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Wet Mushroom Tea – 5 Types of Mushrooms
Mushroom tea is an effective way of enjoying mushrooms without the stomachache that often follows raw consumption, with faster results than eating mushrooms separately.
To create mushroom tea, combine ground mushrooms with 1 cup of boiling water in a cup and allow it to steep for 15 minutes before straining out and straining out any unnecessary sediments.
Reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are an edible variety of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom found throughout East Asia and have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing remedy, along with antioxidant and immune-enhancing benefits. Reishi is one of the most sought-after herbal remedies and can often be found both online and at natural health stores.
Reishi mushroom has a woody and tough texture derived from complex polysaccharides such as beta-glucans and chitin. These complex molecules give Reishi its immune-enhancing qualities as well as make digestion challenging, yet triterpenes found within Reishi are known for having antioxidant, antitumor and liver protective effects; triterpenes don’t dissolve well in water but dissolve well when mixed with alcohol; therefore some preparations of Reishi involve alcohol extraction for best results.
Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens, meaning that they help regulate our bodies’ stress response. Studies have demonstrated how reishi can alleviate anxiety and depression as well as increase energy levels and promote sleep. Reishi also has anticancer properties by inhibiting tumor growth while simultaneously activating white blood cells that destroy cancerous cells – even one study found Reishi caused cancer cells to die!
Reishi can cause mild side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating. Before drinking Reishi, consult with a healthcare provider first; consumption should also be avoided by those with compromised immune systems or taking immunosuppressants.
Reishi tea can be easily prepared by adding mushrooms to hot water and simmering it for 20 minutes, adding other ingredients such as sage leaves, rose hips or crab apples for flavoring purposes. Once finished cooking, remove it from heat, strain out any solid matter, add honey as desired and enjoy! This tea is an ideal way to combat chronic fatigue brought on by stress, lack of sleep or infection – perfect for anyone suffering from it!
Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is the second-most-widely cultivated edible mushroom and has long been used both as food and medicine. These dark-colored, meaty-flavored mushrooms have long been an integral part of Asian cooking but can be found elsewhere as well – in soups, vegetable stir fries, pasta dishes etc. Furthermore, shiitakes contain umami which offers additional savory taste that complements other tastes well.
Shiitake mushrooms offer numerous health advantages, including strengthening the immune system. Packed with beta-glucans – soluble fibers which can lower cholesterol levels – these mushrooms also boast antiviral and antibiotic properties making them useful against colds and flu as well as having natural anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate pain from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Shiitake mushrooms can be enjoyed fresh or dried; the most popular way to enjoy them, however, is in dry form. To rehydrate them quickly and easily in hot water or broth for 15 minutes is ideal; once done the liquid can then be added directly into soups or sauces as desired. Alternatively, for those short on time reconstituted shiitakes may also be added directly into simmering liquids and soups for easy inclusion into recipes.
Fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms are packed with umami, adding a delicious umami flavor that elevates other dishes. Shiitakes make an especially great addition to soups where their unique savory aroma adds layers of complexity to broths and vegetable stir fry dishes; but they’re also a wonderful complement for pasta and risotto dishes!
Shiitake mushrooms offer excellent nutritional value; they’re an excellent source of potassium, vitamin D and B vitamins as well as protein and dietary fibre. Furthermore, these nutritious mushrooms possess antioxidant properties which may help slow the signs of ageing.
Shiitake mushrooms, like other decomposer mushrooms, play an integral part in breaking down dead trees and returning nutrients back into the soil. Furthermore, shiitakes have the ability to digest lignin, an elastic polymer that gives plant cells rigidity; this process is called bioremediation; mushrooms can accomplish it using both organic molecules such as pesticides and petroleum products as biomediators.
Lion’s mane mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms have recently gained more and more prominence and can now be found at many grocery stores as well as some online retailers. If desired, dried lion’s manes can also be ground into powder for use in wet mushroom tea or as supplements.
Mushrooms are believed to contain psychedelic compounds which may assist with brain health and mood regulation. While these substances do not produce visual and auditory hallucinations, they can increase cognitive function, improve focus and memory retention and aid with depression/anxiety management. Furthermore, mushrooms contain essential amino acids which allow your body to operate more efficiently.
Research on Lion’s Mane has indicated that it can stimulate nerve cell growth and speed healing of nervous system injuries. Furthermore, research indicates it helps promote healthy immune response as well as gut health by controlling bacteria within the intestines.
An animal study demonstrated the positive benefits of Lion’s Mane on cognition and mild Alzheimer’s symptoms, while increasing brain function for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. Unfortunately, human studies are limited and more investigation is required before conclusive evidence can be established.
Lion’s Mane can help improve concentration and mental clarity when taken as part of a wet mushroom tea, as well as increasing motor coordination speed and providing protection for the nervous system due to its ability to support neuron growth.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have long been recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects, due to its rich supply of antioxidants which neutralize free radicals which contribute to premature aging and cell damage. As per various studies conducted over time, it has proven itself as one of the best anti-inflammatory fungi available.
Mushrooms are rich sources of essential nutrients, including protein and fiber which support digestive health. Plus they’re an excellent source of B vitamins which play an integral role in energy metabolism and cell health – perfect for vegetarians and vegans!
Chaga mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) have long been used as both culinary and medical staples throughout Europe and Russia for their unique combination of culinary benefits as well as powerful medicinal ones. Found growing on birch trees in cold climates, this slow-growing nontoxic fungus features an exterior that looks similar to burnt charcoal while inside being an incredible source of antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Chaga’s power lies in its beta-D glucans, which work to strengthen immunity and lower blood sugar levels while also offering antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer benefits. Furthermore, these compounds may even help to reduce inflammation within the body thereby contributing to overall wellness.
Mushrooms contain antioxidants, which act as free-radical scavengers to defend against the damage that oxidative stress causes to DNA. Chaga fungus boasts particularly high concentrations of these antioxidative agents, helping protect DNA against environmental toxins while melanin helps defend skin against sun damage, keeping its youthfulness longer.
Although chaga mushroom has long been touted as a miracle cure-all by foragers and alternative medicine practitioners alike, scientific research does not yet support such claims. Studies conducted on animals and in-vitro cells indicate its many possible health benefits.
Chaga has been shown to help support a healthy immune system, including increasing white blood cell production. Furthermore, studies have linked its use with reduced levels of inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide and COX-2 production and reduced macrophage activity – potentially helpful tools in treating certain cancers.
Addition of chaga to tea can help increase energy and lower cholesterol, as well as being loaded with B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, chromium cesium and amino acids – ideal components of an energy boost or cholesterol reduction strategy. You can enjoy it alone or add to a smoothie or juice mix!