John Miller
Mushroom tea has been consumed for centuries in Eastern medicine for its medicinal properties and unique flavors. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the West, particularly among those seeking alternative ways to enhance their mental and physical well-being. The amount of mushrooms used to make tea varies depending on the type of mushroom and the desired dosage. When using psychedelic mushrooms, a threshold dose to feel any effect is typically between 0.2 and 0.5 grams, while a moderate dose ranges from 1 to 2.5 grams. A higher dose of mushroom tea is usually considered to be around 3 to 4 grams. On the other hand, if using non-psychedelic mushrooms for flavor and health benefits, a typical serving amount is between 2 and 3 grams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common medicinal mushroom varieties | Reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, tremella, turkey tail, shiitake |
| Additional ingredients | Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, dandelion, ashwagandha |
| Brewing temperature | As close to the boiling point as possible (212°F) |
| Brewing time | 60 minutes |
| Serving size | 1 teaspoon for 1 ~6oz cup of tea |
| Storage | Consume within 3-5 days |
| Health benefits | Adaptogens help manage stress, lower cholesterol, improve gut health, boost immune system health, packed with antioxidants |
| Legal status | Varies by location; may be classified as a controlled substance |
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What You'll Learn
- Chaga mushrooms: Black and orange, packed with antioxidants, and used to boost immune system health
- Lion's Mane: Used to protect brain health and popular in traditional medicine
- Maitake mushrooms: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain and have a sweet, fruity, and spicy flavour profile
- Dosage: One teaspoon makes one 6oz cup of tea
- Health benefits: Mushrooms are a source of fibre, which supports gut health and overall health
Chaga mushrooms: Black and orange, packed with antioxidants, and used to boost immune system health
Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are black and orange, packed with antioxidants, and used to boost the immune system. They grow mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada, and Alaska. Chaga mushrooms have a rusty, yellowish-brown interior beneath their burnt charcoal-like exterior.
Chaga mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Siberia, other parts of Asia, and Eastern Europe. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting immunity, improving overall health, and fighting cancer. Chaga mushrooms are available in tea or supplement form, and their extract is packed with antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by free radicals.
Chaga mushroom tea can be consumed daily to help maintain balance and alkalinity within the body. It is recommended to start with a low dosage of Chaga and gradually increase it to a maximum of 2 grams of Chaga extract per day. To prepare Chaga mushroom tea, whisk together 1 teaspoon of the powder per 8 ounces of boiling water (212º F) to create a suspension, similar to Matcha.
Chaga mushrooms are rich in natural minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are excreted from the body via the kidneys and liver. However, consistent overconsumption of Chaga nutrients may overburden the kidneys and lead to kidney or liver damage. Chaga may also interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming Chaga tea if you take other medications or have any medical conditions.
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Lion's Mane: Used to protect brain health and popular in traditional medicine
Mushroom tea is a simple and delicious way to consume mushrooms. There are many varieties of mushrooms used in mushroom tea, each with its own unique benefits. One popular variety is Lion's Mane, which has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American healing practices. It is also known as Hericium erinaceus, hou tou gu, or yamabushitake in Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and Korea.
Lion's Mane mushrooms have a unique flavour profile often compared to lobster, with a sweet, savoury taste and a meaty essence. The addition of water in tea brewing enhances this meaty texture, resulting in a full-bodied flavour. Besides its culinary uses, Lion's Mane is also valued for its potential health benefits, particularly for brain health.
Research suggests that Lion's Mane mushrooms contain compounds that promote nerve growth and protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. Animal studies have shown that Lion's Mane may help reduce symptoms of memory loss and prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques. Additionally, these compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier, making them even more effective in treating brain-related conditions.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. They have been shown to lower blood sugar and raise insulin levels in lab rats with diabetes, and may help with diabetic nerve pain. Furthermore, Lion's Mane may help protect against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria and thickening the mucus in the stomach lining.
While Lion's Mane mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, it is important to note that most of the research on their health benefits has been conducted on animals or in test tubes. More human studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of Lion's Mane in treating various conditions. However, its potential to promote brain health and overall well-being has made it a popular choice for tea enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.
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Maitake mushrooms: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain and have a sweet, fruity, and spicy flavour profile
Mushroom tea is a simple and delicious way to consume mushrooms. There are many varieties of mushrooms used for making tea, each with its own unique health benefits and flavour profiles. One popular variety is the Lion's Mane mushroom, which has a luxurious, sweet, savoury, and meaty flavour profile.
