Emma Wilson
Mushroom tea is an infusion of mushrooms in water, made using edible, medicinal, or psychedelic mushrooms. The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is psilocybin, while the active ingredients in medicinal mushrooms are thought to be beta-glucans. Medicinal mushroom tea is believed to have various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, regulating stress, and supporting gut health. On the other hand, mushroom tea made from psychedelic mushrooms can cause negative side effects, including flashbacks, visual distortion, and paranoia. As such, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming mushroom tea, especially if you are on medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is mushroom tea made from? | Edible/medicinal mushrooms (e.g. lingzhi, black hoof, oyster, shiitake) or psychedelic mushrooms (e.g. Psilocybe cubensis) |
| Active ingredients | Beta-glucans (medicinal mushrooms), psilocybin and psilocin (psychedelic mushrooms) |
| How is it made? | Infusion or steeping of mushrooms in hot water |
| Taste | Earthy, umami, slightly bitter, nutty, rich, sweet |
| Effects | Positive: increased creativity, euphoria, happy feelings, improved cognition and focus, immune system support, reduced inflammation, stress relief, reduced blood pressure, gut health support, detoxification support, cardiovascular health support. Negative: flashbacks, visual distortion, "bad trip", paranoia, disorganized thinking, perceptual disturbances, mood changes. |
| Health benefits | Adaptogens found in mushrooms help manage stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating the stress hormone cortisol. Antioxidants in mushrooms play a role in preventing chronic disease and lowering the odds of developing depression. |
| Precautions | Speak to a doctor before consuming mushroom tea, especially if you are on medication. Chaga mushrooms are high in oxalates, which can reduce nutrient absorption if consumed in high doses. Some mushrooms have blood-thinning effects and could interfere with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy drugs. |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushroom tea
Mushroom tea is an infusion of mushrooms in water. There are two main types of mushroom tea: those made with medicinal mushrooms and those made with psychedelic mushrooms.
Medicinal mushroom teas are made with functional mushrooms that are believed to have healing health properties. Some of the most common medicinal mushrooms used in these teas include reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, shiitake, cordyceps, turkey tail, and tremella. These teas are often infused with other ingredients, such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, dandelion, and ashwagandha, as well as honey, lemon, and ginger. Chaga mushroom tea, for example, is believed to have antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, while lion's mane tea is thought to support healthy cognitive functioning.
Psychedelic mushroom teas, on the other hand, are made with mushrooms that contain the compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which create hallucinogenic effects. These teas are often referred to as "magic mushroom tea" and can cause both positive and negative experiences. Positive experiences may include increased creativity, euphoria, and happy feelings, while negative experiences may include flashbacks, visual distortions, and a "bad trip". It is important to note that consuming any substance, including mushroom tea, comes with risks and potential side effects.
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Health benefits
Mushroom tea is an infusion of mushrooms in water, made using edible/medicinal mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms. The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is psilocybin, while the active ingredients in medicinal mushrooms are thought to be beta-glucans.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a group of compounds found mostly in plant-based foods, although synthetic types are also available. Adaptogens help the body manage stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating its response to the common stress hormone, cortisol. By drinking mushroom tea, you may be able to avoid the illness and disease that can come with chronically high-stress environments.
Prebiotics
Mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates, including chitin, hemicellulose, alpha- and beta-glucans, mannans, xylans, and galactans, which are all carbohydrates that act as prebiotics. Prebiotics act like "fertilizer" in your gut, feeding the good bacteria (aka probiotics) so that they can flourish.
Antioxidants
Mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which play a role in preventing chronic disease. A study published in 2021 in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that eating mushrooms may lower a person's odds of developing depression.
Heart Health
Mushrooms contain a specific kind of soluble fiber called beta-glucan. This soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the small intestine, allowing it to pass through our system instead of being absorbed, making it an excellent heart-healthy addition to your diet.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Although research on the cancer-fighting potential of mushroom tea is still in its early stages, a study published in 2016 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that reishi mushrooms have immune-boosting effects. Additionally, chaga mushrooms, which are commonly used to make mushroom tea, contain compounds that may effectively prevent cancer and slow tumor growth.
It is important to note that the health benefits of mushroom tea may vary depending on the type of mushrooms used, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of mushroom tea on human health. As with any dietary change, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating mushroom tea into your routine.
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Negative side effects
Although mushroom tea is known for its health benefits, it is important to be aware of its potential negative side effects. Mushroom tea is made by infusing edible/medicinal mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms in water. The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is psilocybin, a psychedelic or hallucinogenic substance.
Mushroom tea can have several negative side effects, both physical and psychological, especially when made with psychedelic mushrooms. The physical side effects of drinking mushroom tea include nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, urinary incontinence, and high blood pressure.
