Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground, dried mushrooms and coffee that boasts less caffeine than its traditional counterpart. According to its makers, its health benefits include reduced stress levels, increased energy, better sleep patterns and stronger immunity. Mushroom brews generally do not cause the psychoactive compound Psilocybin that induces hallucinogenic experiences, unlike magic mushrooms which contain Psilocybe genus species with which many mushroom coffee blends contain.

Medicinal mushrooms have long been used in traditional healing medicine and research into their potential as treatments. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence exists to back the claims made for mushroom coffee – its popularity based on untested assumptions and unsupported marketing claims; for instance a test tube study conducted on mice indicated certain medicinal mushrooms reduced inflammation; however the findings don’t always translate to humans and clinical trials are absent for mushroom coffee blends and mushroom supplements generally.

Mushroom coffee may help relieve stress: Mushroom extracts contain adaptogens which can balance cortisol levels during times of stress, according to studies. People living with autoimmune conditions such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis may also have elevated cortisol levels; proponents of mushroom coffee claim chaga, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps mushrooms used in mushroom coffee may lower blood pressure while protecting against diabetes and heart disease.

Some health experts warn against drinking mushroom coffee for those suffering from digestive or kidney issues. One factor may be chaga mushrooms found in mushroom coffee blends being high in oxalates that bind minerals, increasing your risk for kidney stones. Furthermore, mushrooms can stimulate the immune system and interfere with medications prescribed to treat conditions like hemophilia or platelet-deficiency syndrome.

Studies on mushroom coffee vary significantly, some suggesting it can enhance energy, while others show no additional benefit over regular coffee. Supporters point to research indicating fungi can reduce cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and inflammation – although many of these results have yet to be replicated by larger trials.

Mushroom coffee’s primary drawback is its higher cost and difficulty to locate in stores, not to mention many of its ingredients having strong flavors that require special equipment for preparation. Therefore, before adding mushroom coffee into your daily routine it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian; they can assist in determining if mushroom supplements are right for you as well as providing recipes so you can brew your own DIY batch and control how much mushroom ingredient goes in while choosing your ideal coffee or tea type.