Another popular variety of mushroom used for tea is the Maitake mushroom, also known as Grifola frondosa. This mushroom is an edible and medicinal fungus that grows wild in Japan, China, and North America, typically under oak trees, and can be found in other parts of the United States. Maitake mushrooms have a rich, meaty flavour and a firm texture. They can be cooked in various ways, such as sautéing, stir-frying, roasting, or grilling, each method bringing out different nuances of their flavour and texture. For example, roasting them in the oven enhances their natural sweetness.
Maitake mushrooms have a sweet, fruity, and spicy flavour profile. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. The active ingredient L-glutamate lends a savoury rich flavour known in Japan as umami. The beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for heart health. Additionally, maitake mushrooms contain antioxidants like fatty acids and polyphenols, which may improve skin health.
To make maitake mushroom tea, the traditional Japanese method involves simmering the mushrooms in water for several hours, resulting in a savoury and earthy-flavoured tea. Alternatively, maitake mushroom powder can be made by drying and grinding the mushrooms into a fine powder, which can then be added to hot water for a quicker cup of tea. The powder can also be added to smoothies, soups, sauces, or sprinkled over salads as a nutrient-dense seasoning.
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Dosage: One teaspoon makes one 6oz cup of tea
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing or steeping mushrooms in hot water. It is a way to consume functional, adaptogenic mushrooms, which have healing health properties. The dosage for mushroom tea is typically one teaspoon of mushroom per 6 ounces of water, which yields one cup of tea. This ratio ensures that the tea is properly brewed and that the active compounds in the mushrooms are effectively extracted.
When preparing mushroom tea, it is important to use food-safe ingredients and equipment. The water should be brought to a gentle simmer, as close to the boiling point as possible (212°F). This temperature is optimal for extracting the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms. The mushrooms and water should then be allowed to steep for approximately 60 minutes. Using a timer can help keep track of the steeping time.
Different types of mushrooms can be used to make mushroom tea, each with its own unique properties and flavour profiles. Popular varieties include Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Maitake. Lion's Mane is known for its brain health benefits and has a sweet and savoury flavour, similar to lobster. Chaga mushrooms, identified by their black exterior and vibrant orange interior, are rich in antioxidants and are commonly used to boost immune system health. Maitake mushrooms, on the other hand, have anti-inflammatory properties and a distinctive fruity, earthy, and spicy flavour.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms are suitable for tea. Culinary mushrooms like creminis, buttons, and portobellos are not typically used in mushroom tea. Additionally, some mushrooms, such as psilocybin mushrooms, have psychedelic or hallucinogenic properties and may be illegal in certain jurisdictions. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the local laws and potential risks associated with consuming specific types of mushrooms.
The benefits of mushroom tea are attributed to the adaptogenic properties of the mushrooms. Adaptogens help the body manage stress by calming the central nervous system and regulating the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. By reducing the negative impacts of chronic stress, mushroom tea may promote overall health and well-being. Furthermore, mushrooms are a good source of fibre, particularly a type called beta-glucan, which has heart-healthy benefits and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
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Health benefits: Mushrooms are a source of fibre, which supports gut health and overall health
Although the specific amount of mushrooms to use for mushroom tea is not clear, a recipe for Lion's Mane mushroom tea uses 3 grams of Lion's Mane mushrooms.
Mushrooms are a rich source of fibre, which has numerous health benefits. Firstly, mushroom fibre acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. This fibre ferments in the gut, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs are vital for cell renewal and recovery in the colon and can affect the intestinal mucosal barrier, playing a critical role in intestinal health.
Mushrooms are also a source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Some mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster, have higher amounts of ergothioneine. However, incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your diet will help to lower your risk of cancer.
Additionally, mushrooms are low in calories and sodium and are a good source of potassium. This combination of nutrients can help to reduce blood pressure. Mushrooms also contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block its absorption, and lower overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
Mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium for bone health. Cremini mushrooms, in particular, are an excellent source of zinc, which supports the immune system and ensures optimal growth in infants and children.
Overall, mushrooms provide a wide range of health benefits due to their fibre content and other nutrients, making them a valuable addition to one's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
A moderate dose of mushroom tea falls in the range of 1-2.5g.
A higher dose of mushroom tea is classified as 3-4g.
A typical serving of non-psychedelic mushroom tea is 2-3 grams.
