John Miller
Mushroom tea has become a popular health beverage, touted by celebrities and health influencers. While this may be a new trend in Western culture, drinking mushroom tea dates back centuries in Eastern medicine. Made by infusing hot water with edible or medicinal mushrooms, such as Chaga, Reishi, or Lion's Mane, mushroom tea is believed to offer a range of health benefits. These include improved gut health, enhanced immunity, and potential energy-boosting effects. However, it's important to note that there have been limited clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of mushroom tea, and it may interact with certain medications. Nevertheless, with its potential health advantages and increasing popularity, mushroom tea presents an intriguing option for those seeking alternative beverages with possible therapeutic properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mushrooms used | Chaga, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, King Trumpet, Turkey Tail, Black Hoof, Lingzhi, Oyster, Scaly Hedgehog, Shiitake |
| Benefits | May improve gut health, boost immune system, improve focus, reduce inflammation, increase energy, improve sleep, decelerate aging process, improve microbiome, act as an adaptogen, help manage stress, improve overall health |
| Risks | Possible interactions with other medications, may cause negative physical and mental side effects, may cause a ''bad trip,' may reduce nutrient absorption, may have blood-thinning effects |
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What You'll Learn
It may boost your energy
While the health benefits of drinking mushroom tea are not yet fully understood, it is believed that it may boost your energy.
Mushroom tea is an infusion of mushrooms in water, made using edible and medicinal mushrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms. The active ingredients in medicinal mushrooms are thought to be beta-glucans. In Korea, for example, mushroom teas are made from edible mushrooms such as black hoof, lingzhi, oyster, scaly hedgehog, and shiitake mushrooms.
Mushrooms are functional foods, which are defined as those having health benefits outside of the nutrients they offer. Adaptogens are a group of compounds found in plant-based foods, and they help the body better manage stress by calming the nervous system and moderating its response to the stress hormone, cortisol. This can help prevent the long-term impacts of stress. Mushrooms contain 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.
Mushroom tea is believed to have immune-boosting benefits, guarding against harmful bacteria, toxins, and viruses that can make you sick. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, are extremely high in antioxidants, which support cellular regeneration and protect against cellular damage and genetic mutation.
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It could improve your gut health
Drinking mushroom tea has become a popular health trend, with proponents touting its potential immune-boosting and gut-health-improving benefits. While it may be a relatively new concept in Western culture, consuming mushrooms as a health supplement is not a novel idea. For centuries, indigenous Siberians have added powdered Chaga mushrooms to their stews and soups, believing it to contribute to their longer life spans and lower rates of cancer compared to neighbouring tribes.
Mushroom tea is typically made by infusing hot water with functional mushrooms, which are adaptogenic and have healing properties beyond their nutritional value. Adaptogens are compounds found mostly in plant-based foods that help the body manage stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating its response to the stress hormone, cortisol. By reducing the negative impacts of chronic stress, adaptogens may help prevent associated illnesses and diseases.
Chaga and Reishi mushrooms, commonly used for mushroom tea, are particularly renowned for their potential immune-boosting benefits. They are believed to protect the body against harmful bacteria, toxins, and viruses. Additionally, Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which support cellular regeneration and safeguard against cellular damage and genetic mutation.
The potential benefits of drinking mushroom tea extend beyond immune health. Mushrooms are a source of prebiotics, which act as "fertilizer" for the good bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome not only improves gut health but also boosts overall immune health.
While drinking mushroom tea has little risk for most people, it is important to remember that it is a supplement. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a doctor before incorporating it into your routine, especially if you are on medication. Certain mushrooms, such as Chaga, may interact with blood-thinning medications or affect nutrient absorption when consumed in high doses.
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It's a good source of nutrients
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, and drinking mushroom tea is one of the oldest ways to consume them. It is made by infusing hot water with functional, adaptogenic mushrooms, which have healing properties beyond their nutritional profile.
Mushrooms contain a range of antioxidants and other nutrients that may contribute to heart health and protect the body from cancer. They are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 showed that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%.
Mushrooms are also the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation. They contain several B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12. Additionally, mushrooms contain selenium, which helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage.
