Are you even a little curious about mushroom tea? Have you heard about it and wondered what goes into a mushroom tea anyway? Or why do I keep hearing about it, and why has it suddenly become so popular? If you are daring enough, let’s go on a mushroom tea journey together.

You will learn how to brew your very own batch of mushroom tea. And you’ll love it.

What is this Mushroom Tea Thing All About Anyways?

Well, mushroom tea certainly is not a new phenomenon. Humans have been drinking mushroom tea for thousands of years. Tea drinkers and scientists alike all realize the unique and potentially amazing human health benefits associated with these fleshy, spore-bearing maturing mass of a fungus.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) labels mushroom tea as the “elixir of life.”

Mushrooms have been traditionally picked, dried, and ground into small pieces using a hand grinder. Tea drinkers would then heat water and drop the dried mushrooms into the boiling water. Use a strainer in the final pour to catch the mushroom pieces; the pieces can be reintroduced back into the boiling water. Mushroom tea can be made with any mushroom (non-poisonous varieties).

A Mushroom by Any Other Name Used to Make Mushroom Tea

With all these colorful names it can be difficult to figure out just what is what and where to start. Honestly, deciding on which mushroom variety to try is really a trial by error. Some of the more interesting, medicinal, and well-know mushroom varieties include but are not limited to:

Reishi (Lingzhi)

Reishi mushrooms represent spiritual potency and immortality in traditional Chinese culture. These mushrooms display medicinal properties, supporting immune and anti-inflammatory functions and boosting mental clarity.

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms have been used as a herbal remedy for centuries. Chaga may help combat stomach upsets and aid in clearing up infections.

Chaga Tea Recipe from

Makes approx. 400 millilitres

  • Prep time: 10 min.
  • Cook time: 5 min.

Ingredients

  • 10 gram of Chaga chunks
  • Hot water

Equipment

  • A coffee grinder or mortar and pestle
  • Tea kettle
  • Tea infuser
  • Teaspoon
  • Mug

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Put about 500 millilitres of water (to allow for some loss as steam) into a traditional or electric kettle and begin heating it.
  2. Grind 10 grams of Chaga into powder.
  3. Use a teaspoon to transfer one or two scoops of Chaga powder into a tea infuser, depending on how strong you want your tea.
  4. Place the filled tea infuser into a mug.
  5. When the water has reached a gentle boil, remove from heat and carefully pour the water into the mug.
  6. Let the Chaga steep for at least 5 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more beneficial compounds will mix into the tea.
  7. Remove the infuser and enjoy!

Maitake

Maitake mushrooms support the body’s immune function. When combined with shiitake mushrooms, maitake’s immune supports multiply exponentially.

Cordyceps

Natural Cordyceps is a fungus that lives on certain caterpillar varieties. Most supplemental Cordyceps are produced in laboratories. This fungus is commonly used to combat kidney disorders.

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom that’s been well-researched in China, Japan, and Europe. Turkey Tail contains beta-glucans, a type of sugar that may help stimulate the immune system.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane is an edible and medicinal mushroom. It is part of the tooth fungus group. Lion’s Mane is native to North America, Europe, and Asia it can be identified by its long “spines” or spikes. Lion’s Mane tea supports brain health.

How to Make Mushroom Tea

Adding cinnamon, lemon juice, fresh ginger or sugar to taste. You can also infuse chai spices to give it a little kick.

Here is one Mushroom Tea Recipe of Many

List of ingredients:

  • A few grams (3.5 to 5) dried medicinal mushrooms
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 tea sachets
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Fresh ginger, lemon, or any other herb or honey
  • Cooking pot
  • Grinder
  • Bowl
  • Coffee style filter

Start the Process

  • Grind the mushrooms.
  • Place the mushrooms into your drinking mug.
  • Pour the two cups of water into the pot and bring to a simmer. Don’t boil. Heat can reduce potency. When it simmers, add the mushrooms to the pot.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and cool for a few seconds.
  • Pour the water into the mug.
  • Add a tea bag (let steep).
  • Remove the teabag and filter the mushroom grindings.
  • Pour the liquid into a bowl or another mug.
  • Add honey or pinches of ginger to taste.
  • Dispose of waste.