The psychological side effects of mushroom tea are more common and include panic attacks, disorientation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, perceptual disturbances, disorganized thinking, mood changes, and flashbacks. These negative psychological effects are often referred to as a "bad trip", which can be caused by the drinker's environment or mindset. Once a bad trip occurs, there is no way to stop it except for trying to improve one's mindset and setting.
The long-term effects of consuming mushroom tea made from psychedelic mushrooms can cause issues to the drinker's mind and body, including flashbacks, visual distortion, and bad trips. Additionally, there is a chance of developing hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where the drinker experiences visual disturbances and hallucinations after the trip has ended.
It is important to note that the effects of mushroom tea vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the type of mushroom, the amount consumed, and the duration of boiling. The weight, size, health, and familiarity with consuming the substance also influence how the effects are felt.
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Ancient use of mushrooms in tea
While drinking mushroom tea may be a novel concept in Western culture, the use of mushrooms in tea for health benefits is ancient and dates back centuries. Chaga mushrooms, for example, have been routinely added to stews and soups by indigenous Siberians to boost their health. Chaga mushrooms are non-toxic and can be found on birch trees in colder climates worldwide. They are high in antioxidants, protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals, and are classified as an adaptogen, which helps the body adapt to stress. Chaga mushrooms are also claimed to decelerate the ageing process and lower cholesterol. They have an earthy flavour with a hint of bitterness and vanillin, which is also found in vanilla beans.
Reishi mushrooms have also been used extensively in Chinese medicine and other ancient healing modalities. They have a bitter, earthy, woody flavour and are used for their wide array of beneficial micronutrients and antioxidants. Reishi is commonly used to reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, boost circulation, and improve sleep. It is also often used to create a synergistic effect on the body and mind when combined with other mushrooms, such as Cordyceps, which is thought to boost energy.
Lion's mane is another mushroom that has been used in ancient healing modalities for thousands of years. It is nourishing to the organs, particularly the liver and heart, and is used to support cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity. It is also used to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and support physical and mental relaxation.
In Korea, mushroom teas known as beoseot-cha are made from edible mushrooms such as black hoof mushroom, lingzhi mushroom, oyster mushroom, scaly hedgehog, and shiitake mushroom.
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How to make mushroom tea
Mushroom tea is an infusion of mushrooms in water. It can be made using edible or medicinal mushrooms, such as lingzhi or reishi, or psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis. The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms is psilocybin, a mind-altering substance.
- Start by choosing the type of mushroom you want to use. The most common medicinal mushroom varieties include reishi, chaga, and lion's mane. If you opt for psychedelic mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis is a popular choice.
- Prepare the mushrooms by drying them. This is an essential step because dried mushrooms contain a higher amount of psilocybin, making them more potent than fresh mushrooms.
- Grind the dried mushrooms into a fine powder.
- Add the mushroom powder to a pot of boiling water. Use enough water to cover the mushrooms completely.
- Let the mushrooms steep in the boiling water for about 20 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a coffee filter to remove any remaining mushroom particles.
- (Optional) Add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and potential benefits. For example, ginger is often added to improve the taste and help curb any feelings of nausea.
- Allow the tea to cool slightly, then pour it into a cup and enjoy.
It is important to note that the effects of mushroom tea can vary widely, and consuming psilocybin mushrooms can be illegal in some places. The timeline for the effects to kick in can range from 10 to 40 minutes, and the duration of the effects can last up to 6 hours, usually lessening in intensity towards the end. The potency and impact of the tea depend on various factors, including the type of mushroom, the amount used, and the time boiled. Always exercise caution and be mindful of potential side effects when consuming mushroom tea.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing edible or medicinal mushrooms in water. It is considered a health beverage and has been used in ancient practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Mushroom tea is believed to have various health benefits, including boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, regulating stress, reducing blood pressure, supporting gut health, aiding detoxification, and supporting cardiovascular health. Some specific types of mushrooms used in tea, like Lion's Mane, are believed to have additional benefits, such as improving cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity.
The side effects of mushroom tea are uncertain and may vary depending on the type of mushroom and individual factors such as weight, size, and health. However, some potential negative effects include reduced nutrient absorption, blood-thinning effects, and interactions with certain medications. It is important to consult a doctor before consuming mushroom tea, especially if you are on medication.
Mushroom tea can be made by steeping whole or ground mushrooms in hot water, similar to brewing regular tea. You can also add other ingredients like black pepper, cinnamon, or turmeric to enhance the flavour.
Mushroom tea is available from various brands, including Buddha Teas, Baikal Tea, Traditional Medicinals, Tealeaves, and The Republic of Tea. You can also create your own unique blends by combining different types of mushrooms and adding other ingredients.