Mushrooms also have prebiotic properties, which act as "fertilizer" in the gut, feeding the good bacteria (probiotics) so that they can flourish. A 2020 review in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms showed that the prebiotics in mushrooms can change the composition of your gut microbiome, which is linked to improved overall immune health.
The most common medicinal mushroom varieties used in tea include reishi, chaga, and lion's mane. These mushrooms are considered adaptogens, which are compounds that help the body manage stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating the stress hormone cortisol.
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It may have immune-boosting properties
Drinking mushroom tea has become a popular health trend, with proponents claiming a wide range of health benefits. One of the key purported advantages of consuming mushroom tea is its potential to boost the immune system.
Mushrooms have long been recognised for their medicinal properties in Eastern medicine, and certain varieties, such as chaga and reishi, are particularly renowned for their immune-enhancing qualities. Chaga mushrooms, a favourite for mushroom tea, are abundant in antioxidants, which help protect the body against cellular damage and genetic mutation. By decelerating the ageing process and shielding against harmful bacteria, toxins, and viruses, chaga mushrooms may contribute to improved overall health and longevity.
The preparation of mushroom tea typically involves using powdered mushroom extracts, which are blended with a type of tea, such as green tea, or even coffee. The mushrooms are ground into a fine powder and then infused in hot water, creating a beverage that delivers the functional benefits of the mushrooms. This method of consumption is believed to be one of the most effective ways to obtain the health advantages of mushrooms.
Mushrooms are also considered to be functional foods, providing health benefits that extend beyond basic nutrition. They contain adaptogens, a group of compounds predominantly found in plant-based foods, which help the body manage stress by regulating the central nervous system's response to cortisol, a common stress hormone. By mitigating the long-term impacts of chronic stress, adaptogens may play a role in preventing stress-related illnesses and diseases.
While drinking mushroom tea is generally considered safe for most people, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before introducing any new supplement to your routine, especially if you are on medication. Chaga mushrooms, for example, are known to have potential interactions with blood-thinning medications and insulin. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution, as there may be interactions with breast milk. For those with autoimmune diseases, it is crucial to approach mushroom tea with caution, as the immune-boosting properties may have unintended consequences.
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It could have a positive impact on your mental health
Drinking mushroom tea has been associated with a wide range of health benefits, from improved gut health to enhanced immunity. But one of the most intriguing aspects of this ancient practice is its potential positive impact on mental health.
Mushroom tea is typically made by infusing functional mushrooms, such as Chaga, lion's mane, and reishi, in hot water. These mushrooms are considered adaptogens, a group of compounds that help the body manage stress more effectively. By calming the central nervous system and moderating the production of the stress hormone cortisol, adaptogens may play a role in preventing the long-term impacts of chronic stress, which can include mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Additionally, some people report enhanced creativity, euphoria, and an overall improvement in mood after drinking mushroom tea. These positive mental effects are some of the most sought-after benefits of consuming mushroom tea. However, it's important to note that the effects of mushroom tea can vary from person to person, and negative experiences, such as panic attacks, anxiety, and paranoia, have also been reported.
While the mental health benefits of mushroom tea are intriguing, it's important to approach this practice with caution. The potential risks and side effects of consuming mushrooms in any form, including tea, cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, the lack of extensive clinical research on mushroom tea means that there is still much to be understood about its long-term effects, both positive and negative.
If you are considering incorporating mushroom tea into your routine for its potential mental health benefits, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor first, especially if you are taking any medications or have an existing health condition. While it may offer a natural way to support your mental well-being, it should be approached with awareness and caution, just like any other supplement or medicinal practice.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea is a beverage made by infusing hot water with mushrooms. It can be made from edible/medicinal mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms such as chaga and reishi are thought to have immune-boosting benefits.
Mushroom tea is said to have a range of health benefits. Mushrooms are rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B, and calcium. They also contain prebiotics, which can improve the gut microbiome and boost the immune system. Some people also claim that mushroom tea gives them more energy.
There have been no clinical trials to assess the safety of mushroom tea. Chaga mushrooms, for example, may negatively interact with blood-thinning medications and insulin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid chaga mushrooms. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before drinking mushroom tea.
