Teas derived from functional mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane and cordyceps have seen an unprecedented surge in popularity recently. These powerful biotherapeutic agents boast anti-inflammatory and stress-busting benefits.

However, mushroom tea market presents many obstacles from procurement to distribution, shelf life and taste.

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, lesklokorka leskla, Ling zhi; the “divine mushroom of immortality”) is widely recognized as the most vital medicinal mushroom in traditional oriental medicine. Originating in Asia and belonging to the Polyporaceae family, Reishi’s main habitats are wounded trees or stumps with living or dead trunks; its fan-shaped or semicircular caps characterize this wood decaying mushroom species.

Reishi contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help prevent lipid peroxidation, making it useful in relieving inflammation associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy.

Reishi tea also boasts powerful immunomodulatory benefits. The b-glucan in Reishi increases populations of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes as well as natural killer cells – helping strengthen responses against infections1.

Reishi has both anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects, but its primary benefit lies with liver health. It promotes liver cell regeneration while acting as a hepatoprotective measure; in addition, Reishi supports normal blood pressure levels while protecting cardiac muscle against hypoxia.

Reishi has traditionally been used to treat fatigue and insomnia associated with chronic illness. Studies have also demonstrated its efficacy at relieving stress, fighting depression and improving mood while increasing energy. Furthermore, studies suggest Reishi may support healthy blood sugar levels, regulate cholesterol levels and foster gut bacteria balance – all positive benefits.

Reishi contains beta-glucan which may help reduce symptoms associated with clogged arteries, control blood sugar in diabetics and enhance quality of life for people living with hepatitis B. Furthermore, Reishi may help to decrease frequency and speed up healing time of herpes outbreaks and accelerate healing time for genital herpes outbreaks.

As with any herbal and nutritional supplement, it is wise to consult your healthcare provider prior to beginning any new regimen with Reishi. Reishi may interact with several medications; therefore it would be prudent to keep a list of all prescription and non-prescription drugs you take so as to identify any possible interactions or risks that could arise from taking Reishi while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Chaga

Chaga has quickly gained prominence among health-minded consumers looking for natural ways to boost immune system function, drawing comparisons to ancient Russian shamans who consider it the “Mushroom of Immortality” or Japanese healers who refer to it as the “Diamond of the Forest.” Chaga is considered an extremely potent antioxidant with research supporting its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties; furthermore it’s abundant with potassium, calcium, zinc chromium magnesium iron and copper contents – as well as being one of the richest sources of vitamins and minerals available!

Chaga contains several beneficial compounds, including triterpenes (betulinic acid and inotidiol) and phenols (specifically melanin), as well as polysaccharides and sterols. Triterpenes have long been recognized for their potential cancer-fighting capabilities while phenols may reduce inflammation while protecting against oxidative stress which damages DNA and cell structure.

Recent research conducted by researchers revealed that Chaga mushroom extract effectively prevented oral cancer cell progression by inhibiting glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential, inducing autophagy, and initiating apoptosis via MAPK/NF-kB signaling pathways.

Though it may seem unlikely, fungus can provide protection from cancer. A strong immune system is vital in keeping the body functioning optimally; cancer cells thrive in an environment of oxidative stress which damages DNA, proteins and cell signaling mechanisms and disrupts signalling within cells. Furthermore, severe oxidative stress has been linked with premature aging as well as numerous age-related diseases.

Fungi such as Chaga contain antioxidants that serve as powerful free radical scavengers, protecting DNA while encouraging healthy cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death). These metabolites protect DNA while supporting healthy cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

At Laughing Lichen, our Chaga originates in northern Canada and we harvest it using sustainable practices that take into account both its needs and those of its host tree. In particular, we never use logging spikes to climb living trees in order to reach harvest sites, nor cut down already dead ones; such wildcrafting practices have become increasingly prevalent across Canada, though Laughing Lichen does not support such wildcrafting activities. Instead, our Chaga teas are produced using a dual extraction process; first in alcohol then hot water before finally steeping again to maximize bioavailability of all medicinal compounds present within them – thus maximising bioavailability of all medicinal compounds within them!

Cordyceps

Cordyceps sinensis is a popular medicinal mushroom in China, Tibet and Nepal’s Himalayan Mountains, widely utilized by folk practitioners who claim its use will extend longevity while strengthening immunity as well as supporting liver, kidney and insulin sensitivity functions. Furthermore, some also believe this substance helps with sexual dysfunction, although evidence to back these claims remains limited.

Studies have demonstrated the many health benefits associated with Cordyceps sinensis, including anti-aging properties and its ability to promote energy production within cells. Furthermore, it has been found to inhibit oxidative stress and decrease inflammation – potentially due to polysaccharides present as well as cordycepin (a compound which has anticancer properties).

Researchers recently conducted a study that demonstrated how Cs-4, an extract from Cordyceps strain commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, reversed age-related changes in gene expression and extended the lives of mice by nearly 10% – supporting their belief that similar effects exist for human use; more research must be completed.

Cordyceps’ cholesterol-regulating abilities have long been recognized. Studies have demonstrated its success at lowering both triglyceride and LDL levels in animals, offering potential protection against heart disease. Furthermore, studies have also confirmed its antioxidant capabilities to defend against cell damage caused by free radicals.

Cordyceps may also help treat asthma. Studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties, which may be attributable to its ability to prevent NF-kappaB activation and regulate transcription of proinflammatory genes, while also suppressing release of inflammatory mediators from macrophages.

Organic Cordyceps Perform Capsules utilize an organic sorghum culture medium instead of cornstarch for optimal mushroom growth, enabling more beta-glucans and key compounds to be absorbed by our mushrooms. They’re grown for 120 days rather than 30 to maximize concentration levels and achieve an optimal nutritional profile that provides at least 15% beta-glucans and 208ug of adenosine for energy, performance, and sexual health benefits.

Maitake

Maitake (Tricholoma triumfacium) is an unassuming little mushroom, also referred to as “hen of the woods.” This humble fungus derives its name from its resemblance to the feathered wings of a chicken and its name derives from this similarity. However, maitake packs quite an impactful health punch: protecting liver function while improving immune system response as well as providing polysaccharides and beta-glucans which support healthy cell growth and programmed cell death respectively and interleukin-2 which regulates immune cells that enhance their abilities to attack cancerous cells effectively.

Maitake can assist in protecting against disease by helping balance cholesterol levels. Studies have demonstrated that Maitake’s ability to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol without impacting good HDL cholesterol may help prevent heart disease. Furthermore, Maitake contains plenty of phosphorus – an essential mineral needed by body processes including bone health, energy metabolism and DNA/RNA synthesis – making this super food even more useful!

One additional benefit of this fungus has been demonstrated to help menopausal women deal with symptoms related to poor insulin sensitivity. This may be a result of its ability to promote pancreas secretion of insulin and enhance natural ability of managing blood sugar levels within the body.

Maitake is widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the spleen and strengthen qi (pronounced ‘chee’). TCM holds that having an abundant supply of qi is key for good health and considers an imbalance to be detrimental.

Maitake has recently been discovered to possess antiviral properties, specifically against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). While further research may be required, this exciting development provides the potential for natural alternatives to existing antiviral medications and may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within the body – particularly beneficial for those suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease. In fact, according to research published in Clinical Immunology journal maitake extract inhibited proliferation of certain human cancer cell lines!