Mushroom Tea
Are you on a quest to sample every type of tea in the world?
Or are you drawn to attempting the most unusual types? Perhaps you’re seeking for certain health advantages? Whatever the cause, mushroom tea might be the most odd and amazing tea infusion you’ve ever tried. Learn more about mushroom tea and which varieties are most commonly used to make infusions.
What is Mushroom Tea?
Mushroom tea is a beverage produced by steeping mushrooms or mushroom powder in water. It may be produced from a variety of mushrooms and in a variety of methods. Mushroom tea is produced by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water or dissolving mushroom powder in water or another tea. Mushrooms are widely used in traditional medicine to cure cancer, promote mental health (including stress and anxiety relief), and improve digestion.
Some mushrooms are adaptogenic, which means they can naturally help alleviate various types of stress. These mushrooms are maitake (Grifola frondosa), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). Some mushroom powders are now incorporated to herbal tea mixes and even sold in tea bags. Here’s a list of mushroom teas to keep an eye out for!
Mushroom Tea Types
Although technically any variety of edible dried or fresh mushroom may be used to produce an infusion, only particular varieties are utilized to brew tea, and they all have therapeutic qualities. It is thought that 270 edible mushrooms out of 2000 offer potential health advantages. The major reason for infusing dry mushrooms in hot water or consuming mushroom extract is typically not to appreciate the flavor, but rather to reap the possible health advantages. The most well-known are:
Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushroom, also known as Inonotus obliquus, is a kind of birch tree fungus. This fungus may be considered a superfood, and it is commonly accessible in powdered form. According to research, chaga mushrooms may offer anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties, as well as the ability to inhibit cancer and aid in weight reduction.
Reishi Mushrooms
Another prominent species of fungus is the reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, which has been utilized in Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. It may help lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake, also known as Grifola frondosa, is an adaptogenic fungus that is commonly accessible in powder form. It is widely used in Asia and grows on oak trees, which have been utilized for hundreds of years. Maitake mushrooms, particularly when paired with shiitake mushrooms, have been shown in studies to greatly improve the immune system. Furthermore, it may aid in the treatment of diabetes and cancer.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Lentinula edodes, are arguably the most widely accessible therapeutic mushrooms. They are frequently found in shops and are used in cooking. Shiitake tea can be prepared with either dry or powdered mushrooms. Powders can be found at a variety of health food stores. Shiitake mushrooms have been consumed for over a thousand years. They contain antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant qualities, and may aid in the prevention of caries, the strengthening of the immune system, and even the treatment of the common cold.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a kind of white edible fungus that grows on both dead and living trees. These mushrooms can also be purchased as supplements. It is primarily used to improve cognitive health, alleviate stress and anxiety, and enhance the immune system.
Caffeine Level
Caffeine is not present in pure mushroom tea. Mushroom powders, on the other hand, are occasionally mixed into coffee or tea. Some mushrooms may naturally assist raise energy levels, and when mixed into caffeinated drinks, they may provide a more potent energy boost cup. Caffeine will be present in your cup of tea or coffee if you make an infusion of mushrooms with genuine tea, such as green tea or black tea, or if you add mushroom powder to your coffee.
What Does Mushroom Tea Taste Like?
Mushroom tea, like mushrooms used in cuisine, may have a variety of tastes. Some mushrooms have a stronger flavor than others, and some are flavorless. Some may taste more meaty, while others, such as chaga mushroom, may have an earthy flavor and be slightly bitter. Lion’s mane, for example, is more delicate than chaga and even slightly sweeter than a somewhat bitter chaga tea flavor. Maitake mushroom has a somewhat woody and spicy flavor, comparable to reishi mushroom but sweeter.
Potential Health Benefits of Drinking
Drinking mushroom tea may have several health advantages. The most common medicinal mushroom health advantages include strengthening the immune system, increasing mental health (including age-related illnesses), reducing stress and anxiety, and helping digestion. According to research, lion’s mane may have anti-hyperglycemic effects and may be useful in the treatment of diabetes. It may also help preserve the liver and brain, as well as providing anti-aging and anti-fatigue action. On the other side, chaga mushroom may be useful in cancer therapies, as well as in boosting the immune system, fighting inflammation, and protecting the liver.
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