Sarah Brown
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing edible or medicinal mushrooms in hot water. It is typically made from functional, adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to have healing health properties. The most common types of mushrooms used in these teas include reishi, chaga, and lion's mane. Mushroom teas are often consumed for their health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, it's important to note that there are also psychedelic mushroom teas made from mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin, which can have significant side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A beverage of hot water infused with edible/medicinal or psychedelic mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Beta-glucans (medicinal mushrooms), psilocybin and psilocin (psychedelic mushrooms) |
| Types | Beoseot-cha (Korea), Magic mushroom tea, Chaga, Reishi, Lion's mane, etc. |
| Taste | Earthy, umami, bitter, woody, mild, sweet |
| Benefits | Adaptogens help the body manage stress, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, energy-boosting, improve oxygen consumption, relieve stress, promote endurance and vitality |
| Side effects | Panic attacks, disorientation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, vomiting, increased heart rate, urinary incontinence, nausea, high blood pressure, flashbacks, visual distortion, "bad trip", disorganized thinking, perceptual disturbances, mood changes |
| Preparation | Mushrooms are ground into a fine powder, added to boiling water, strained through a coffee filter |
| Serving suggestions | Topped with frothed milk or pumpkin spice whipped cream, sweetened with honey |
Explore related products
Types of mushroom tea
Mushroom tea is typically made by infusing or steeping functional, adaptogenic mushrooms in hot water. These mushrooms have healing health properties beyond their nutritional value. The taste of mushroom tea varies depending on the type of mushroom used. Some common mushrooms used for tea include lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and shiitake.
Lion's mane mushroom tea has a delicate, sweet taste and is known for its nerve growth factor, which contributes to a healthy functioning nervous system. Chaga mushroom tea has an earthy flavour with a hint of bitterness, as well as a hint of vanilla due to the presence of vanillin. It is rich in antioxidants, offering up to 47 times more antioxidants than blueberries. Reishi mushroom tea has a bitter and woody flavour and is often blended with cacao, cinnamon, and ashwagandha. Cordyceps mushrooms are traditionally used in Chinese medicine and are believed to boost energy, making them popular for pre-workout beverages. Shiitake mushrooms are another variety commonly used in mushroom tea, offering a range of potential health benefits.
In addition to these varieties, there are numerous other mushrooms used for tea, each with its own unique flavour and purported benefits. For example, maitake mushrooms have a woody and spicy taste, while tremella, turkey tail, and oyster mushrooms are also used in tea blends. Some mushroom teas may even incorporate psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis, which contain the active ingredient psilocybin. However, it is important to note that these teas can have psychedelic effects similar to other hallucinogenic drugs and may carry certain risks and side effects.
Golden Oyster Mushrooms: Hallucinogenic or Not?
You may want to see also
Health benefits
Mushroom tea is an infusion of edible, medicinal, or psychedelic mushrooms in water. While the health benefits of mushroom tea are questionable and not fully backed by science, some studies have shown that it may have several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of drinking mushroom tea:
Stress Relief
Adaptogens are a group of compounds found in plant-based foods, and some mushrooms are adaptogenic. These compounds help the body better manage stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating the body's response to the common stress hormone, cortisol. By helping to manage short-term body stress, adaptogens may help prevent the long-term impacts of stress.
Improved Gut Health
Mushrooms are a good source of fiber, which is supportive of gut health. They also contain prebiotics, which act as "fertilizer" in the gut, feeding the good bacteria (probiotics) and helping them flourish. Additionally, the beta-glucans found in mushrooms can act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome.
Boosted Immune System
According to a paper published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2016, reishi mushrooms were found to have immune-boosting effects. Additionally, a 2021 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggested that consuming mushrooms may lower a person's odds of developing depression.
Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties
Research published in Heliyon in 2016 suggested that mushroom extracts may have cancer-fighting potential. Similarly, substances present in chaga mushrooms, which are sometimes used in mushroom tea, have been found to potentially prevent cancer and slow tumour growth.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Compounds found in chaga mushroom extract have been shown to potentially lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, the polysaccharides found within chaga mushrooms may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming chaga tea if you are taking medication to lower your blood sugar.
It is important to note that the potential health benefits of mushroom tea are not fully conclusive, and more research is needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new substances into your diet.
Mushroom Extract: A Natural Way to Avoid Tripping Up
You may want to see also
Side effects
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing hot water with mushrooms, often combined with other ingredients such as lemon and honey. Various types of mushrooms can be used, but the most common varieties used for tea are lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. These mushrooms are believed to have various health benefits, and drinking mushroom tea is thought to be an easy way to consume these mushrooms and potentially gain their purported therapeutic effects.
