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How to Prepare Reishi Mushroom Tea
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lingzhi) is an increasingly popular functional food that offers many health advantages. Its adaptogenic properties promote relaxation and help balance our bodies’ response to brief tension; furthermore, Reishi can strengthen immunity while simultaneously improving sleep hygiene.
Reishi mushroom tea can be consumed as an effective means to reap its many health benefits, yet proper preparation can make a big difference in how effective this herbal beverage will be. In this article we’ll show how to create this drink using whole dried mushrooms or reishi extract powder powder.
Traditional Reishi mushroom tea can be made by boiling mushrooms and straining out any fruiting bodies; this process usually takes at least two hours. After this step is complete, bitter-tasting drink that still retains some medicinal properties of these mushrooms will result.
Reishi tea may not taste quite as tempting as its sweetened counterpart, but there are still numerous ways it can be prepared that can disguise its less-than-delectable taste. Popular techniques include adding slices of fresh ginger during simmering or mixing the decoction with chai tea – other people even sweeten it further with natural sweeteners like honey to create an enjoyable and nutritious beverage that can be consumed any time of the day!
To create Reishi tea, start by breaking up dried mushrooms into small chunks and placing them in a pot with boiling water. When this reaches a boil, lower the temperature and allow the mixture to simmer for at least 30 minutes up to two hours – up until it reaches desired flavor levels.
At this stage, the mushroom will slowly release its beneficial compounds into the liquid. Care should be taken not to over-boil as this could make the mixture bitter or unappetizing; boiling helps break down tough cell walls of mushrooms so water-soluble compounds like polysaccharides can be extracted into liquid form.
Reishi tea can be used both as an herbal beverage and in recipes such as soups, stews, and sauces. While its adaptogenic properties help promote restful sleep. While you can take it any time of the day, most often people enjoy taking it before bedtime.
If you prefer an easier method of preparation, why not switch from dried mushrooms to reishi extract powder instead? Dual extraction methods ensure both water- and alcohol-soluble compounds are captured – this makes the extract powders easier for both use and absorption by your body.
Reishi extract powders come in various forms such as capsules, tea bags and tinctures; tea bags being the easiest of these options as all it requires is hot water or milk, while for tinctures a few drops must be added to water or juice before sipping it down. Reishi powder can also be found as an ingredient in various wellness drinks like smoothies and lattes that provide more consistent dosing of this mushroom; making this an ideal way for those without enough time or energy to create their own tea blends!