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5 Health Benefits of Dried Mushroom Tea
Dried mushroom tea can be made by simmering one or more mushrooms in hot water and creating what is known as decoction.
People sometimes mix various mushrooms together for maximum effect in tea blends for synergistic results. For instance, mixing together chaga, reishi, lion’s mane turkey tail and agarikon might improve both mood and energy while providing endurance and mental clarity.
Reishi
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the premier immune system boosting mushrooms, with centuries of use as both spiritual and medical tonic. Reishi has long been used to promote energy, aid spiritual development, increase longevity and support liver health – as well as reduce stress levels, enhance sleep quality and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Reishi contains polysaccharides and triterpenes as its primary active ingredients, and studies have demonstrated their effects to increase white blood cell activity to better fight viruses and toxins. Furthermore, this fungus boasts antioxidants like ganoderic acids, coumarins, sterols – which contribute significantly to its many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic properties – making reishi an indispensable addition for any medicine cabinet!
Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of Reishi in helping prevent the growth of cancerous tumors and lower blood pressure levels. Reishi can even increase natural killer cell activity which targets abnormal cells that could potentially include cancerous ones.
Reishi tea offers another intriguing benefit of Reishi: heart protection and regulation of blood sugar levels. Studies have revealed its ability to lower cholesterol and prevent new blood vessels forming in arteries thereby preventing high blood pressure.
Reishi can be taken in various forms – dried extract, powdered supplement or in teas and other herbal beverages. It’s often mixed with other herbs, spices or superfoods for enhanced healing benefits and it makes an excellent addition to smoothies, oatmeal or hot cocoa drinks with plant-based milk. Coco Dream, our Reishi blend contains Reishi mushroom extract along with adaptogen ashwagandha and raw Peruvian cacao for an enjoyable stress-relief treat!
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms make an exquisite and nutritional addition to any diet. Also referred to as hericium, bearded tooth or hedgehog mushroom, these stunning edible fungi feature long white tendrils that resemble the mane of a lion – hence earning it its unique name. Commonly found on hardwood trees, these unique-looking mushrooms offer numerous health-promoting advantages.
Studies demonstrate the beneficial properties of Lion’s Mane in terms of brain health by encouraging new nerve cell production and stimulating existing neurons to work more efficiently, with many believing this process to help slow memory deterioration caused by age or reverse any early symptoms associated with neurological conditions such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Lion’s Mane can also help those suffering from depression or anxiety by increasing production of happy chemicals that promote overall wellbeing in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine production. One study even demonstrated this potential ability of Lion’s Mane to ease symptoms by supporting these neurotransmitters’ production.
Lion’s Mane has also been shown to enhance gastrointestinal health, helping the body digest and absorb nutrients while supporting a healthy microbiome. Furthermore, its beneficial properties may assist those suffering from immune system imbalance as it has been proven to boost activity of white blood cells that fight germs.
As evidence accumulated over time shows the many health advantages of Lion’s Mane, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to adding supplements into your routine. Psychonutritionist Shawn Talbott advises caution if using Lion’s Mane as it’s considered an adaptogenic herb and may interfere with medication such as anticoagulants and blood thinners, have bleeding disorders or pregnant or breastfeeding mothers taking anti-coagulants/blood thinners or bleeding disorder treatments as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women taking blood thinner medications or pregnant or breastfeeding mothers taking blood thinner medications/supplements/supplements for their pregnancies/breastfeeding mothers during these times of gestation/lactation/feeding mothers taking anticoagulant/blood thinner medication or have bleeding disorders during gestation/lactation/birthing/feeding periods/preg/been exposures/intervention may/not work depending on situation/circa a womans circumstances//or breastfeeding mothers taking anticoagulant/blood thinner medications/bleeding disorders/pregration; pregnant or breastfeeding mothers/ breastfeeding women taking adaptogenic herbs should use with caution in pregnancy/breast breastfeeding mothers/ breastfeeding women pregnant/ breastfeeding or are taking anticoagulant/blood thinner medications or have bleeding disorders/pregnan/ breastfeeding conditions/ pregan/lactation while using Lion’s Mane as adaptogenic herbs should use. Psychonutritionist Shawn Talbott notes it must not only dopepe!.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) combine aesthetic appeal and medicinal potential into one attractive package, boasting both an extensive history of traditional medicine practice as well as modern therapeutic research. Turkey tail mushrooms demonstrate how functional mushrooms can contribute significantly to holistic health and wellness, providing benefits like cancer treatment support, immune system support and more.
