Mushroom Tea: Superfood Or Super-Hype?

Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing hot water with mushrooms. It is one of the oldest and trendiest ways to consume mushrooms. There are two types of mushroom tea: one made from functional mushrooms, and the other from psychedelic mushrooms. Functional mushrooms are believed to have healing health properties, while psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, which create psychedelic effects. The effectiveness of mushroom tea remains uncertain, with some studies showing potential benefits and others questioning the validity of these claims.

Potential health benefits of mushroom tea

It is important to note that the effectiveness of mushroom tea for health benefits is not yet proven by science. However, there are several potential health benefits of drinking mushroom tea that have been observed in certain studies.

Firstly, mushroom tea may help boost the immune system. Studies in isolated cells and animals suggest that Chaga mushrooms, in particular, may help destroy cancer cells and boost the immune system. Additionally, a study conducted by Nature's Rise involving 100 participants who drank mushroom tea daily for six weeks found a significant boost in immune function.

Secondly, mushroom tea may improve cognitive function and memory. A double-blind study of 30 Japanese adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment found that consuming powdered lion's mane mushrooms improved mental functioning compared to a placebo group. Furthermore, according to the Mud\Wtr website, cordyceps mushrooms are believed to "increase vitality and endurance", while lion's mane mushrooms are said to "improve brain function".

Thirdly, mushroom tea may help manage stress and anxiety. Mushrooms are classified as "adaptogens" in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine because they are believed to help the body adapt to stress. Adaptogens work by calming the central nervous system and moderating its response to cortisol, a stress hormone. A study by Nature's Rise found that participants who drank mushroom tea daily reported decreased stress and anxiety levels.

Lastly, mushroom tea may improve sleep quality. Lion's mane mushrooms, in particular, have been shown to improve sleep disturbances and overall well-being.

While these potential health benefits of mushroom tea exist, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before consuming mushroom tea, especially if you are on medication, as certain mushrooms may interfere with certain drugs and have blood-thinning effects.

Lack of scientific evidence for health claims

While the consumption of mushroom tea has gained popularity, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the various health claims associated with it. Mushroom tea is made from dried mushrooms containing the compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for psychedelic effects similar to those produced by other hallucinogenic drugs. However, the purported health benefits of this tea remain largely unsubstantiated.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in functional mushrooms, with people exploring various ways to incorporate them into their daily routines. Mushroom tea, in particular, has become a trendy way to consume mushrooms due to its convenience and the wide range of claimed benefits. Some of the alleged advantages of drinking mushroom tea include boosting energy levels, improving cognitive function, enhancing mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and even fighting cancer. However, it's important to note that these claims have not been comprehensively proven through scientific research.

While some studies have suggested potential benefits, they are often limited in scope or lack human-based research. For example, a study conducted on 30 Japanese adults found that consuming powdered lion's mane mushroom improved mental functioning compared to a placebo group. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the full scope of any potential benefits. Additionally, studies on isolated cells and animals have suggested potential immune-boosting and cancer-fighting properties of certain mushrooms, but these results have not yet been replicated in human trials.

Furthermore, the potential risks and side effects of consuming mushroom tea cannot be overlooked. Chaga mushroom, for instance, contains high levels of oxalates, which can reduce nutrient absorption and potentially damage the kidneys when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, some mushrooms have blood-thinning properties and may interfere with certain medications, supplements, or herbs. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom tea into your diet, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking any medications.

In conclusion, while mushroom tea has gained traction as a health beverage, the lack of extensive scientific evidence to support its purported benefits cannot be ignored. More rigorous and comprehensive research is needed to validate the various health claims associated with mushroom tea consumption. Until then, it is essential to approach these claims with a degree of skepticism and prioritize whole foods and proven health strategies to achieve optimal well-being.

Side effects and health risks

While mushroom tea may offer a range of health benefits, there are also potential side effects and health risks to consider.

