Discover the Potential Benefits and Downsides of Drinking Mushroom Tea

The Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Tea

Mushroom tea has become an increasingly popular health beverage in recent years. Made by steeping dried or powdered mushrooms in hot water, mushroom tea is touted for its potential health-promoting properties. But is drinking mushroom tea actually good for you? Let's take a closer look at the research on the potential benefits and downsides of sipping this earthy brew.

What is Mushroom Tea?

Mushroom tea is made by infusing dried mushrooms, powdered mushrooms, or mushroom extracts in hot water. Some of the most commonly used mushrooms in tea include:

• Chaga
• Cordyceps
• Lion's mane
• Reishi
• Shiitake
• Turkey tail

These mushroom varieties are valued for their rich antioxidant content and unique health-promoting compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenoids. While fresh mushrooms can also be used, dried mushrooms are more commonly used to make a concentrated brew.

Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Tea

There is some research showing that drinking mushroom tea may offer certain health benefits:

May Support Immune Health

Many types of mushrooms contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that help modulate the immune system. Reishi mushroom extract has been found to increase the activity of natural killer cells, phagocytosis, and other immune responses (1). Drinking reishi mushroom tea may help give your immune defenses a boost.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The triterpenoids found in mushrooms like reishi have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in some studies. One review reported reduced inflammatory markers like NF-kB and interleukin-6 in patients who took reishi mushroom extract (2). Having anti-inflammatory mushroom tea could benefit those with inflammatory conditions.

May Boost Heart Health

Mushroom extracts may help improve cholesterol profiles and lower heart disease risk factors like hypertension. One study had participants drink reishi mushroom powder in tea three times per day. After 12 weeks, they had improvements in "bad" LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure (3).

Could Support Brain Health and Cognition

Compounds in lion's mane mushroom have been shown to stimulate the growth of brain cells and may help protect against dementia. An 8-week study had older adults drink lion's mane mushroom extract daily and found improved cognitive scores (4). Drinking tea made with lion's mane mushroom powder may support brain health.

May Help Manage Blood Sugar

Controling high blood sugar is crucial for those with diabetes. Some research indicates mushrooms like reishi may help regulate blood sugar levels. One study had patients take reishi mushroom capsules for 12 weeks and reduced hemoglobin A1C levels compared to the control group (5). Having reishi mushroom tea could aid diabetes management.

Potential Downsides of Mushroom Tea

While there are many purported benefits, there are some potential downsides to be aware of when drinking mushroom tea:

May Interact with Medications

Mushrooms have blood-thinning effects, so mushroom tea could increase the risk of bleeding if you take blood thinners or are undergoing surgery. Some mushrooms may also interact with immunosuppressants, antidepressants, and diabetes medications (6). Talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet.

Quality Varies

The quality of commercial mushroom tea products can vary greatly. Opt for organic mushroom powder or extracts from a reputable brand analyzed for purity and mushroom content.

Can Cause Digestive Upset

Some people may experience bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea from mushroom tea, especially when starting out. This side effect should subside once your body adjusts.

May Be Unsafe When Foraged

Consuming mushrooms picked in the wild can be dangerous. Only harvest and consume mushrooms that have been identified by an expert to avoid accidentally ingesting a toxic variety.

How to Make Mushroom Tea at Home

It's easy to make your own mushroom tea at home. Here is a simple mushroom tea recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 ounce dried mushrooms (chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, etc.)
• 2 cups water
• 1⁄2 lemon or lime, juiced
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Remove from heat and add the mushrooms. Let steep for at least 20 minutes up to overnight to extract the bioactive compounds.
3. Strain the mushrooms from the tea.
4. Stir in lemon juice and sweetener if desired.
5. Enjoy the earthy mushroom tea hot or cold!

Try experimenting with different mushroom varieties and adjusting the steeping time to find your perfect cup. Always start with a low dosage to assess your tolerance.

The Bottom Line

Mushroom tea made from medicinal mushroom varieties like chaga, reishi and lion’s mane may offer antioxidant effects, support immune function, reduce inflammation, and benefit heart and brain health. However, more research is still needed on optimal dosing and long-term effects.

Mushroom tea is generally safe for most people when used properly, but can cause side effects or interactions at high doses. Speak to your doctor before incorporating it if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions.

While promising, the science is still preliminary on many purported health benefits of mushroom tea. But sipping this earthy beverage may be worth adding to your diet or drink rotation if you're curious to try out the mushroom wellness trend.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.