Mushroom tea has recently emerged as one of the newest trends in functional beverages, but has also long been enjoyed. This herbal brew features various varieties of mushroom such as reishi, lion’s mane or chaga in hot water steeping and has long been considered beneficial in helping boost energy, cognitive function and manage stress. Tea enthusiasts claim it helps increase energy, cognitive function and help the body adapt to stress; but does its potency diminish over time?

As mushrooms break down during the steeping process, their psilocin is released into our bodies through consumption of mushroom tea. While some may fear its potency diminishing over time, in reality its active ingredients will dissolve into its liquid state and enter our digestive systems to reach bloodstream quickly.

Mushroom extracts and fungi have long been recognized for their natural compounds that act as powerful anti-tumor and immune boosters. A recent study of Coriolus versicolor mushroom demonstrated its anti-tumor activity by inhibiting tumor growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), as well as contributing to overall body health (67).

Mushroom b-glucans have also been shown to stimulate and activate the adaptive immune system more quickly after exposure to pathogens or viruses than can the innate system alone. Furthermore, mushrooms contain immunomodulatory compounds which stimulate production of lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for antiviral activity, while Polysaccharide K from Cordyceps sinensis can enhance activation of natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages (68).

Studies demonstrate the power of mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi to effectively eliminate herpes simplex virus, herpes B viruses, hepatitis C virus SARS coronaviruses and influenza A viruses as well as reduce HIV replication while stimulating macrophages to kill infected viral cells (69). Furthermore, their b-glucan content prevents viral entry into cells while encouraging them to be destroyed by immune system cells (69).

Although mushroom tea doesn’t provide the same effect as taking psilocin orally, it is a great way to absorb some of its beneficial nutrients. Before drinking mushroom tea for yourself, be sure to consult with a health care provider first and properly store and note when your tea was made – then use only filtered or distilled water so as to get the highest-quality liquid possible.