mushroom teas have taken off everywhere from local health stores to online retail, and are touted to improve immunity, gut health, and cognitive performance.

These beverages can be prepared from whole or ground mushrooms and contain functional fungi such as chaga, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps. Some also contain adaptogens – an adaptogenic type of fungus – which help alleviate stress.

1. Chaga

Chaga fungus grows on the bark of birch trees and is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, while also helping boost immunity, reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as decreasing cancer risks. Naturalists commonly utilize Chaga for its tea’s anti-inflammatory benefits and it may boost immunity while potentially reducing cancer risks.

Chaga mushrooms contain numerous compounds to combat inflammation and protect cells, including beta-D-glucans and inotodiol. Furthermore, these mushrooms boast abundant amounts of antioxidants like ergesterol peroxide and betulinic acid which can also help reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body.

As such, CBD oil has become an attractive treatment option for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis or Irritable Bowel Disease. Furthermore, it can also be used to boost metabolism and support weight loss.

Harney & Sons produces some of the top brands of chaga tea with premium medicinal herbs and mushrooms from all over Canada, such as “Harney’s Wild Chaga.” Each tea features high-grade fungus grown wild for harvest in Canada for excellent customer ratings and customer experience.

Dirtea offers another option with their collection of medicinal mushroom teas: dual-extracted, organically certified and third-party tested chaga tea; slightly bitter tasting reishi and cordyceps teas with an earthier tone. You can purchase their individual or subscription packs. As with most family businesses, this company focuses on pure natural ingredients; their 50 tea sachet packages offer you additional adaptogenic ingredients like equatorial coconut and herbaceous hemp to add an immune-boosting kick – while at once costing $50 for their 30-serve box of 50 tea sachets!

2. Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), is one of the most sought-after mushroom teas for health. Commonly referred to as the “mushroom of immortality”, Reishi has long been utilized by traditional herbalists and used by them for thousands of years as an adaptogen that helps reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and enhance mental clarity while strengthening the immune system and protecting against cancer.

Reishi tea boasts a strong woody aroma with subtle bitter undertones that pair beautifully with sweeteners or other flavors, making it a wonderful solution for chronic fatigue sufferers as it can improve mood and fight fatigue that doesn’t clear with rest alone. Studies have also indicated its effectiveness at treating and preventing autoimmune diseases such as MS and fibromyalgia as well as being an anti-inflammatory that balances hormone levels.

Reishi tea can be purchased at many herbalists or prepared at home. It’s often prescribed as an effective remedy against flu symptoms as it works to block histamine release which leads to inflammation and swelling. Furthermore, its natural relaxing qualities make it beneficial in combatting depression by helping improve sleep quality and quality.

Many tea companies have started offering reishi mushroom tea to enhance immunity and relieve the effects of stress. When selecting your blend, look for varieties such as chaga or turkey tail mushrooms which have proven their health benefits. You could also opt for mushroom powders which mix easily in hot water while imparting more pronounced flavor than blended drinks. For optimal quality and experience look for brands such as Dirtea who offer both dual extraction and third party testing with organic ingredients in each blend.

3. Cordyceps

Cordyceps fungi is an adaptogen, meaning it helps promote resilience to stress. This versatile ingredient is widely used as an energy booster in tea, and studies have indicated its potential role in helping lower cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health.

Cordyceps militaris has fruit bodies comprised of soft spongy fibers containing up to 35% beta-glucans – an immunomodulating substance. Furthermore, its leaves contain many biochemical compounds with potential health benefits such as cordycepin, ergosterol and vitamin B12.

Some teas combine Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms to maximize their benefits, particularly Reishi which has long been used in Chinese medicine and limited research to boost immunity and support heart health, while Cordyceps cicadae, used to make tea, has long been part of traditional herbal remedies as an aid for tonifying, supplementing, or increasing performance enhancement.

Mushroom tea can be made using various mushrooms, blends, and brewing methods. The key is finding an adaptogenic combination that meets your specific needs – some people love chaga tea for its anti-ageing and anticancerous properties; others enjoy lion’s mane tea for its cognitive-function benefits.

Mushroom teas can be prepared using either whole mushrooms or powdered blends steeped in hot water like any other tea type, infusing with herbs and ingredients for flavor and texture, with some brands providing teas that dissolve directly into hot water without directly consuming actual fungus (known as indirect mushroom consumption) – ideal if you are concerned about allergens or prefer an easier and faster blending process.

4. Lion’s Mane

With mushroom becoming one of the newest superfoods, mushroom tea has taken hold as an alternative beverage option. People are infusing functional fungi such as chaga and lion’s mane into hot water to produce delectable beverages intended to promote energy levels, cognitive performance, and adaptogenic properties in drink form. But do these claims hold water? We consulted with an RD and nutritionist experienced with studying their impact on health outcomes for further insights.

Hericium erinaceus, more commonly known as lion’s mane mushrooms, have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research indicates that its key compound hericenone A may help regenerate nerve cells and improve mental clarity (1)

Hericenone A mimics Nerve Growth Factor to stimulate new brain cell growth while simultaneously improving their neurons’ abilities to send signals between other parts of the brain. These findings could suggest lion’s mane could help treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases – although additional human studies will need to take place first.

One compelling piece of research involves the relationship between Lion’s Mane mushrooms and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to a small study published in Nature Communications, one compound found in Lion’s Mane – Hericenone A – helped reduce symptoms associated with ADHD by improving brain function. (2)

5. Turkey Tail

Mushroom teas have recently seen an upsurge in popularity, with over 1,000 options surfacing from a simple Amazon search. These functional beverages make enjoying mushrooms easier than ever – improving immunity, gut health, and cognition along the way! We asked Danielle Ryan Broida, Registered Herbalist & National Educator of Four Sigmatic for recommendations of her favorite mushroom teas that offer immune support as well as mental clarity benefits.

The Turkey Tail mushroom, more commonly referred to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Yun Zhi, takes its name from its resemblance to the fanning tail feathers of a turkey. Found worldwide forests, these striking mushrooms are believed to strengthen immune function through supporting respiratory and digestive systems (1)

Research indicates that mushrooms boost immunoglobulin production, with antibodies such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), an intestinal-enhancing protein which blocks food molecules from entering the bloodstream before they’re digested – helping protect both lungs and digestive tract from inflammation, infections, colds/flu as well as potentially treating other health conditions (2).

Tea made with turkey tail mushrooms provides both antioxidant and antiviral benefits, making for an extra-healthy beverage. You can brew this tea on its own or mix it with other medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, and lion’s mane to leverage their immune-enhancing benefits; cordyceps adds energy boost and may improve cholesterol levels (3).