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Mushroom Teas For Health and Well-Being
Mushrooms have grown increasingly popular over time. Although not physically addictive, mushrooms may cause psychological dependency that requires professional substance abuse treatment to overcome.
Chaga is considered an adaptogen, or non-toxic natural substance that helps the body respond to stress by providing relief and restoring equilibrium. Packed with antioxidants, its mild earthy flavour makes Chaga an invaluable ally.
Chaga
Chaga mushroom tea has gained much of its fame on social media as a trendy wellness beverage, but indigenous people have long used it as medicine to increase immunity and promote overall health. Chaga’s rich nutrient profile includes B vitamins, antioxidants, immune-enhancing beta glucans and energy boosting beta-glucans which may also help support improved energy levels and digestion health. Chaga can be enjoyed either hot or added into smoothies and has even been shown to lower blood sugar, balance hormones and fight cancer!
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is the focal point of this medicinal beverage, grown on birch trees and used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Packed full of B vitamins, minerals and amino acids it boasts many immune-enhancing benefits as well as helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure while improving heart health. Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties make Chaga ideal for use either raw, in tea form, ground into powder form for coffee beverages or added directly into other drinks such as smoothies or juices.
Start by warming filtered water to between 140 F and 160 F, which is just below boiling temperature, then adding chunks or powder of chaga mushroom (or both!) until you achieve an infusion that lasts from 20 minutes up to several hours; strain your tea and serve immediately or sweeten with honey or natural sweeteners if desired.
As reported in a study published in Heliyon journal, Chaga’s polysaccharides stimulate white blood cells to fight viruses and bacteria, providing an immune-enhancing benefit that can prevent diseases as well as infections such as colds and flu, including fever and cough symptoms. Furthermore, its polysaccharide content has also been proven to help manage blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings.
Prior to taking natural supplements or herbs such as chaga mushroom supplements, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider. While side effects or interactions could occur between medications and natural products like this one may occur. Furthermore, being aware of any allergies or health concerns could prevent taking unnecessary risks with regard to chaga mushrooms supplements.
Reishi
Reishi mushroom tea has long been used as part of ancient medical healing practices. It’s often touted for helping with sleep and relaxing the mind, as well as increasing energy without overtaxing adrenals like caffeine does. Reishi is sometimes known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” due to its longevity-increasing properties and immune-system enhancing benefits – qualities which also lend themselves well to longevity-promoting properties and improving immunity systems.
Studies show that extracts of Reishi mushroom can improve sleep quality, strengthen immunity, alleviate stress and depression, as well as provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and an excellent source of natural sterols, beta glucans, fatty acids, polyphenols and lactones. Reishi mushrooms may even be effective at managing healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Reishi has been found to increase the production of white blood cells that fight viruses and pathogens, helping strengthen your immune system while slowing down aging processes. This practice helps keep immune systems strong while slowing the aging process.
Reishi can also help promote hair growth and reduce inflammation. Reishi contains 5-a-reductase inhibitor, a compound which lowers DHT levels in the scalp while also protecting hair follicles against miniaturization – this explains why Reishi has proven beneficial in treating baldness while simultaneously encouraging healthy hair growth.
Reishi can accelerate wound healing by increasing collagen levels, which are essential for tissue repair and healing. Studies suggest that taking reishi may increase concentrations of hydroxyproline chemical found in our bodies that increases collagen production, leading to faster wound healing times and stronger tissues.
Reishi mushroom tea is easy and quick to prepare at home. Simply bring water to boil and add dried reishi; allow it to simmer for around 30 minutes before straining through a fine mesh strainer. Reishi mushroom tea contains health-supportive ingredients that may boost immunity, reduce stress levels, regulate blood pressure levels, lower cholesterol and aid digestion – as an added bonus retailers who purchase two boxes will donate one box directly to a food pantry in need.
Maitake
Maitake mushroom (Grifola fondosa), commonly referred to as the “hen of the woods,” is an adaptogenic mushroom which helps support immune health. Long used for traditional medicine purposes, Maitake has recently gained more popularity as an energy booster through functional food offerings that boost energy levels.
Maitake mushroom is an adaptable delicacy that can be enjoyed roasted, grilled or added to tea and broths for delicious dining experiences. Packed full of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall wellness, maitake is often touted for its ability to reduce inflammation while supporting immune health as well as being an excellent source of potassium – essential in maintaining fluid balance within the body – B vitamins, dietary fiber and nutritional B are also found within maitake and are necessary to proper digestion.
Maitake may provide another benefit to people living with diabetes – improving blood sugar control. According to one animal study, maitake extract significantly decreased blood pressure and triglycerides in rats. Furthermore, maitake may have anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce heart disease risk as well as metabolic syndrome risk; plus its rich source of phosphorus allows maitake to help bone health as well as cell metabolism processes.
Studies suggest that maitake’s beta-glucans may enhance the activity of specific immune cells such as natural killer cells and macrophages to fight cancer, while also potentially inducing programmed cell death in cancerous cells; this process helps limit tumor spread while stimulating regeneration.
Blend or food processor to turn dried maitake mushrooms into powder for easier tea-making, while simultaneously extracting all the beneficial compounds contained within. Use high-grade organic black tea for best results and try adding honey if desired – perfect morning boost! You can enjoy this tea at any time of the day, but especially beneficial as an early wake-up call and keeping you focused and alert throughout your day!