Chaga, a dark woody plant found primarily in northern Ontario woods, has become increasingly popular as a health food product in recent years, leading to overharvesting and an increased risk of its extinction.

On a quiet stretch of East Hastings Street in Vancouver lies the Coca Leaf Cafe & Mushroom Dispensary – offering legally questionable substances.

Benefits

Mushroom tea has quickly become one of the newest health trends. Created by steeping whole or ground mushrooms into hot water for an unusual, delectable beverage that defies comparison to black or grassy green tea varieties, mushroom tea claims to boost energy, support immune function, and promote overall wellness – yet does its popularity measure up? For answers from experts like registered dietitians.

Mushrooms have long been used medicinally across Eastern cultures, Russia and North America. Following the COVID-19 pandemic which raised awareness of immunity and health concerns, mushroom teas with immune-enhancing properties became more popular – reflecting an overall increased health consciousness of consumers in APAC countries.

Not all mushroom teas are created equal, and for optimal effects it is wise to look for those containing functional fungi such as reishi or turkey tail mushrooms that contain beta-glucans and polysaccharides which help strengthen immune systems. You should avoid overly-roasted varieties as these can lose some of their essential nutrients. Chaga teas containing antioxidants are another good option; these teas may help support brain health as well as increase energy levels.

Origins

Mushroom teas are part of an emerging trend towards functional beverages. These products are created to meet specific health needs, such as increasing immunity or cognitive health benefits. Mushroom teas often feature ingredients like chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms that appeal to health-conscious consumers as organic or natural options.

Though mushroom tea may be relatively new to the market, mushrooms have long been used for medicinal purposes in Eastern cultures, Russia, and Canada for thousands of years. Reishi, chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms have proven particularly helpful for maintaining health and vitality; Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom which helps the body deal with stress and anxiety while Chaga mushrooms may protect immune systems while improving mental clarity.

Consumers may not realize the many advantages of mushroom tea and may therefore be reluctant to try it, which can limit demand and limit market expansion. Furthermore, Ukraine’s political situation could negatively impact availability of key ingredients used for mushroom tea production as this country is a major exporter of agricultural products and related ingredients used in mushroom tea production – this may cause delays or price fluctuations, having an adverse impact on market expansion.

Ingredients

Mushroom tea is an herbal blend made up of dried and ground herbs, spices, and mushrooms such as chaga mushroom (Cinnamomum camphora), rooibos tea leaves, reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum/lingzhi), cordyceps militaris mushrooms, lemongrass leaves and eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Mushroom tea should typically be steeped for 4-6 minutes in boiling water before being consumed hot or cold*.*.*. *For best results consult healthcare professional before including mushroom tea in your diet*.*.*.

Recipes

Mushroom teas – comprising whole or ground mushrooms steeped in hot water — might seem like the latest juice bar trend, but functional fungi such as reishi and chaga have long been used by traditional cultures worldwide to improve health and vitality. Registered dietitians suggest mushroom tea as an adaptogenic boost that should be enjoyed both warm or chilled at home for maximum pleasure!