When it comes to side effects, it is important to note that mushroom tea is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However, as with any natural remedy, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to mushroom tea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, hives, swelling of the face and throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking mushroom tea, seek medical attention immediately.
Stomach upset: Consuming large amounts of mushroom tea, especially on an empty stomach, may cause stomach irritation or upset. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. It is recommended to drink mushroom tea in moderate amounts and preferably with or after a meal to minimize the risk of stomach upset.
Dry mouth and throat: Some mushrooms are known to have a drying effect, which can lead to a dry mouth and throat after consuming mushroom tea. This is usually temporary and can be alleviated by drinking water or sucking on ice chips.
Interaction with medications: Certain mushrooms contain compounds that can interact with prescription medications. For example, reishi mushrooms are known to have blood-thinning properties and may intensify the effects of anticoagulant drugs. Always consult your healthcare provider before consuming mushroom tea if you are taking any medications to ensure safe usage.
Potential liver toxicity: There have been rare reports of liver toxicity associated with long-term or excessive consumption of certain mushroom types. This risk is generally considered low for most healthy individuals consuming mushroom tea in moderate amounts, but it is important to exercise caution and not exceed recommended intake guidelines.
It is always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before incorporating new substances, including mushroom tea, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. This ensures that you are aware of any potential risks or interactions and can consume mushroom tea safely and appropriately.
Mushroom Extracts: Do They Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to make it
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water. The tea is typically consumed to ingest the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce altered states of consciousness and pleasurable feelings. The effects of the tea can last up to 6 hours and can include increased creativity, euphoria, and happy feelings. However, it's important to note that mushroom tea can also have negative side effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Start by sourcing your mushrooms. You can use dried mushrooms or grind fresh mushrooms into a fine powder. Dried mushrooms are said to have a higher amount of psilocybin, making them more potent than fresh mushrooms.
- Bring two cups of water to a boil in a tea kettle or pot.
- Add the mushroom powder to the boiling water. If using dried mushrooms, you can place them in a tea infuser or strainer before adding them to the water.
- Allow the mushrooms to steep in the boiling water for about 20 minutes. This step is important to extract the active compounds from the mushrooms.
- Remove the mushrooms or strain the tea through a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer to remove any extra mushroom particles.
- Serve the tea in a warm mug. You can add additional ingredients such as honey, lemon, or other herbs to enhance the flavour if desired.
Please note that it is illegal to consume psilocybin mushrooms in most jurisdictions, and consuming them can have significant risks. Always be cautious and aware of the potential side effects before consuming mushroom tea or any other substance.
Mushrooms: Can You Detect Them?
You may want to see also
Where to buy it
Mushroom tea is available from a variety of online and in-store retailers. Amazon offers a range of mushroom tea blends, including Buddha Teas, ShroomzUp, and Dragon Herbs. These blends often include additional ingredients such as ashwagandha, cordyceps, reishi, and chaga, and are marketed for their health and wellness benefits, such as improved energy and focus.
Walmart also carries mushroom teas, with brands such as Teeccino offering herbal tea samplers and organic mushroom adaptogenic blends.
For those seeking a more handcrafted and traditional option, Tamim Teas offers organic mushroom tea blends. Their mushrooms are sustainably grown and harvested by second-generation family farmers, and the teas are blended with supporting organic herbs. The company was founded based on the therapeutic benefits of functional mushrooms in eastern medicine.
Lastly, The Republic of Tea offers functional mushroom teas, although specific product details are not readily available.
Mushrooms vs Weed: Which is Stronger?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing edible/medicinal or psychedelic mushrooms in hot water.
Medicinal mushroom teas typically use reishi, chaga, lion's mane, cordyceps, shiitake, or turkey tail mushrooms. Psychedelic mushroom teas are made from mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin, such as Psilocybe cubensis.
Medicinal mushroom teas are believed to have various health benefits due to their adaptogenic properties. They are said to help manage stress, boost energy, improve oxygen consumption, relieve stress, and promote endurance and vitality.
Psychedelic mushroom teas, also known as magic mushroom teas, can cause short-term side effects such as panic attacks, disorientation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, vomiting, increased heart rate, and nausea. Long-term side effects may include flashbacks, visual distortion, paranoia, and mood changes.
To make mushroom tea, grind the mushrooms into a fine powder and add it to a pot of boiling water. Let it steep for about 20 minutes, then strain the tea through a coffee filter to remove any remaining mushroom particles. You can also buy mushroom tea as a powdered extract blended with tea or coffee.
