Mushroom tea has seen an exponential surge in popularity due to its purported health benefits. From improving immunity and stress levels, to better cognition and memory recall, functional mushrooms like chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps are increasingly being used as the basis for creating powerful tea blends that boast healthful qualities.

Mushroom tea is created by steeping medicinal mushroom pieces in hot water for several minutes, then straining out. Its flavor varies depending on which mushrooms are used, though typically woody and spicy characteristics dominate its taste.

1. Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus or “The King of Mushrooms”) is an adaptogenic herb with powerful immune-supportive properties, known as Inonotus obliquus or the “King of Mushrooms.” It grows parasitically on birch trees in cold climates and is popular with herbalists due to its abundance of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins; used for general wellbeing or alleviating common ailments like flu and colds; abundant with beta D glucans (D glucans), polysaccharides (PS), immunomodulators (immunomodulators which work synergically to reinforce immunity systems in our immune systems.

Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants that support liver health. This means it protects it from oxidative stress, helps eliminate environmental toxins, and supports detoxification processes. They’re also rich in melanin which offers skin health benefits while offering protection from UV radiation damage(3)

Research has demonstrated that chaga extract inhibits glycolysis and reduces oral cancer cell proliferation by inactivating proline-directed serine/threonine kinase p38; this in turn inactivates various inflammatory and cytotoxic pathways as well as decreasing expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting stem cell differentiation while simultaneously preventing self-renewal of stem cells while encouraging apoptosis(4)

Chaga can help to increase energy levels as evidenced by its ability to increase cell metabolism, stimulate fatty acid synthesis, and increase glucose tolerance. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated its effect on improving insulin sensitivity while decreasing risk for Type 2 diabetes(5)

Chaga’s most notable use is as an immune booster. It boosts production of white blood cells that fight viruses and bacteria(1)

There are many ways to enjoy chaga tea, from premade bags to tincture or coffee blends. For optimal results, select high-quality sustainably harvested chaga from a trusted brand such as Sayan Tea Company that harvests wild chaga from Siberian Birch forests using far-infrared heating and roasting technology for maximum nutrition content and spread its legendary healing powers worldwide.

2. Reishi

Reishi is an adaptogen that promotes mental wellbeing by relieving anxiety and stress, as well as improving immunity by stimulating white blood cell production to keep you healthy and fight infection. Studies indicate its efficacy against disease.

Reishi’s unique affinity to the lungs makes it a highly effective treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, emphysema and other forms of inflammation such as asthma. Furthermore, Reishi can stimulate weak lungs to strengthen them when needed – therefore pairing well with Cordyceps in some instances for this issue.

Studies suggest that Reishi may help relieve chronic fatigue symptoms and help facilitate more restful sleeping patterns. Reishi contains high concentrations and varieties of naturally sedative compounds which work with our natural sleeping cycles to induce relaxation and drowsiness, potentially providing much-needed restful slumber.

Reishi mushroom extract has also been demonstrated to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, as evidenced by studies. Studies indicate its efficacy at increasing GABA levels in the brain – an essential neurotransmitter involved in relieving anxiety and depression symptoms.

Reishi may hold anti-cancer properties, though further research must be completed on this claim. Reishi contains beta-glucans – complex sugars which have been shown to slow or stop cancer cell growth; additionally, lab studies indicate that Reishi mushrooms stimulate natural killer cells to kill abnormal cells more efficiently.

Reishi is often considered an effective longevity tonic. Traditional Chinese medicine places longevity as one of its core tenets, and Reishi may help extend lives by protecting liver function, aiding digestion and strengthening immunity systems.

3. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hieracium erinaceus) is an extraordinary and exquisitely delicious species often compared to lobster or crab meat for its tender, yet slightly chewy texture. As an excellent vegetarian alternative to seafood and an ideal addition to stir fries, pasta dishes, soups or any dish featuring mushrooms – Lion’s Mane contains antioxidants which support immune system function as well as compounds known as hericenones which stimulate nerve growth factor for improved cognitive performance.

Mushroom tea, an infusion of edible and medicinal mushrooms soaked in hot water for centuries, has long been revered as an effective natural treatment for anxiety, depression, digestive issues and cancer. Many believe its health benefits to lie within its immune-boosting, brain-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Find mushroom tea at your local tea shop or online. Choose from varieties like chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps; many blends use rooibos tea for its earthy sweetness while some include herbs such as licorice root peppermint ginko biloba rosemary to promote relaxation, clarity of mind and focus.

To prepare mushroom tea, soak dried or fresh mushrooms in boiling hot water for 5-10 minutes before straining and drinking it as tea. Some brands even offer extracts as an easier and quicker way to take advantage of this superfood’s healthful benefits.

Mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, fiber, B vitamins and potassium. Furthermore, mushrooms contain antioxidants which may protect against heart disease and help slow the aging process; furthermore they’re low in calories, fat-free and cholesterol free – perfect for all your nutritional needs!

Buy lion’s mane mushrooms that are bright white and firm with a shaggy outer surface to ensure they’re fresh. Visit your grocery store produce section or ask a farmers market vendor about them; wrinkled or browning mushrooms indicate past their prime and should be stored in the refrigerator in either paper bags or porous plastic bags for optimal storage conditions.

4. Cordyceps

Cordyceps is an umbrella name for over 400 species of ascomycete fungi that parasitize insect larvae. Cordyceps sinensis is best known for this, being one of the most revered Chinese tonic herbs used to strengthen body and mind simultaneously on an essential level, with incredible potency and nourishment potential.

Fungus attaches itself to caterpillars and consumes their vital nutrients before mummifying and turning them into sclerotium, from which fruiting bodies form which are dispersed by wind to infect more unwitting insects – creating an astounding and symbiotic relationship between the fungus and insect.

Studies on human hematopoietic cells have demonstrated the power of cordycepin (3-deoxyadenosine) as an aid to immune modulation, specifically increasing Th1 lymphocyte production of IL-2 and IL-15; inhibiting production of IgE by B lymphocytes; and regulating ion channels that impact BALF cell cytokine composition.

Tea made from these mushrooms has long been used to ease fatigue and speed recovery after exhaustion due to its adaptogenic properties. Furthermore, its regular consumption may strengthen respiratory systems, promote longevity and vitality as well as aid kidney and liver health (Wojcikowski et al. 2004).

At Moon Juice, our mushroom tea blends feature cultured Cordyceps as the key ingredient. Grown on organic family farms and combined with supportive herbs from Earthbound Farms for maximum nutritional benefit and flavorful enjoyment, our mushroom teas contain no caffeine so that you can fully experience their benefits without feeling any jitters! To learn more about them visit our website.