Mushroom tea has increased in popularity in recent years. However, many cultures have used mushrooms for teas, food, and health supplements for centuries. When it comes to mushrooms, food definitely is medicine. Notably, certain mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes in China, Japan, Korea, and Eastern Europe. I tried mushroom tea when I visited Japan and Taiwan a few years ago and fell in love with it.

Please note that this article is not about magic (or psychedelic) mushroom tea. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic substance.

A Little About Mushrooms

Although mushrooms are classified as vegetables, they are not plants.  Mushrooms are types of fungi that have plant-like shapes and structures.  Edible mushrooms are found above or below ground.  The visible cap and stem of the fungi are the reproductive parts of the larger underground plant.  One source notes that there are about about 14,000 species of mushroom. Of these, over 600 are edible. Some popular edible mushrooms are too bitter, tough, or woody to eat. Therefore, they are made into teas, powdered supplements, or capsules.

Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Tea

Mushrooms are known as “superfoods” because they have high amounts of disease-fighting and cell-protecting chemicals. They are also nutrient-dense because they are low in calories and high in fiber and several vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms are caffeine-free, and they also contain adaptogens. Adaptogens relieve stress and help the body return to a more balanced state.  A systematic review of several studies as well as other sources report several potential health benefits of mushrooms.

• Reduce stress
• Improve focus and mental clarity
• Strengthen immune system
• Improve circulation
• Lower cholesterol
• Reduce blood pressure
• Lower blood sugar
• Support heart health
• Reduce inflammation
• Inhibit and fight the growth of some cancer cells
• Reduce side effects of chemotherapy
• Support gut health
• Reduce pain

Please note that scientific studies have not established the amount of tea needed to receive these health benefits.

Popular Types of Mushrooms Used for Tea

People around the world drink mushroom tea for its healing and therapeutic properties. Mushrooms are harvested and dried to preserve the bioactive compounds.  The tea is made by infusing the edible dried mushroom with hot water for an hour or two (depending on the mushroom).  Most people drink it hot. However, after steeping, it is also delicious cold. Mushrooms do not contain caffeine, but many improve focus and mental clarity.  Some of the most popular mushrooms used for tea are:

• Chaga
• Lion’s Mane
• Turkey Tail
• Reishi
• Shitake
• Cordyceps
• Maitake

Dried mushrooms are available online as well as at many Asian grocery stores and health food stores. Additionally, many commercial tea companies provide a blend of several of mushrooms. I love the convenience of using mushroom tea bags.

How to Make Chaga Tea

Chaga grows primarily on birch (and other hardwood) trees in very cold climates like Russia, Siberia, Canada, and the northern United States. While Chaga is often referred to as a mushroom, it is not technically a mushroom. Instead, it is a conk or canker that forms when the tree is infected by the parasitic fungus Inonotus obliquis.  Chaga is sometimes referred to as “black gold” because it resembles a chunk of burnt charcoal. It is known for many of the health benefits previously described.

Caution: Chaga may pose risk to people with diabetes (especially those on insulin) by lowering their blood sugar too much. It also contains a protein that prevents blood clotting. Thus, it is not recommended for people taking blood-thinning medication or those with bleeding disorders.

Making Chaga Tea from Tea Bags

Ingredients

• 8-12 ounces filtered or spring water
• 1 tea bag
• Dash of cinnamon (optional)
• Honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)

Instructions

• Boil water in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel kettle
• Pour hot water over tea bag and a dash of cinnamon
• Cover cup and steep for 4-5 minutes
• Serve plain or add sweetener of choice to taste

Makes 1-2 serving

Making Chaga Tea from Chunks

Ingredients

• 1-inch chunk of Chaga (broken into small pieces)
• 4-5 cups filtered or spring water
• 1 small piece cinnamon stick (optional)
• Honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)

Instructions

• Break Chaga chunk into small pieces
• Boil water in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel pot
• Reduce heat to low and add Chaga pieces
• Simmer for 1-2 hours (or until water is reddish brown)
• Add a piece of cinnamon stick the last 10 minutes for flavor
• Remove from heat, cover pot, and steep for another 20-30 minutes
• Strain tea
• Sweeten to taste (optional)
• Serve hot or cold   

Makes 4 servings

How to Make Reishi Mushroom Tea

Reishi mushrooms grow on oak (and other hardwood) trees in warm, humid climates such as Asia, Southern Europe, the South Pacific, and the Southeastern United States.  They are also used for medicinal purposes and sold as liquid drops, capsules, or powder.  Reishi tea has an earthy flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Thus, it is generally prepared with dried herbs like marjoram, chamomile, and peppermint. And, it is also delicious with ginger or orange peel.  It is known for many of the health benefits previously described. Possible side effects of using more than 3-6 months are discussed further below. 

Reishi Mushroom Tea (Dried Mushrooms)

Ingredients

• 5-6 grams Reishi mushroom (dried, grounded or sliced)
• 4-5 cups filtered or spring water
• Honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
• 6 fresh mint leaves, 2 dried marjoram leaves, 1 piece orange peel, or 1-inch grated or sliced ginger (optional)

Instructions

• Boil water in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel pot
• Reduce heat to low and add Reishi pieces or powder
• Simmer for 1-2 hours  
• Add one of the optional herbs or spices the last 10 minutes for flavor
• Remove from heat, cover pot, and steep for another 30 minutes
• Strain tea
• Sweeten to taste (optional)
• Serve hot or cold   

What Does Mushroom Tea Taste Like?

Mushrooms have an umami flavor. Notably, umami is one of the five flavors, along with sweet, salty, bitter, and sour.  It is the taste of glutamate, an amino acid, that is a building block of proteins.   The umami flavor is also found in cured meats, anchovies, aged cheeses, steak, salmon, green tea, and a list of other foods.  Umami provides a lingering, pleasurable taste on the tongue.

Different mushrooms have different flavors.  For example, Chaga tea has a rich, smooth, earthy taste.  It is often enjoyed plain or with cinnamon and or honey.  On the other hand, Reishi tea has a slightly bitter taste and is usually blended with dried herbs. 

Potential Side Effects of Mushroom Tea

Mushroom tea is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, scientific studies have not established a safe dosage. Mushroom teas, powders, liquids, and capsules are dietary supplements. So, please do not use them to replace your medication or to treat a specific illness.

Consult your healthcare provider if you:

• Are a diabetic on insulin
• Have problems with blood clotting
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Take prescription medication

Otherwise, if you are a tea-drinker, enjoy an occasional cup or two.

Other possible side-effects of long-term, everyday use (3-6 months) include:

• Allergic reactions (itchiness, rashes, etc.)
• Headaches
• Dryness of mouth, nose, and throat
• Upset stomach

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you have a better understanding of mushroom tea and its potential health benefits. If you are a big tea drinker, consider adding one or two mushroom teas to your panty. Please note that this article does not provide medical advice, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

I think you will also enjoy learning about the benefits of drinking hot lemon water daily, using honey to soothe a cough, and drinking apple cider vinegar shots.

Well, we look forward to hearing about your experience in the comment section of this blog.  And, you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page.

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