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Mushroom Tea Types
Tea is an effective way to relax and refresh yourself. Try one that boosts immunity like Chaga or quietly invigorates like Cordyceps for maximum rejuvenation and productivity.
Mushroom tea is the latest health trend and comes packed with nutritional advantages for our bodies. Below we explore five varieties of mushroom tea and how each may benefit your wellbeing.
Reishi
Reishi mushroom extract has long been revered for its ability to strengthen immunity and prolong longevity, providing numerous health-promoting benefits, such as improving blood sugar levels, reducing stress levels, balancing hormones, improving sleep quality, fighting fatigue and supporting liver health. Taoist monks in ancient China used Reishi as a brain tonic to enhance meditation practice and cultivate peacefulness during their practice of Zen Buddhism meditation.
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are an Asian and African polypore fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Reishi has become famous due to their unique appearance and mysterious properties; many even refer to it as the “mushroom of immortality.” Reishi contains antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects as well as being an immune modulator, making it effective against cancer as well as treating common cold symptoms, fibromyalgia symptoms, and even helping improve heart health while simultaneously lowering cholesterol.
Reishi offers many powerful health benefits, the most notable of which are beta-glucans – complex sugars that have been shown to inhibit tumor growth and stimulate white blood cells – an immune defense mechanism in the body against disease-causing organisms and abnormal cells. A 2021 review in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology demonstrated how Reishi helped prevent cancer, reduced tumor growth and promoted death among cancerous cells.
Reishi mushrooms come in both dried form for teas, capsules and tinctures, or can be added directly into other herbal beverages and supplements to add an additional dimension of flavor. It should be safe for most adults when taken in small doses; however, too much may interfere with medications or cause adverse side effects – therefore speaking with your healthcare provider prior to including Reishi into your daily regimen is highly advised.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushroom contains properties similar to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but works throughout the nervous system rather than just within it. It stimulates production of BDNF, supporting nerve cell growth, improving cognitive performance, lowering depression and anxiety as well as supporting overall gastrointestinal health by reducing inflammation and encouraging healthy gut bacteria growth.
Lion’s Mane has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease and prevent diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Animal studies have even demonstrated its efficacy at lowering triglycerides – making it an excellent natural remedy for heart health.
One of the more noteworthy effects of mushrooms is their ability to stimulate new nerve growth, providing great benefit for individuals suffering from neurological injuries as well as those recovering from Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s diseases.
Lion’s Mane contains compounds which may help ease feelings of stress and depression by modulating immune responses. Furthermore, its mental focus-enhancing effects may facilitate the production of more acetylcholine in the brain while its anti-inflammatory benefits could even aid in soothing IBS symptoms.
Lion’s Mane can be found in many forms, from food products to supplements. Because supplements aren’t regulated as closely by the Food and Drug Administration as prescription drugs are, it is wise to look for third-party verified products or consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist prior to taking them.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder or Capsules can be purchased to create tea, and also added to recipes like soups and sauces. Roasting this mushroom gives a taste reminiscent of lobster, while its chewy crab-like texture can even be pan-seared as a meat substitute! Psychonutritionist Shawn Talbott notes its versatility – its mild yet subtle taste pairs perfectly with sweet ingredients such as taro or ginger for delicious results!
Cordyceps
Cordyceps, famously used as an anti-aging remedy, also increases energy levels and physical stamina by helping increase oxygen in the blood, which makes exercise easier for longer durations and reduces fatigue. Furthermore, Cordyceps supports immune health by stimulating production of white blood cells while simultaneously suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines to create anti-inflammatory benefits in the body.
Mushrooms contain antioxidants, which work to neutralize free radicals that damage and age the body, thus making them an effective anti-aging remedy. Furthermore, mushrooms have also been proven to support liver, kidney and cardiovascular system function as well as have anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties.
One reason people turn to mushroom teas is for its abundance in essential vitamins and minerals essential for our health and well-being. Mushrooms contain vitamins and minerals in abundance; many varieties also provide high amounts of protein. A cup of mushroom tea provides an easy way to supplement your diet with essential amino acids needed for building and maintaining muscle tissue.
Cordyceps mushrooms contain unique compounds such as ergosterol and polysaccharides that may account for their health benefits. Studies conducted on laboratory animals have demonstrated their anticancer capabilities; specifically inhibiting cancerous cell growth while encouraging programmed cell death through apoptosis (programmed cell death). Furthermore, cordyceps mushrooms possess antioxidative properties that may decrease oxidative stress levels within the body while reducing inflammation.
Cordyceps may also help lower blood sugar levels, making it an excellent treatment option for those living with diabetes. Furthermore, studies have also indicated its positive influence on heart health by inhibiting atherosclerosis development and lowering cholesterol levels.
Cordyceps was traditionally utilized by Yak herders of Tibet as an aid in absorbing oxygen, making it especially helpful at high altitudes. Furthermore, its benefits can also aid men who experience sexual dysfunction by increasing sperm production and raising testosterone levels.
Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor mushrooms, commonly referred to as turkey tail extracts or simply turkey tail mushrooms, boast vibrant appearances and healing powers. Found across Asia and North America’s moist, shaded forests, these fungi feed on organic material found rotting logs or trees for sustenance – making them integral components of forest ecosystems that have long been utilized as medicine both by traditional healers as well as modern scientists conducting studies about their medicinal potential.
Turkey tail benefits include strengthening the immune system and increasing energy levels, helping stave off infections while simultaneously increasing energy. Turkey tail mushrooms contain B-glucans – unique polysaccharides in their cell walls which target immune receptors in your body to stimulate an accelerated immune response – targeting them specifically as B-glucans target specific receptors to increase your immunity response. In addition, these mushrooms are considered adaptogens – herbal compounds which work to alleviate everyday stresses while strengthening energy.
Turkey Tail can provide many health benefits beyond immune boosting, including anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant support, and cancer fighting qualities. Polysaccharide Krestin or PSK, one of its unique compounds found within turkey tail, has become the subject of intense research for its potential in fighting cancer; PSK has even shown to enhance patients’ responses during chemotherapy treatments by strengthening immunity.
Turkey tail extracts have long been studied for their potential to protect and boost liver and gut health, specifically inflammation reduction and fat accumulation on the liver – two areas which can contribute to jaundice or other liver-related issues. Furthermore, turkey tail extracts have also been proven to improve brain function while slowing the aging process, including memory loss.
One reason cancerous tumors thrive is their ability to suppress immune systems. Turkey tail’s immune-enhancing effects could provide an antidote and help stop tumor growth in its tracks. Studies involving animal models have also demonstrated its capacity for strengthening bones and preventing bone loss associated with some cancer treatments.