Chinese mushroom tea brewed in hot water creates a delicate infusion, in which medicinal mushrooms release their health-giving benefits.

Mushrooms contain adaptogenic compounds that modulate the immune system. Cordyceps help increase stamina and oxygen levels while Reishi elevate mood and provide mental clarity.

Reishi

Reishi (Lingzhi or Goji), has long been revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of immortality and longevity. Mentioned by Ge Hong in his 3rd-century Taoist literary work Baopuzi and depicted in numerous works of art, Reishi is revered due to its ability to increase white blood cells while improving their functions thereby helping prevent illness and prolong life.

Studies have confirmed that Reishi can successfully boost immune system activity and support natural killer cell functionality, providing natural immune support against infections and diseases. Reishi contains beta-glucans – natural polysaccharides that activate and strengthen our innate immune response against infections and diseases – which help strengthen natural defense mechanisms against infections and diseases. Furthermore, Reishi’s rich source of beta-glucans provides natural cancer chemopreventive properties which helps stop cancer spreading or tumor growth due to its rich source of beta glucans and triterpenes present within these natural polysaccharides that help stimulate our body’s natural defense mechanisms while its rich source of beta glucans helps reduce tumor size while killing cancer cells from within our own bodies’ own innate defense systems.

Reishi not only boosts immune health but it can also aid liver health, regulate blood sugar levels, maintain balanced cholesterol levels, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Reishi may even help alleviate stress and sleep aid properties for added convenience.

Reishi has also been shown to assist in treating liver damage by improving liver function, decreasing toxicity levels and stimulating new blood vessel formation – essential benefits given that many liver diseases involve scarring of the organ.

Reishi tea has also been found to have antiaging benefits, as its components modulate gene expression and epigenetic pathways that influence cell aging. Furthermore, Reishi can improve metabolic function such as decreasing blood glucose and increasing insulin production.

Reishi can be found in many forms, from dried whole mushrooms (often ground) to supplements containing tinctures. Unfortunately, no scientific data exists to establish an optimal dosage; thus reishi should only be taken as a dietary supplement.

Chaga

Chaga, another cousin to Reishi in the mushroom family, is said to contain preventative and curative properties. It has been associated with helping fight cancer, treat arthritis, increase immunity, prevent ulcers and is an energy booster. Like many natural foods chaga contains antioxidants which helps boost the immune system and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels; making it a popular choice when looking to boost immune health or manage cholesterol/blood sugar levels. Chaga powder can then be made into tea or supplement capsules.

At present, Chaga has gained immense popularity; however, some healthcare practitioners worry that its consumption could interfere with medical treatments and it is important to consult your physician prior to adding it to your diet.

Although chaga is considered a superfood, not much research has been conducted into it. A recent study demonstrated that taking high doses of chaga extract can significantly impact on oral cancer cell growth and metabolism, inhibiting glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential regulation while activating AMPK/p38 MAPK signaling pathways to induce apoptosis and induce cellular respiration inhibition.

Chaga is a folk remedy long cultivated and harvested in Alaska, harvested early winter from forests. The black, parasitic fungus looks similar to burnt charcoal on its outer layer. Apart from bolstering immunity, chaga has also been used to treat ulcers, soothe sore throats and even slow progression of cancer tumors while acting as an effective antibacterial.

Chaga’s main benefit may lie in its abundant supply of antioxidants. Indeed, studies show that alcohol extract of chaga can significantly increase antioxidant activity of lymphocytes from patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Disease (Park 2004; Najafzadeh 2007). By increasing antioxidant levels, free radical damage on human cell function is reduced, helping in the healing process and providing the foundation of medical applications of this plant medicine.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom with shaggy spines that resemble hedgehog spines. It belongs to the genus Hericium and also goes by several other common names such as bearded tooth fungus and deer tongue mushroom.

Scientists have recently discovered that compounds found in lion’s mane stimulate neurons – the primary type of cell in your brain – to expand and form new connections more efficiently. Researchers used two compounds, Hericene A and N-de phenylethyl isohericerin (NDPIH), to test this theory out in a lab dish; both had positive effects, increasing growth cone diameter as well as efficiency of growth and formation of connections among neurons. The results were promising with longer growth cones connecting other cells becoming larger; as well as greater efficiency as well as more connections forming.

In other words, the lion’s mane mushrooms helped neurons “feel” for signals from other cells, enabling them to form new connections more efficiently. Scientists conducted repeated tests with mice that had received the lion’s mane mushrooms; those mice performed better in maze tests and remembered more objects previously presented them than did those not given these mushrooms.

Scientists concluded that lion’s mane mushrooms could help prevent age-related cognitive decline. While more research must be completed to substantiate this theory, researchers hope lion’s mane supplements will aid those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; furthermore they could potentially assist those experiencing depression and anxiety as well.

As with any supplement, it’s wise to consult with your health care provider prior to beginning to take lion’s mane mushrooms. They can interfere with certain medications – particularly blood-thinners – as well as being contraindicated during pregnancy and with young children. Also make sure your purchase contains certified organic third-party tested mushrooms; third party testing helps ensure safety. Furthermore, speaking to a dietician or RDN may help ensure you’re getting all the health benefits that you’re hoping for from taking this dietary change!

Maitake

Maitake mushrooms, commonly referred to in Japanese as “the dancing mushroom”, are an extremely versatile culinary and medicinal mushroom, both edible and medicinal. With frilly clusters that look similar to light brown cauliflower or fluffy chicken sitting on its nest from far away, Maitake are both deliciously edible and medicinal – they make excellent additions to many savory dishes as well as herbal teas or broths.

Maitake is a powerful immune booster, activating your body’s natural defence mechanisms to fight diseases like cancer and boost detoxification systems. Studies have confirmed this and demonstrated its effect on natural killer cells which target cancerous cells; maitake also provides antioxidant protection, providing free radical-fighting protection from damaging free radicals that arises within our environment.

Maitake’s polysaccharides contain polysaccharides which may have anti-cancer effects. One compound in particular, known as d-fraction beta-glucan, has been demonstrated to stop tumor growth while stimulating immune responses in mice and decreasing immunosuppression (a side effect of many cancer drugs).

Maitake has also been shown to benefit the endocrine system by normalising hormone levels, particularly for women. A clinical trial performed on women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who took maitake extract demonstrated improved menstrual cycles and lower androgen levels, improving fertility. Furthermore, maitake is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like potassium and zinc.

Maitake mushroom supplements may possess antiviral properties and could help with treating HIV. As with any supplement, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider prior to adding maitake into your diet. People living with certain autoimmune conditions should avoid mushrooms altogether as this may trigger an allergic reaction – any symptoms such as itching, hives or shortness of breath should prompt immediate medical intervention. It is also wise to avoid mushroom supplements if taking blood thinners or medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol.