In an era of wellness optimisation, a quiet revolution is brewing.
Mushroom tea is quickly gaining recognition as a modern health elixir, combining ancient healing traditions with the latest scientific insights. With so many complex nutritional supplements to choose from, this simple yet powerful beverage offers a natural and holistic approach to wellness.
Functional mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane and Reishi, contain adaptogenic properties and have seen significant growth in the food and health industry, due to their health benefits and increasing consumer interest in natural remedies.
Known for their benefits, such as enhancing cognition, reducing stress, and boosting immunity and energy, these mushrooms are now widely incorporated into supplements and beverages.
This rise is fueled by the global wellness movement and scientific research supporting mushrooms' adaptogenic and therapeutic properties. Eco-conscious consumers also drive the industry’s expansion, as mushrooms are sustainable and versatile ingredients that align with trends in plant-based, health-focused eating.
Far from being just another trend, mushroom tea made from adaptogenic mushrooms represents the intersection of traditional medicine and modern nutritional science.
Here, we examine the burgeoning fascination with functional mushrooms and pose the following questions: What are the best mushrooms for health, and what does mushroom tea do for you?
Mushroom tea is precisely what it sounds like: a beverage crafted by steeping dried medicinal mushroom extracts or powders in hot water. They can be taken on their own or blended with other ingredients such as black or green tea leaves - more on that later.
These specialised functional mushrooms are cultivated and consumed primarily for their benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Consuming medicinal mushrooms dates back thousands of years, particularly in Eastern medical traditions. Chinese and Japanese Eastern European cultures have long revered mushrooms like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Chaga as powerful healing agents, integrating them into holistic health practices.
Combining the healing properties of mushrooms with the peaceful ritual of making tea, is a path to bliss. Here’s why:
Immune System Optimisation: Reishi and Chaga contain powerful compounds that help regulate and strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient.
Stress Reduction: Reishi and Cordyceps help the body manage stress by balancing cortisol levels and calming the nervous system.
Cognitive Enhancement: Lion’s Mane, is renowned for its ability to support brain function by promoting nerve growth and improving focus, memory, and clarity.
Metabolic Balance: Cordyceps and Maitake are known for their potential to improve energy metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels, supporting overall metabolic health.
Inflammation Management: Chaga and Turkey Tail are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce chronic inflammation and promote overall well-being.
Here is more of a deep dive into some of the more popular varieties:
For thousands of years, Ganoderma lucidum, or Reishi, has been revered as a cornerstone of traditional medicine, often referred to as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ for its remarkable health benefits.
Recent research continues to validate Reishi’s powerful effects on the immune system. A 2023 meta-analysis, reviewed multiple studies and confirmed that Reishi has significant immunomodulatory properties. This means it can help regulate the immune system, boosting its activity to fight off infections or calming it down when it’s overactive, such as in allergies or autoimmune conditions.
Beyond immune health, Reishi is also known for its ability to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote overall balance in the body.
Immune system enhancement
Stress reduction
Potential anti-cancer properties
Improved sleep quality
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is truly a marvel when it comes to supporting brain health. This unique and ancient mushroom has gained attention for its ability to support cognitive function and protect the nervous system. These mushrooms may support long-term cognitive health and brain function by promoting nerve repair and regeneration.
Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane contains compounds that may support the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein critical for the growth, repair, and maintenance of healthy nerve cells. This has sparked interest in its potential to help protect against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to its potential to prevent neurological disorders, Lion’s Mane is also known to enhance mental clarity, focus, mood and memory.
Potential neurogenesis support
Cognitive function enhancement
Mood regulation
Potential neuroprotective mechanisms
Originally used in traditional Siberian medicine, Inonotus obliquus, better known as Chaga, is often celebrated as one of nature’s most effective protectors.
Packed with antioxidants, this mushroom works to shield your body from the damaging effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells and accelerate ageing.
Chaga boasts some of the highest recorded ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values, which measure how well a substance can neutralise free radicals. This makes it particularly effective at combating oxidative stress, a major factor in ageing and many chronic diseases.
Adding Chaga to your wellness routine can support your immune system, enhance your body’s natural defences, and promote overall resilience.
Extraordinary antioxidant profile
Potential anti-inflammatory effects
Immune system modulation
Metabolic support
While mushroom tea is generally safe and packed with health benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind before adding it to your routine:
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain types of mushrooms, so it’s important to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.
Medication Interactions: Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that may interact with medications, such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants.
Individual Differences: Everyone’s metabolism is different, so the effects of mushroom tea can vary from person to person.
Quality Matters: Not all mushroom teas are created equal. Be sure to choose products made with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.
If you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, it’s always a good idea to consult your GP before trying mushroom tea or any new supplement.
As scientific understanding expands, mushroom teas move from a niche wellness practice to a mainstream health staple.
Our commitment lies in bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary nutritional science, offering meticulously sourced and expertly crafted mushroom tea blends.
We also do things a little differently by bringing the traditional teas we know and love and precision blending them with the Adaptogenic mushrooms. We use ethically sourced black, green and matcha latte in our handy individually wrapped teabags. Explore our shop today.
Immunomodulation: The process of modifying the immune system's response, either by stimulating or suppressing its activity.
Neurogenesis: The biological process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells.
Adaptogenic: Substances that help the body resist and adapt to various stressors, promoting physiological balance.
Bioactive Compounds: Molecules found in foods that have demonstrable biological effects on the body.
What Does Mushroom Tea Do for Your Body?
Mushroom tea provides a complex array of bioactive compounds supporting multiple physiological systems simultaneously—think of it as a sophisticated, natural multi-tool for wellness.
Is Mushroom Tea Better Than Coffee?
While not a direct replacement, mushroom tea offers a more balanced energy profile without caffeine's potential drawbacks, supporting sustained mental clarity and physical resilience.
What is the Most Beneficial Mushroom Tea?
No single mushroom reigns supreme. Individual benefits vary, making personalised selection crucial. Consultation with health professionals can help identify your optimal mushroom tea.
Is Mushroom Tea Anti-Inflammatory?
Emphatically, yes. Multiple mushroom species demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties, with research continually unveiling their sophisticated molecular mechanisms.
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