Mushroom teas are becoming a hot trend, boasting multiple health benefits ranging from immunity boosting and anti-aging benefits, anxiety relief, and cell repair. Mushroom tea can be enjoyed hot or iced and often includes single herb mushroom powder blends or pieces of whole fungi for enjoyment – so there’s sure to be one suitable for each need – be it increasing immunity before bed, relaxing before sleep, cancer treatments, or ease of delivery of tea cups to customers. With every cup sold comes its own set of challenges including harvest, production, shelf life storage conditions for shipping, delivery services – not to mention harvest and production practices themselves! The market for mushroom tea is flourishing while behind every cup is an intricate supply chain of production which begins before harvest through harvest through production to shelf life concerns for storage as well as last mile delivery experience before arriving at their final destination – there may or not be anywhere close.

As a botanical beverage, mushroom tea doesn’t technically qualify as true “tea.” Camellia sinensis leaves are used to produce true tea while herbal or medicinal herbs and spices can be combined into infusions known as tisanes for an infusion called mushroom tea (officially an infusion but often known by its brand name). Though technically an infusion, mushroom tea has come to represent one particular brand.

Mushroom tea involves steeping powdered or whole dried mushrooms along with other ingredients in hot water for several minutes to extract their healing properties. The resulting liquid typically boasts an earthy umami flavor and may be sweetened to suit personal preferences by using honey or natural sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup – depending on what species of mushroom was included in the blend and other additions added to its combination. The taste can differ depending on which mushrooms have been added as part of its formula.

Mushroom tea gets its name because many of the beneficial properties contained within mushrooms’ indigestible cell walls are locked up inside of them and must be released through boiling in order for our bodies to absorb and use their beneficial components, according to Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN, HHC of Nutrition by Robin. Boiling also allows beta-glucans and polysaccharides that boost immunity directly reach immune cells which play an integral role in supporting our strong and healthy immune systems, says Foroutan.

Foroutan notes that there have been various studies documenting the benefits of mushroom supplements, but more research needs to be conducted into their specific effects. Chaga mushroom is known for promoting energy while reishi may aid sleep quality – both are adaptogens which allow bodies to respond better to stressful environments and adjust accordingly.

Turkey Tail and Cordyceps may help improve exercise performance, though more research needs to be conducted in this regard. All these fungi, and others like them, contain antioxidants which have been proven to combat free radicals and reduce inflammation; protecting us from oxidative damage while making us feel more vital and energetic. These fungi also contain other compounds thought to support gut health, lower stress levels, regulate blood pressure levels and maintain healthy cholesterol and glucose levels in our bodies.