Chaga mushrooms, for example, are high in oxalates, which can reduce nutrient absorption when consumed in high doses. They may also have blood-thinning effects, potentially interacting negatively with certain medications, such as blood thinners and insulin. Chaga mushrooms are also known to activate the immune system, so they should be avoided by individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to refrain from consuming Chaga mushrooms due to possible interactions with breast milk.

It is important to correctly identify the mushroom variety before consumption, as accidentally ingesting wild mushrooms can pose serious health threats. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can even lead to poisoning, which is a risk also present when picking and consuming magic mushrooms.

Magic mushroom tea, made from mushrooms containing psilocybin, can induce psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects, including euphoria, sensory distortion, and hallucinations. However, adverse side effects may include panic attacks, disorientation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, vomiting, increased heart rate, urinary incontinence, nausea, high blood pressure, and a "bad trip". Long-term side effects may include flashbacks, visual distortion, perceptual disturbances, mood changes, and hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).

While mushroom tea may provide a more gentle boost of energy with fewer caffeine jitters compared to coffee, consuming extremely high doses of mushroom extracts may not be advisable.

Overall, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom tea into your diet, especially if you are taking any medications or have existing health conditions.

Popularity and marketing of mushroom tea

Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing edible or medicinal mushrooms in hot water. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Eastern medicine. The most common types of mushrooms used in these teas include reishi, chaga, lion's mane, shiitake, and cordyceps. These mushrooms are often sourced from Korea, Japan, China, and North America.

The popularity of mushroom tea can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the growing consumer awareness of functional mushrooms as superfoods, adaptogens, and ingredients in natural skincare products has increased the demand for mushroom-based products. The health and wellness trend, coupled with the perceived health benefits of mushroom tea, has made it a popular choice for consumers seeking holistic approaches to wellness. These purported health benefits include boosting immunity, anti-cancer properties, weight control, improved blood circulation, and support for stomach-related issues, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Additionally, the ever-increasing popularity of functional mushrooms and their integration into daily routines have contributed to the trendiness of mushroom tea. The versatility of mushrooms as a superfood and their umami taste have also played a role in their growing popularity. The market for mushroom tea is expected to reach $215 million by 2031, with a significant growth rate projected from 2024 to 2030.

The marketing of mushroom tea has been influenced by several factors. Firstly, the exotic and pleasing names of the mushrooms used, such as chaga, reishi, and lion's mane, have likely contributed to their marketability. Additionally, celebrity endorsements and health influencers have played a significant role in promoting mushroom tea to a wider audience. Gwyneth Paltrow, for example, drank mushroom tea on her Netflix series, The Goop Lab. Social media has also been a crucial platform for increasing awareness and generating interest in mushroom tea among consumers.

However, one challenge in marketing mushroom tea is consumer awareness and education. Many consumers may be hesitant to try mushroom tea due to a lack of understanding of its potential health benefits, preparation methods, and safety. Therefore, tea brands must carefully investigate and educate consumers about possible side effects and differentiate their products through organic harvesting and ingredient integrity. The quality and shelf life of mushroom tea are also critical factors that can impact brand reputation and consumer satisfaction.

How to make mushroom tea

Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing or steeping mushrooms in hot water. It is believed to possess healing health properties and is widely consumed in Russia and Baltic countries.

To make mushroom tea, you will first need to decide on the type of mushroom to use. Popular options include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and shiitake. Once you have selected your mushroom of choice, follow these steps:

• Dry the mushrooms.
• Grind the mushrooms into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
• Place the mushroom powder in a teapot or mug.
• Pour hot water over the mushrooms.
• Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 15 minutes.
• Strain the tea into a cup.
• Optionally, add honey, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, or maple syrup to enhance the flavour.

Note that the potency of mushroom tea may differ based on factors such as the type of mushroom used, the amount used, and the steeping time. It is important to consume mushroom tea in moderation and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

Frequently asked questions