How to Make Mushroom Tea - The Best Way to Enjoy Our Functional Blends

In recent years, functional mushroom teas have become a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. A report forecasts that the functional mushroom tea market will grow by 7.1% to $215m by 2031. 

These teas are made by drying and preparing edible mushrooms, including powerful adaptogenic mushrooms and adding them to hot water. This action extracts flavours, nutrients and compounds that can deliver a range of interesting benefits.  It is also possible to add different ingredients and flavours to the concoction. But with all the different types of mushrooms, flavourings, and brewing methods out there - it may feel a bit confusing to the uninitiated. The question brewing in your mind may be: how to make mushroom tea the correct way?

Here, we will guide you through everything you need to know about functional mushroom teas and the best way to experience the upside of these powerful fungi. 

What is Mushroom Tea?

Enjoyed for centuries, and thought to originate in Chinese Japanese and Korean medicine, the concept of steeping dried mushrooms in hot water to extract their flavours and nutrients is an ancient practice. In Korea, mushroom teas,  known as ‘beoseot-cha’ are made from edible mushrooms like black hoof, lingzhi, oyster and shiitake. 

Today, it’s more popular to specifically utilise a wide variety of functional mushrooms like Lions Mane, Chaga, Reishi and ashwagandha, these have been found to possess powerful and health-promoting properties. It’s believed that Japanese Buddhist monks drank Lion’s Mane to improve concentration while meditating. These mushrooms are often referred to as "adaptogenic" because they are thought to help the body adapt to stress.

The Benefits of Mushroom Tea

The potential health benefits of mushroom tea vary depending on the type of mushroom used - with each strain containing a different set of attributes. Some of the more commonly reported benefits of functional mushroom tea include:

1. Improved Cognitive Function: Some mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, have been shown to support cognitive function, memory and focus by stimulating neuron growth.
2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Adaptogenic mushrooms may help the body better cope with stress and have also been shown to help speed up recovery to a stabilised mood.
3. Enhanced Immunity: Certain mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and other immune-supporting compounds.
4. Increased Energy Levels and Stamina: Some functional mushrooms may help to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue by supporting mechanisms that transport oxygen around the cardiovascular system 
5. Improved Gut Health: Certain mushrooms are rich in carbohydrates that serve as ideal prebiotics and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
6. Support Nerve Regeneration: Researchers in Australia found that lion's mane mushrooms contain an active compound that can boost nerve growth and promote neuron projections. This can potentially be beneficial for conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.

Research into the true health benefits of mushroom tea is an ongoing and exciting field of inquiry. Initial studies are promising, and many people report experiencing positive effects from regular consumption. 

How to Traditionally Make Lion's Mane Tea

If you're interested in trying Lion's Mane tea, you can make it yourself at home using dried Lion's Mane mushrooms. While some people enjoy the taste of mushroom tea on its own, it is also common to add other ingredients such as honey, lemon, or ginger to enhance the flavour.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1-2 tablespoons of dried Lion's Mane mushrooms
• 2 cups of hot water
• A teapot or mug
• Strainer
• Optional: Honey, lemon, ginger, or other flavourings

Here's how you make it:

1. Grind the dried Lion's Mane mushrooms into a powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
2. Place the mushroom powder in a teapot or mug.
3. Pour hot water over the mushrooms.
4. Steep the tea for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a cup.
6. Add honey, lemon, ginger, or other flavourings to taste (optional).

The Taste of Lion's Mane Tea

Lion's Mane mushroom tea is often described as having has slightly sweet and earthy flavour, but depending on variables such as the quality of the product, your brewing method and water temperature, you can unlock more complex flavours from this highly delicate ingredient. 

People have reported nutty, floral, spicy and even hints of seafood. On paper that may sound strange, but for the curious tea lover, it can be a delightful experience. For those who may find that a little out of their comfort zone, the delicate nature of Lion’s Mane means that by adding some other flavour, you can easily transform it into a drink that suits your pallet.

Is Lion's Mane Tea Safe?

Lion's Mane mushroom tea is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, it is always best to talk to your doctor before trying any new herbal supplement or tea, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.

Our Mushroom Tea - A Simpler Way 

While making your tea from scratch can be a rewarding experience, it can also be time-consuming and inconvenient - sometimes you just have to get up and go, so Cheerful Buddha's has put it all together in a classic teabag format.

Our Lion's Mane Mushroom English Breakfast Tea is a harmonious combination of ethically grown Indian black tea and 500mg of full-fruiting body Lion's Mane. The tea bags are pre-measured, so no grinding or measuring and a mess. Simply steep the tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes and enjoy.

Black tea is rich in antioxidants and provides a more even and steady energy boost than coffee, giving the perfect balance between refreshment and caffeine, paired with the cognitive benefits of Lion's Mane. The black tea zing harmonises with the complex, earthy and round flavour profile of Lion’s Mane. Making our tea couldn’t be simpler.

Here’s how:

1. Bring fresh water to a boil and let the kettle cool for a few minutes. if you can steeply mushroom tea at around 90 degrees centigrade  - this allows for maximum extraction without scalding the delicate flavours. 
2. Place one tea bag in your mug.
3. Pour the hot water over the tea bag.
4. Steep for 3-5 minutes
5. Remove the tea bag (give it a final squeeze) and enjoy!

Chill Out!

You can also experiment with different brewing methods and water temperatures to find your preferred taste. For example, some people prefer to use cold water and let the tea steep overnight for a refreshing cold brew.

Our Tip: add a little agave and lime juice for an incredible summer iced tea.

What Now?

So, now you understand the science behind Lion's Mane and you know why this mushroom is so valuable and versatile. By incorporating it into a holistic approach to wellness, you can harness a natural ingredient that supports cognitive function along with health benefits such as reducing stress and boosting our immune system. 

We have developed a range of high-quality, ethical teas with Lion’s Mane at the centre. We have made it super convenient to experience the benefits of functional mushrooms that may just become an ideal addition to your daily routine.

Wake up with a classic English Breakfast Lions Mane tea. Kick of the day that familiar black tea refreshment combined with functional mushroom superpowers. 

After lunch, sip on our green tea blend to help with digestion and give you a different buzz from the high-grade Sencha green tea.

Finish up in the evening with Cheerful Buddha decaf Lion’s Mane tea. That refreshing black tea flavour, but without the jolt - produced using a chemical-free Co2 method that delivers a calming and relaxing experience.

Other Ways to Consume:

Use mushroom tea as a base for other beverages. You can add milk, honey, lemon, or other flavourings to your mushroom tea to create something new - experiment!

Try other types of mushroom products. There are many different types of functional mushrooms available, each with its unique benefits. Do your research and learn what might suit your needs best.

1. Culinary Uses: Functional mushrooms are great additions to your food. For example, Lion's Mane has a seafood-like taste and texture, making it a suitable substitute for scallops, crab or lobster. It can be fried, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
2. Supplements: Lion's Mane and other functional mushrooms are available in supplement form, such as capsules or powders. Always buy from a reputable producer and seek professional medical advice before adding supplemental mushrooms to your vitamin stack.

Maximising the Benefits

To get the most out of your Lion's Mane tea it is good to think holistically, so consider these tips:

• Consistency: Regular consumption is key to experiencing potential benefits.
• Pairing with Other Nutrients: Combine Lion's Mane with other brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and E.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Give yourself a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to enhance overall cognitive health.

Explore our range today.