Mushroom tea has quickly become an incredibly popular drink to address various health conditions. People swear it helps boost energy levels, enhance natural mood-lifting properties, and improve cognitive functions – but does it actually work as effectively as people claim? To find out, we consulted two registered dietitians regarding its potential benefits and risks.

Mushrooms have long been used as both traditional medicine and food sources. Recent research has demonstrated their beneficial properties as both anti-inflammatories and immune boosters. Mushroom tea can be made by steeping mushrooms in hot water to produce a delicious beverage which can be drunk either alone or combined with ingredients like lemon, ginger or honey for more customized flavors. Depending on which species are chosen, mushroom tea’s taste ranges from earthy bitter to sweet depending on which varieties were used to make it.

Chaga mushroom is one of the most widely consumed tea mushrooms due to its many health advantages. Packed with B-complex vitamins, potassium, and beta glucans – which have been linked with improved immune system functioning – its tea is typically woody and earthy in flavor; other varieties may possess coffee-like or chocolaty notes depending on which species are included in a blend.

Reishi mushroom tea is another popular option that may help alleviate stress and enhance mental clarity. Reishi is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body deal with stress by normalizing cortisol levels; additionally, it may promote sleep and increase cognitive function – perfect for starting your day off right or helping calm nerves before an important meeting!

There are various methods for crafting mushroom tea, from purchasing pre-made kombucha and mixing in reishi or lion’s mane tea, to crafting it at home. The key to crafting effective mushroom tea lies in not overbrewing it as this could reduce its health benefits; to make sure this doesn’t happen, letting the tea sit for approximately one week prior to drinking it as this allows your body to adjust.

Refrigeration is the optimal environment for mushroom tea storage as this helps preserve its beneficial compounds more effectively than at room temperature, where heat could cause them to break down and lose their effectivity.

Metal containers should also be avoided when making kombucha as they can interact with acids present in the tea and alter its flavor. Instead, glass containers with tightly closing lids are best to prevent condensation on their lid and possible contamination by condensation forming on it – the ideal container should fit kombucha with enough space left for air circulation without leaving too much air space for circulation.