Michael Davis
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing hot water with mushrooms. It is often made with functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and lion's mane, which are believed to have healing health properties beyond their nutritional value. While some people tout the potential health benefits of mushroom tea, including improved gut health and increased energy, others question whether these benefits are backed by sufficient scientific evidence. Furthermore, there are concerns about possible negative side effects and interactions with medications, especially for those with autoimmune diseases or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Mushroom tea is a popular health beverage. |
| Types | Chaga, reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps, tremella, turkey tail, shiitake, and psychedelic/hallucinogenic mushrooms are used to make mushroom tea. |
| Preparation | Mushroom tea is made by infusing hot water with mushrooms or steeping tea bags with powdered mushrooms. |
| Health Benefits | May boost energy, enhance gut health, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, aid detoxification, support digestive health, boost immunity, and provide essential nutrients. |
| Risks and Side Effects | May cause paranoia, disorganized thinking, perceptual disturbances, mood changes, hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), overdose, and negative interactions with medications and breastfeeding. |
| Regulation | Tea is regulated by the FDA, and a moderate amount per day can be part of a balanced diet. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Potential energy-boosting effects
While there is limited research on the health benefits of mushroom tea, some sources suggest that it may have energy-boosting effects.
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing hot water with functional, adaptogenic mushrooms, such as reishi, chaga, and lion's mane. These mushrooms are believed to have healing properties beyond their nutritional value. For example, chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, thereby promoting cardiovascular health. Additionally, chaga contains digestive enzymes that support liver function and aid in detoxification.
The potential energy-boosting effects of mushroom tea may be attributed to its ability to enhance the gut microbiome. Mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates, such as chitin, hemicellulose, and various glucans, which act as prebiotics. Prebiotics serve as "fertilizer" for the good bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut is linked to improved energy levels and overall well-being.
Some people report feeling more energised after drinking mushroom tea or coffee. However, it is important to note that the energy boost may not be solely due to the mushrooms themselves. Caffeine is often added to mushroom supplements, and this could be a contributing factor to the perceived increase in energy.
While mushroom tea may offer potential health benefits, it is important to approach it with caution. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, have potential negative interactions with certain medications, including blood thinners and insulin. Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid chaga mushrooms as they may have an impact on breast milk. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements, especially if you are on medication or have specific health concerns.
Oyster Mushrooms: Healthy, Delicious, Nutritious
You may want to see also
Cancer-fighting properties
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines in East Asia for their immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Out of the 14,000 different species of mushrooms, approximately 700 species are reported to exhibit medicinal properties. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments.
Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia. The -glucans of mushrooms resemble bacterial cell walls and complex with complement on macrophages to activate an immune response triggering the release of various cytokines that are active in tumor inhibition. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. It can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. However, it is not approved by the FDA for use as a cancer treatment in the United States.
Reishi mushrooms, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense, are the most widely used mushrooms for cancer prevention and to inhibit tumor growth. They have been used medicinally in East Asia since ancient times. In traditional Chinese medicine, this group of mushrooms is known as Ling Zhi. In China, G. lucidum is known as chizhi and G. sinense is known as zizhi. In one study, the polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms were found to help cancer-fighting immune cells, called lymphocytes, stay active.
Maitake, also known as Grifola frondosa, is an edible mushroom extensively used in traditional Asian medicine. The maitake D-fraction is the bioactive extract that has been widely studied as an adjuvant therapy. It acts as a biologic response modifier, providing T-cell-dependent immune enhancement and activation that enhances antitumor effects. When maitake D-fraction was given to patients receiving chemotherapy for several different cancers, response rates increased from 12% to 28%, and chemotherapy side effects were reduced.
Mushroom Color Mystery: Why Orange?
You may want to see also
Improving gut health
Mushrooms have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, and they are now a popular ingredient in tea and coffee. They are known to have several health benefits, with a particular ability to improve gut health.
Mushrooms contain ergosterol, a compound with properties similar to vitamin D, which supports gut health and healthy immune function. They also contain terpenoids, natural compounds that support healthy inflammatory responses in the gut. Mushrooms are a rich source of prebiotics, which act as "fertilizer" in the gut, feeding the good bacteria (probiotics) and helping them to flourish. This process supports the population of good gut bacteria, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Mushrooms also support the production of helpful substances in the gut, such as short-chain fatty acids, which promote healthy inflammatory responses in the intestines. They contain compounds called polysaccharides, such as β-glucans and chitin, which are not digested in the upper digestive system but reach the large intestine, where they serve as food for good bacteria.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are particularly beneficial for gut health. They support healthy inflammatory responses and gut lining health, as well as promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Reishi mushrooms are also excellent for gut health, as they support microbiome balance and a healthy gut lining, which can be beneficial for those with stomach ulcers or other digestive issues. Chaga mushrooms are packed with nutrients that are essential for maintaining a healthy body, and they may also possess adaptogenic properties, supporting a healthy response to stress.
