Mushroom teas have quickly evolved beyond being hipster health food trends into medicine-grade products. Their functional mushroom blends boast numerous health-supportive extracts that elevate it beyond mere beverages into powerful healing tonics.

Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Chaga all possess strong adaptogenic effects on our stress response mechanisms and help promote a positive mood.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms, popularly referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” have long been revered for their stress-relieving and soothing effects. Reishi is believed to help balance out your response to stress hormones while providing relaxation through reduced inflammation levels and even fighting fatigue associated with depression.

Studies conducted on Reishi have demonstrated its ability to increase GABA levels – a neurotransmitter linked with relaxation – as well as beta-glucans which may enhance immune system functionality and maintain healthy gut bacteria populations.

Reishi has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an effective solution for relieving anxiety, reducing symptoms of depression, improving sleep quality and increasing energy levels. Reishi can also be used to treat chronic inflammation and promote overall health; additionally it acts as an adaptogen, meaning it helps manage stress effectively without overstretching adrenal glands.

Mushrooms like Reishi contain beta-glucan polysaccharides that have been shown to increase white blood cell count and enhance natural killer cell activity, which help destroy abnormal cells within our bodies.

Reishi can be used alongside an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and treat other forms of chronic inflammation such as fibromyalgia.

Reishi can be taken as tea or added to recipes as an indulgent mushroom drink. When looking for Reishi supplements, look for ones made with organically grown mushrooms double extracted using water and alcohol to maximize the beneficial compounds per serving.

Acupuncturists frequently prescribe Reishi to treat anxiety, insomnia and increase sexual function. Furthermore, Reishi may help improve digestion by balancing blood sugar, maintaining healthy digestive tract bacteria levels and supporting normal detoxification processes.

One study demonstrated Reishi to have a significant positive impact on women living with breast cancer. According to these results, Reishi may help relieve anxiety and depression that arise as a result of chemotherapy treatment on mood and sleep quality.

As with any new nutritional supplement, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to beginning. Reishi tea could have beneficial effects on stress, anxiety and sleep; add it into your daily routine and see what effect it has.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have long been revered as an effective way of improving brain health and memory, as well as their relaxing properties – which many report aiding thinking more clearly and relieving stress. This unique fungus, found growing wild across many regions around the globe, have long been valued for their medicinal qualities as an anxiety treatment.

Animal studies conducted in 2018 concluded that mice treated with Lion’s Mane mushroom extract could better handle stress. The mushrooms helped mice maintain adequate levels of dopamine and serotonin which are depleted during times of anxiety; in addition, their use seemed to help decrease inflammatory responses that contribute to anxiety.

Scientists don’t yet fully understand how lion’s mane helps reduce anxiety, but one theory suggests it might be linked to its promotion of neurogenesis (6). Neurogenesis refers to the process in which new neurons form within your brain’s neural connections and is essential for cognitive health; its absence has been linked with neurological conditions like anxiety.

Lion’s Mane can be enjoyed as both tea and mushroom powder capsules; its mild taste pairs well with numerous spices. You may also find capsules or supplements of Lion’s Mane mushroom powder available. When taking Lion’s Mane for the first time, start slowly and observe how your body responds before increasing your dosage gradually. It is wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to adding new supplements if you already have preexisting health conditions or medications taken, to avoid unexpected interactions.

Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and highly nutritious, making them an essential addition to your diet. One way of reaping their many health benefits is through making mushroom tea; mushrooms also add an appealing mushroomy note when added to hot cocoa, smoothies or milkshakes! They even add depth of flavor when cooked with meat or vegetables for delicious recipes!

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushroom tea can help relieve anxiety due to its adaptogenic properties, which help your body remain in a state of balance and health. Furthermore, cordyceps supports immune system in combatting inflammation which occurs naturally throughout the healing process but when mishandled can lead to pain, swelling, or other unpleasant symptoms that require intervention – mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane & Cordyceps support this system which includes thyroid and adrenal glands which in turn helps reduce anxiety fatigue & mood swings.

Cordycepin, polysaccharides and ergosterol are three compounds found in cordyceps which provide it with its multitude of health benefits. Studies have demonstrated their bioactive metabolite’s abilities to increase stamina, appetite, immune function, longevity, libido and memory while protecting neurons against degeneration by mitigating oxidative stress and increasing synaptic plasticity.

The 2000 Pharmacopeia of the People’s Republic of China describes cordyceps as being sweet and warm, hemostatic and expectorant, entering both lung and kidney channels and stimulating both to enhance overall lung and kidney health. Cordyceps also helps treat chronic coughs, dyspnea, spermatorrhea, waist and knee ache as well as general weakness. Furthermore, this mushroom also exhibits anticancer, antidiabetic, anthelmintic activity along with treating conditions such as hypoxia, hypertension, hepatitis.

Studies have demonstrated that fermented mycelia and cordyceps broth both contain glucosides and polysaccharides that can lower fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats and inhibit development of diabetes mellitus in nicotinamide- and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

When selecting a supplement to take, be sure it contains raw, dried cordyceps extract – this form of the mushroom offers all of its beneficial properties just like its fresh counterpart. Use it in coffee, tea, smoothies, soups or homemade energy bars or enjoy as hot or cold tea! As with all supplements, be sure to consult your physician prior to beginning any new regimen – this is particularly crucial if any existing medical conditions exist.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an extraordinary and effective mushroom found growing on birch trees in cold climates. With a tough texture that feels similar to coarse rubbery wood or crumbly rock, these cork-like mushrooms boast coal black skins with cork-like interiors resembling that of tree roots. Chaga has been found to boost immune health while supporting overall wellbeing; an adaptogen, it helps increase body’s ability to deal with stress and fatigue better; in addition, it boasts abundant amounts of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium zinc iron as well as B vitamins and Vitamin D.

Research indicates that chaga may contribute to healthy metabolism and inflammation reduction, as well as physical and mental fatigue reduction, helping with depression by decreasing oxidative stress levels, as well as serving as an excellent source of vitamin D – both benefits which may assist with alleviating anxiety symptoms.

Studies have also demonstrated that chaga may help inhibit the spread of oral cancer cells by suppressing glycolysis and cell proliferation, as well as speed up healing after dental surgery and increase immunity function.

Chaga can be found in various forms, from tea bags to capsules. When making a chaga tea, it’s essential that fresh chaga be used and steeped for at least 6-8 hours or overnight in a crockpot – this allows its beneficial properties to fully come through. In order to take full advantage of chaga’s beneficial properties it’s recommended combining one part tincture to two parts steeped tea; this allows both methods of extraction methods (some compounds only soluble in alcohol while others in hot water).

Mushrooms provide an all-natural, holistic solution for managing anxiety. Mushrooms make an excellent addition to any wellness tool belt and can be combined with other lifestyle changes for maximum impact on mental wellness. But it is important to keep in mind that mushrooms should only ever be considered one piece of the equation when it comes to mental wellbeing – always seek professional advice when making decisions regarding mental wellness.