Functional mushroom tea is an infusion made by steeping or dissolving various species of mushrooms into hot water, each providing its own therapeutic and wellness benefits.

Some supplements, like chaga and reishi, help promote optimal immune health while others such as cordyceps and turkey tail help increase energy levels, stamina levels, and aid digestion.

Reishi

Reishi mushroom is considered an adaptogenic mushroom, offering benefits like strengthening immunity, relieving stress, relaxing the mind, and normalizing digestive tract function. Research also indicates it could possibly boost collagen production as well as provide antioxidant benefits – however more studies need to be completed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn on its health effects.

Documented references of Reishi as a medicinal mushroom date back to ancient China and Japan, where it remains revered today. Reishi has proven effective at treating various conditions including cancer, hypertension and heart disease.

Reishi can provide both cellular and anti-autoimmune benefits. Furthermore, this mushroom may help manage and prevent diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease by increasing white blood cell function – helping the body fight infections more effectively.

Reishi mushrooms offer numerous health benefits for the body, including supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as normal liver function and reducing oxidative stress. This may be the result of their polysaccharides which help improve metabolic processes as well as production of certain enzymes which help reduce bad cholesterol and lower blood pressure levels.

Reishi has long been used to facilitate healthy sleeping cycles and many those suffering from insomnia have found it to be an effective natural sleeping supplement. Reishi may help facilitate relaxation through its calming properties while stimulating melatonin release for enhanced relaxation of the body and better quality sleep.

One of the greatest aspects of reishi is its safety for most individuals when taken in large doses, although some may experience digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. If you have preexisting conditions or take medications concurrently, taking reishi under medical supervision may also be prudent.

Four Sigmatic’s Reishi Mushroom Extract Powder offers an efficient and cost-effective method for taking in reishi mushrooms, available as capsules for easy consumption in beverages or foods ranging from hot cocoa to iced green tea. You can even enjoy it in their Coco Dream drink that contains not only reishi mushroom but also adaptogenic ashwagandha and raw Peruvian cacao; making for a healthy hot-chocolate alternative that you can enjoy with any plant-based milk of your choosing!

Cordyceps

Cordyceps has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance stamina, endurance, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido and sleep. Furthermore, its extract has antitumor, antimicrobial and antihyperglycemic properties; cordyceps extract has even been shown to increase insulin and decrease blood sugar levels in mice while improving glucose tolerance and thymus weight in rats with diabetes. Furthermore, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as multiple sclerosis could benefit from its use; cordyceps has proven successful at protecting neurons against neuronal loss associated with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).

C. ophioglossoides produces bioactive compounds such as ophiocordin, polysaccharides and ergosterol with diverse bioactivities (Table 5.3). These chemicals account for many of the therapeutic benefits provided by cordyceps such as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic actions as well as presynaptic inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitters that increase synaptic plasticity.

Feng, Yang and Li (2008) identified over 10 nucleosides present in fungus cells: adenine, adenosine, cytosine, guanine, uracil, 2′-deoxyuridine and thymine. These nucleosides interact with receptors for A1, A2A3, and A2B adenosines to control cell function across various organs such as kidney, liver and lung tissue.

Cordyceps is also an abundant source of free fatty acids and phytosterols, especially b-sitosterol, both known for their role in controlling cholesterol absorption and increasing synthesis, while simultaneously helping lower triglycerides, improve cardiovascular health, and decrease inflammation.

Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the fungus contain bioactive compounds with significant concentrations, with the former boasting greater antioxidant activity due to dissolving more easily than their alcoholic counterparts polar molecules, making absorption simpler.

Cordyceps contains bioactive compounds as well as many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, dietary fiber and selenium that is essential for thyroid gland functioning and protection from heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, this fungus has also been proven to effectively treat various autoimmune disorders and infections, such as inflammatory bowel disease and leukemia.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushrooms are widely revered for their ability to protect the brain from age-related effects and improve cognitive performance. Furthermore, this mushroom ranks among nature’s most powerful antioxidants by mopping up free radicals that damage cells and speed cellular aging and mutation.

Lions’ Mane can be especially beneficial to the hippocampus region of the brain, which controls emotional responses and memory. Studies have revealed that it increases production of neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor which help keep nerve communication channels open while simultaneously protecting from potential injury or repair needs.

Hericenin found in lion’s mane mushrooms can help reduce inflammation and regulate blood pressure, both of which have been linked with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Furthermore, Hericenin has been demonstrated to decrease triglycerides – which clog arteries leading to heart attacks or strokes if left uncontrolled – thus providing another beneficial property of this supplement.

Inflammation is an integral part of healing the body naturally, yet chronic or excessive inflammation can become problematic if left uncontrolled or excessive. Sources of inflammation include toxins, diet, stress and lifestyle choices – it’s essential to find a balance between acute and chronic inflammation so the body can continue its natural repair processes. Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been proven to promote healthy responses by decreasing inflammation markers while increasing gut microbiota.

Lion’s Mane stands out among its properties by inhibiting various cancer cells. Studies on both human and animal cancer cells have demonstrated Hericium erinaceus’ effectiveness against different cancer types, killing or slowing their spread.

Lion’s Mane powder is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. Try infusing it into hot tea to take advantage of its savory umami flavour, or add it to coffee as an earthy, energising boost. Or add it directly to a smoothie to help boost immunity and boost mood!

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor, also known as Coriolus versicolor or Kawaratake) have long been used in traditional medicine for treating phlegm and respiratory conditions, as well as providing immune support and protecting livers from oxidative damage.

Researchers of medicinal mushrooms are exploring the impact of Turkey Tail’s protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) on prostate cancer. Studies conducted so far show that PSK stimulates T and B lymphocyte proliferation and strengthens immunity. Furthermore, researchers are exploring whether PSK also boosts “trained innate immunity”.

The turkey tail PSP boasts antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties that may support healthy cholesterol levels, as well as promising natural treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, including reducing inflammation and inhibiting bacteria growth in the colon. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief for conditions like fibromyalgia as well as chronic pain conditions.

Veterinarians frequently prescribe turkey tail extract to pets with joint issues like arthritis. Packed with Vitamin C and designed to support immune function, this extract can reduce inflammation and pressure that contribute to stiffness as well as help process heavy metal toxins out of their bodies more quickly. Reishi mushroom treatments may also be combined to maximize effectiveness and speed recovery time.

Other health benefits of the turkey tail mushroom include supporting healthy blood sugar levels and improving gut function. Furthermore, its immune-enhancing capabilities have proven successful against human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts and cervical cancer; due to this mushroom’s ability to enhance immune responses against HPV, faster clearance occurs from within your body than with traditional treatments alone.

The Turkey Tail’s ability to simultaneously boost immunity and combat cancer is an example of the integrative medicine approach to wellness practiced at Bastyr University’s acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs, taught to Bastyr students studying naturopathy. This dual approach forms the cornerstone of cancer research conducted by NCCAM’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine-funded Bastyr/UW Oncomycology Translational Research Center.