While the scientific research on mushroom tea's effects is still in its early stages, with most studies conducted on animals or in laboratory settings, it is believed to be a potent prebiotic that encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can lead to improved digestive wellness and overall gut function, potentially reducing discomfort and improving nutrient absorption.
Grams of Magic: Mushroom Weighing Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lowering blood pressure
Consuming certain types of mushrooms may help lower blood pressure. For example, reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, complex sugars that can lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Reishi mushrooms are available fresh, as a powder, a dietary supplement, and a tea. Chaga mushrooms, which are available as herbal teas and supplements, may also help lower blood pressure. However, chaga mushrooms carry some risks, such as lowering blood sugar, and may cause side effects or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using chaga supplements.
In addition to reishi and chaga mushrooms, other types of mushrooms may also help lower blood pressure. For example, maitake mushrooms have been shown to significantly reduce the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Shiitake mushrooms, on the other hand, did not show a similar effect on blood pressure but were found to lower plasma free cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels.
The consumption of edible mushrooms has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved gut health and brain health, protection against obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and high blood pressure. Mushrooms are ranked as one of the top anti-inflammatory foods, which may help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. The anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms may be due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, which regulate pro-inflammatory compounds called cytokines.
Furthermore, mushrooms have several features that positively impact weight management, which can indirectly help lower blood pressure. They are low in calories, take longer to chew, and have high fluid and fiber content, which contributes to a feeling of fullness. Mushrooms also slow stomach emptying and boost satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. In clinical trials, substituting mushrooms for red meat has been shown to result in reduced body weight and smaller waist measurements over time.
Mushroom Growth: Where and How They Thrive
You may want to see also
Immune-boosting benefits
Mushrooms are edible macroscopic fungi that are used for their beneficial health properties. Medicinal mushrooms, in particular, carry a heavy dose of healing compounds. They can be consumed as functional foods or dietary supplements in the form of liquid extracts, powders, capsules, or tea.
Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, lion's mane, and cordyceps are some of the most common medicinal mushrooms known for their immune-boosting properties. For instance, Chaga mushrooms have been found to exhibit a wide range of antiviral effects, while reishi mushrooms can boost the immune system response and increase the activity of immune cells in the body. Similarly, shiitake mushrooms have been shown to improve immune function and decrease markers of inflammation. Maitake mushrooms contain a compound called D-fraction, which supports the immune system and fights cancer cells. Turkey tail mushrooms, on the other hand, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system during cancer treatment. Polysaccharide K (PSK), a compound found in turkey tail mushrooms, has been studied for its ability to repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy and strengthen the immune system.
Consuming medicinal mushrooms in tea is a common practice. Chaga and reishi tea, for example, are recommended when one is feeling under the weather. Mushroom tea can be made from whole fresh or dried mushrooms, and some people add sweeteners like honey to counteract the strong taste of certain mushroom varieties.
It is important to note that while medicinal mushrooms offer immune-boosting benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, reishi mushrooms may worsen symptoms in people taking immunosuppressant medications for certain conditions. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution as there is insufficient research to determine the safety of mushroom consumption for this demographic. It is always advisable to consult a doctor before incorporating medicinal mushrooms into one's diet, especially for those with existing health conditions or those taking medications.
The Life Cycle of Button Mushrooms: Where Do They Grow?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Chaga and Reishi mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting benefits. Chaga mushrooms are also believed to help regulate cytokine production, which may help reduce inflammation, and contain high levels of superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant that detoxifies free radicals in the body. Mushrooms are also a low-calorie food, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and choline.
Chaga mushrooms may negatively interact with blood-thinning medications and insulin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid chaga mushrooms as they may interact with breast milk. Chaga is also known for activating the immune system, so those with autoimmune diseases should avoid it.
There is little research on the side effects of drinking mushroom tea. However, some people have experienced paranoia, disorganized thinking, perceptual disturbances, and mood changes after consuming magic mushroom tea.
A moderate amount of mushroom tea per day can be part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider to determine if they are right for you.
