Mushroom teas — made by steeping dried whole or powdered mushrooms in hot water — have recently become trendy, yet these adaptogen teas have long been part of traditional healing practices in China, Russia, and elsewhere for thousands of years. Popular varieties include Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps teas which may help reduce stress, boost immunity systems and increase energy.

Functional mushrooms like chaga, reishi and lion’s mane saw significant growth in 2016 due to their purported anti-stress and anxiety-reducing benefits and anti-ageing abilities. Furthermore, tea made from these mushrooms may assist digestive health as well as combat depression and increase mental alertness.

While some consumers may remain dubious of mushroom tea’s benefits, an increasing number of individuals are willing to give these drinks a try. One common query regarding mushroom tea quality is whether or not these drinks go bad over time; the answer to this lies within several variables like freshness of preparation when stored properly.

When purchasing mushroom teas, be sure to purchase products labeled as fresh. A quality mushroom tea should be odor-free and mold-free for best results, and tightly sealed so as to minimize exposure to oxygen which could degrade its taste and texture over time.

If a product smells off, it is most likely past its prime and should be consumed quickly before it loses all of its moisture and becomes inedible. A pungent odor, discoloration or slimy film are telltale signs that something has expired. Mushrooms contain over 95% water content so mushrooms that appear dry are often on their way towards dehydration; any product which appears dry could indicate that dehydration has begun and should be consumed quickly to preserve a high yielding product.

Subtle indicators that a mushroom has passed its prime include its texture, which may become crumbly or sticky. A loose or mushy texture may also indicate its decline and could make for an unpleasant tasting cup of tea. Spotted mushrooms don’t always indicate poor quality; some naturally develop dark blotches or discoloration that indicate their age and nutritional worthiness.

Although mushroom teas are increasingly popular, it is essential to remember that mushrooms are not drugs. While urine or blood samples can be tested for drugs, mushrooms tend to be excreted quickly from your system and do not show up on drug tests. So far, mushroom tea should not interfere with any medical treatments that a person is currently undergoing; however, anyone taking medications or herbs should check with their physician prior to drinking these beverages to make sure there are no interactions. Also pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid drinking mushroom teas; moreover these beverages should not be given to children or teenagers due to their immune-boosting properties being harmful for younger individuals.