Mushroom tea is a beverage created by steeping various kinds of mushrooms into hot water for infusing or infusion, often not culinary varieties but instead functional species known for their medicinal and nutritional properties. As they simmer, earthy flavors emerge as well as many beneficial properties easily absorbable into your system.

Mushroom teas have seen tremendous growth over the last several years. Be it cordyceps, lion’s mane or reishi varieties, these beverages provide multiple health benefits ranging from immunity support to stress reduction.

As mushrooms are brewed, their beneficial compounds such as beta-glucans, polyphenols and other antioxidants are released into the liquid, providing essential benefits that boost immune system functionality, fight free radical damage and decrease inflammation. Furthermore, having a healthy microbiome has been linked to improved overall immunity; drinking mushroom tea can help foster the growth of beneficial bacteria within your digestive tract and promote improved overall immunity.

Although mushroom teas can be purchased from health food stores, many people find making their own mushroom tea at home to be much simpler and cost-effective. Simply chop fresh or dried mushrooms before simmering them in hot water for 20-30 minutes to create your tea blend. Some add lemon juice or honey for additional flavor or to sweeten their mixture.

Once mushroom tea is made, it should be stored in the fridge for no more than one week to avoid going bad. But it is important to keep in mind that all tea eventually goes off; in particular if stored in an airtight or dark location where moisture may collect and mold grow; overly acidic or salty environments could also decompose and produce fungal toxins which become dangerous when consumed by humans.

No matter which method you use to prepare mushroom tea, in order to gain all its potential benefits. Just as with other forms of mushroom consumption such as capsules, tinctures or powder forms, mushroom tea will only provide its maximum effects when taken regularly.

Even though homemade mushroom tea rarely goes bad, it is wise to keep an eye out for signs of mold or other fungal growth. If the brew has turned green or has formed a film of slime, discard immediately as high quality tea leaves kept dry and sealed will eventually begin deteriorating over time, changing in taste as chemical processes take place within its composition.