Since ancient times, mushroom infusions such as chaga, reishi and cordyceps have been utilized for their therapeutic benefits – now, these mushroom teas are back as the latest health trend!

These functional mushrooms contain adaptogens, which help balance your body and relieve stress naturally. Unlike coffee, however, adaptogens offer more of a steady energy boost.

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), commonly referred to as the Mushroom of Immortality, has long been revered in China and Japan as an almost magical healing herb. Even more highly revered than ginseng, many in dire need travel great distances for this miraculous mushroom; with its striking appearance and array of health benefits. It’s easy to see why so many come so far to obtain some.

Reishi grows on hardwood trees like oak, maple, wild plum and palm. Reishi’s mycelium serves as nature’s recycler by breaking down dead plant matter while enriching soil nutrients with essential elements that promote new growth. Its role as an ecological factor cannot be overstated!

This fungus belongs to the Ganoderma genus, which comprises more than 200 closely related species that can be hard to distinguish with the naked eye. But with sophisticated genetic testing tools available today, it has become possible to more precisely differentiate these fungi based on their individual features and habitat requirements.

Reishi mushroom belongs to the Ganoderma genus of mushrooms and thus acts as an adaptogen–an agent which helps the body adapt and deal with stress-inducing stimuli by maintaining balance in its internal ecosystem. Reishi is renowned as both an immune booster and anti-inflammatory thanks to its active triterpenoids and water-soluble polysaccharides which are clinically proven to support healthy blood sugar levels and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes from being produced in excess.

Reishi mushroom’s soothing properties also make it an effective tool for meditation and relaxation, providing the ideal way to unwind at the end of each day and prepare for restful sleep. Sipping some Reishi tea before bedtime is an excellent way to unwind and prepare yourself for restful restful slumber.

Reishi has long been revered as an art medium. Its glossy surface draws inspiration from artists, while its porous underside provides the ideal surface for carving stunning sculptures and other decorative items.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) has long been used by indigenous populations across Eastern Europe, Russia, Canada, Alaska and Northern United States to enhance immune health. Growing on birch trees and possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Chaga may help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and regulate insulin levels as well. Chaga contains numerous essential vitamins including Vitamin D, B vitamins potassium copper selenium zinc as well as being high in polysaccharides, phenolic acids and betulinic acid.

Chaga may look like a “fungus,” but scientists consider it more of a parasite. Instead, this organism exists in harmony with birch trees to protect them from pathogens while providing essential nutrients. With an exterior that resembles burned wood or scab and cork-like interior in shades of smoky brown hues, Chaga can be harvested as a supplement in various forms such as whole dried chunks, powder, capsules and tinctures – or brewed into tea!

Chaga tea is most frequently available as dried variety, which has a coffee-like flavor and can be prepared like normal tea leaves. Convenient tea bags may also be purchased.

For optimal results, choose only high quality tea products that come from wild sources or are organically produced, free from chemicals and pesticides; consult with your healthcare provider prior to beginning any new supplements or regimen.

When purchasing Chaga, look for brands that are members of the American Herbal Products Association. This organization regulates herbal products to ensure they are safe and effective while setting manufacturing standards within the industry. If possible, look for packaging bearing its logo so as to verify its legitimacy.

To create the perfect cup of tea, simmer one to two teaspoons in hot water for 15-30 minutes – the longer you steep, the stronger its flavor and benefits will become. Honey or spices can also add additional flavors while providing additional nutritional support to your drink.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are harvested for their health benefits, making them a common species in forests across North America, Europe and Asia. Their fruiting bodies resemble small, white spheres with long spines resembling the mane of a lion and can be found growing on various trees such as ash, beech and maple trees. Preclinical studies have also demonstrated their efficacy at helping mitigate cognitive decline and enhance brain functioning by stimulating nerve cell production and increasing levels of nerve growth factor production in preclinical studies.

Lion’s mane mushrooms possess an alluring seafood-like aroma and delicate chewy texture reminiscent of crab or lobster meat, leading many to use it in place of shellfish in recipes – for instance in mock Crab Louie salad or pan seared “steak.”

Lion’s mane is well known for enhancing mental clarity and focus, and also has anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and improve how fats are processed by the body – all benefits which make lion’s mane an excellent way to protect the heart against cardiovascular disease.

Lion’s mane is an abundant natural food source that should never be harvested illegally from the UK’s wild areas, however harvesting them is illegal and instead they should be purchased through organic and natural food retailers – for optimal results, choose organic varieties to ensure it was grown without pesticide use.

When purchasing lion’s mane mushrooms at the grocery store, look for bright white, firm mushroom with a shaggy surface that appears plump or even “fluffy.” A fresh batch should keep for approximately one week in your fridge; to extend their shelf life further you can brush away debris using your fingers or soft mushroom brush and rinse briefly under running water before returning them to storage.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms are well-known functional mushrooms for their ability to boost energy and endurance, support respiratory function and manage stress more effectively in humans. Furthermore, cordyceps has long been part of ancient wellness practices in Asia.

Cordyceps was historically revered by Chinese medicine for its ability to renew Qi (the vital life force), particularly kidney and lung health. This could be attributed to its adaptogenic qualities which help balance immune systems while increasing overall vitality.

As well as contributing to healthy breathing and kidney functions, fungus may also stimulate macrophages – white blood cells that play a vital role in fighting inflammation in our bodies – while strengthening natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, mushrooms contain compounds with immunostimulatory properties like polysaccharides and nucleosides which make this fruitful combination even more potent.

Although there are numerous species within the Cordyceps genus, research has mainly focused on two: C. sinensis and C. militaris. This may be due to both their availability as well as most studies being performed using artificially cultured strains instead of wild species; nonetheless, studies indicate that their bioactives are quite potent.

Cordycepin and chaga are two star nutrients in this genus; cordycepin is considered an aphrodisiac, while chaga is an effective natural liver tonic that supports detoxification processes in the body.

Cordyceps Mushroom Powder is an easy way to incorporate these fungi into their tea, perfect for anyone wanting to reap their immune-boosting benefits in a convenient and tasty form. Just mix into hot water or brew on its own! We offer it in blends with black tea, green tea, oolong tea or white tea and can even be customized according to individual taste! Enjoy it before a workout or anytime as a daily supplement for general immunity and wellbeing!