Reishi mushrooms are prized ingredients in traditional eastern holistic medicine. Renowned for their medicinal benefits – such as longevity promotion, strengthening immune systems and inflammation reduction – Reishi mushrooms have an earthy/savory flavor profile which pairs beautifully with citrus notes in rooibos and orange peel for a tasty herbal beverage. We combine Reishi tea with these ingredients to make this delicious treat!

Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae in Appalachia), is an easily identifiable mushroom found throughout Appalachia and found growing on dead hemlock trees. Experienced mushroom foragers are easily able to identify it when out hunting mushrooms for themselves. Reishi can be purchased dried from most Chinese herbalists, or you can easily make tea out of it by chopping it up and simmering it with hot water.

Tea is one of the easiest and most effective ways to utilize this healing mushroom, providing vital nutrition for every organ and system in the body – including liver, pancreas, heart and respiratory systems as well as immunity and stress reduction. As an adaptogen it helps the body resist harmful substances like chemicals and heavy metals that enter our system; additionally it may even prevent high blood pressure by helping regulate sugar levels within our bodies.

To create the tea, chop a handful of dried reishi mushrooms into small pieces before placing in a pot with two cups of boiling water and simmer for 30 minutes, saving any liquid that has accumulated as you go. Repeat the process once more while saving any liquid you may accumulate along the way – drinking this delicious beverage either hot or cold will keep it lasting up to one week in your fridge!