Turkey tail mushrooms are among the most well-known and beloved immune-supportive functional mushrooms, native to forests worldwide and distinguished by vibrant patterns of multi-colored rings resembling turkey feathers. Furthermore, their mycelium contains Polysaccharide Krestin or PSP bioactive response modifiers which help strengthen the immune system without targeting specific types of cells in the body.
Turkey tail extracts specifically improve the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells – cells responsible for devouring, digesting and eliminating tumors or pathogens from your body – while PSPs enhance production of prostaglandins, which regulate inflammation while increasing immunity responses.
As one of the side effects of chemotherapy is immune suppression, turkey tail mushrooms have been proven to combat this side effect and help prevent cancer recurrence post-conventional treatments like radiation or surgery.
Noteworthy is turkey tail’s potential aid in managing balanced blood sugar levels. Its beta-glucans may support normal insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism while helping the body’s natural detoxification processes. To get the most from turkey tail mushrooms, pair it with our Glucose Functional Tea which combines ingredients like dandelion root and milk thistle for maximum holistic benefit.
Agarikon
Fomitopsis officinalis, more commonly known by its Latin name agarikon, has long been recognized for its medicinal uses. A wood decay fungus that forms beehive-shaped clusters where branches connect to trunks on old trees is one source of this healing substance; Greek physician Dioscorides wrote of its long life-giving properties; British herbalists prescribed it for tuberculosis treatment during the 19th century. Later, scientists have found evidence it’s effective against an emerging strain known as XDR-TB. As both natural antibiotic and antiviral, agarikon improves interferon, T cell and lymphocyte function – all essential components in fighting infection.
Agarikon (commonly known by its Japanese name sakura) is a revered mushroom in Japan used to strengthen immunity and combat stress and fatigue. Furthermore, studies have reported it improves lung function and circulation and alleviate respiratory conditions like bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma and allergies. Furthermore, it boasts strong anti-inflammatory properties and has even shown potential in helping with kidney disease by decreasing swelling.
Ancient cultures from around the world had long recognized its therapeutic qualities, including Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian communities of British Columbia’s Queen Charlotte Islands who used its benefits for treating coughing illnesses and healing wounds. At one time, this fungus was considered an extremely potent spiritual remedy; shamans would carve its conks into spirit figures to protect graves against evil spirits. Today however, its survival is extremely rare; only old growth forests provide protection from logging and overgrazing. Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti is cultivating and harvesting this medicinal mushroom in small batches for consumption regularly. He has established an extensive culture library to preserve it.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is an ancient herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat stress, fatigue, poor immunity and low libido among other conditions. Acting as an adaptogen that balances body chemistry it has long been an invaluable remedy.
Cordyceps may increase production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), helping increase energy and oxygen use during exercise, according to studies. Furthermore, this supplement may improve cardiovascular and renal health as well as physical stamina and muscle fatigue in both young adults and elderly individuals.
Research has demonstrated that Cordyceps contains compounds with anti-cancer properties. These may inhibit cancer cell growth or induce programmed cell death via apoptosis; additionally, Cordyceps could regulate blood sugar levels to aid with treating diabetes.
Research has also demonstrated the ability of Cordyceps to lower cholesterol in hyperlipidemic hamsters and rats, helping prevent heart disease in these species by decreasing levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in their blood.
Cordyceps is not only known for its antioxidant benefits; it’s also an adaptogen and immune booster. Studies have demonstrated its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory factors – helping the body regulate its inflammatory response more efficiently.