey tail can support normal immune-system function while others like shiitake, oyster mushroom and lion’s mane can improve digestion while encouraging healthy inflammation responses.
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga is often misconstrued for being a tree; however, it’s actually a fungus that grows on injured trees. “Chaga” in Russian translates to charcoal-like formations on these wounded trees that have long been used as medicinal tonics by folk medicine practitioners for centuries. Chaga contains anti-inflammatory compounds and acts as an antioxidant that supports gut health; tea, capsules and powder can all be consumed daily for optimal benefits – most commonly recommended to ease gastrointestinal distress, ulcers and indigestion issues.
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but prolonged or abnormal cycles can be harmful and lead to disease. Maintaining a well-regulated inflammatory response is key for optimal body health, and the antioxidant properties found in chaga may help promote such balance by modulating release of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as decreasing production of nitric oxide and COX-2 production by rats.
Chaga contains soluble fiber that can aid the digestive system by relieving constipation and improving bowel movement. Furthermore, inotodiol – an inotodiol-exclusive terpene found only in chaga – may also help stabilize mast cells responsible for eye and sinus discharge symptoms.
Chaga mushrooms may act as adaptogens and have long been recognized for their ability to support balanced immune system functioning. Furthermore, its antioxidative stress-busting molecules may help protect mitochondria – the powerhouses of our cells that supply us with energy for life; any damage done to mitochondria could affect their performance and lead to age-related illness and diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Chaga mushrooms are an excellent source of beta-D-glucans, which have become an attractive therapeutic agent. These polysaccharides play an integral part in our cells and have been linked with numerous health benefits, including immune system regulation, liver protection and antioxidant benefits. Furthermore, beta-D-glucans may promote healthy metabolism as well as fight chronic diseases including cancer; however, consuming too many beta-D-glucans could raise calcium oxalate levels significantly which could be an issue if taking medication that increases this risk.
Peppermint
If you have ever relied on gum to ease nausea or motion sickness, peppermint has likely provided a soothing, stomach-calming solution. That same oil can also be found in tea and offers similar advantages for those suffering from IBS, specifically by decreasing inflammation and soothing your digestive muscles – alleviating symptoms such as bloating, cramping and pain as well as changes in bowel movement patterns.
Peppermint essential oil may also help ease symptoms of SIBO by encouraging good bacteria to thrive and eliminating bad ones that might be causing problems, making it an excellent addition to any gut-healthy tea blend. Furthermore, its mood-enhancing effects make peppermint an ideal way to alleviate stress-related digestive issues and make you feel more energetic!
Peppermint can also help relieve IBS symptoms as its menthol helps relax muscle groups that contract when stressed, slowing digestion. Furthermore, its anti-bloat and stomach pain relief properties make it ideal for overeating or eating difficult-to-digest food items.
Mint is not only an effective antioxidant that can fight off oxidative stress in the body that could lead to cell damage, liver disease and cancer; it is also an excellent source of dietary fiber which aids digestion. Used as a natural treatment for IBS or as part of any tea blend designed to promote digestive wellness.
Many tea blends that incorporate mushrooms offer an impressive combination of ingredients that work harmoniously to craft the ideal cup. Some blends may combine chaga and turkey tail for immune health promotion and turkey tail with cordyceps to increase energy. Others might combine reishi with cordyceps for increased stamina throughout the day. There are endless combinations available – find one that speaks to you! And don’t forget adding other beneficial herbs like ginger root, turmeric or cardamom for additional gut-friendly benefits before drinking up and savor! Most don’t require straining tea leaves or breaking apart mushroom– just steep and enjoy!
Cardamom
Cardamom is an acclaimed digestive spice with significant therapeutic value, offering both natural digestive stimulants and anti-inflammatory benefits. The volatile oils found in cardamom help promote production of digestive enzymes to aid with digesting nutrients while relieving gas symptoms while simultaneously suppressing harmful bacteria growth while supporting beneficial bacteria formation in the gut microbiome. Cardamom can be enjoyed as an ingredient in dishes such as culinary creations, tea blends or herbal formulas specifically targeted towards supporting digestive wellness.
Cinnamon, an aromatic sweet and warming spice, provides numerous health-promoting effects. Most importantly, cinnamon works to balance blood sugar levels and foster the healthy functioning of gut microbiomes – two crucial goals for those struggling with insulin resistance or diabetes. Cinnamon can be enjoyed through various means, including ground cinnamon powder in culinary creations or cinnamon-infused teas as well as herbal products designed to support digestive wellness.
Cardamom, one of the common ingredients found in this blend, offers an aromatic and spicy flavor that’s both warm and stimulating. This herb can help provide digestive stimulation to ease bloating, gas, and indigestion symptoms; improve gut motility by encouraging secretion of bile acids that aid in breaking down fats and proteins; as well as inhibit chronic inflammation by blocking certain inflammatory mediators.
This revitalizing herbal blend combines earthy Chaga Mushroom, peppermint for cooling and soothing qualities, Oyster mushroom for immune support, fennel root and ginger root to aid with digestion and detoxification, all combined into an incredible herbal blend for morning or afternoon revitalization! Enjoy it as part of a daily wake up or afternoon pick me up routine!
Ginger
Ginger is an effective digestive aid that promotes gut health and soothes stomach discomfort. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties help decrease intestinal inflammation – as evidenced by one study published in Journal of Gastroenterology which demonstrated how ginger reduced overall IBS symptoms as well as specific discomforts such as bloating and abdominal pain.
Ginger boasts an exceptional phytochemical profile, including pungent phenolic compounds such as gingerols and shogaols that contain potency anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, including blocking pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase that contribute to inflammation. Furthermore, shogaols have also been demonstrated to promote mucus secretion and reduce oxidative stress levels while inhibiting Helicobacter pylori bacteria growth, an important contributor in gastric ulcer formation.
Ginger has gastro-protective benefits that promote mucus production and act as a defense mechanism against hydrochloric acid in the stomach, further increasing sensitivity of muscarinic receptors in the GI tract and speeding up stomach emptying time.
Ginger, dandelion root and oyster mushrooms combine in our Follow Your Gut tea blend to provide support for healthy digestion and maintain an equilibrium microbiome. Just steep one spoonful in 8oz of boiling water for 5-10 minutes for maximum enjoyment!
Recent research showed that individuals suffering from functional dyspepsia (which is characterized by abdominal discomfort like indigestion or nausea) found ginger to help improve their symptoms when combined with other dietary interventions, especially when combined together. Another study discovered that ginger’s zingerone component slows carb absorption into the intestinal tracts while providing anti-diabetic properties.
Tea can help improve your gut microbiome while also aiding weight management and improving mood. Plus, its antioxidant benefits may protect against cell damage while keeping you hydrated! Our new Follow Your Gut tea blend features oyster mushrooms, dandelion root and ginger for an irresistibly delicious combination! It is now available online as well as stores nationwide!