Beginner's Guide to Brewing Healthy Mushroom Tea

An Introduction to Mushroom Tea

Mushroom tea, sometimes referred to as "shroom tea," is made by infusing certain mushrooms in hot water to extract their beneficial compounds. Throughout history, humans have consumed mushrooms both for their flavor and perceived medicinal benefits.

Modern research shows that certain mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and chaga contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other substances that may offer health advantages. Steeping them makes these compounds more bioavailable.

However, not all mushrooms are safe or legal to consume. It’s also essential to prepare mushroom tea properly to avoid adverse effects. When made following best practices, mushroom tea can be an earthy, healthy beverage.

Choosing the Best Mushrooms for Tea

Many nutritious mushrooms make tasty teas, but some of the most popular include:

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Modern research indicates reishi may stimulate the immune system and offer antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps have a rare biochemical composition that may improve exercise performance, increase energy, fight inflammation, and benefit liver health, according to studies.

Lion’s Mane

Studies link Lion’s mane mushrooms to brain health perks including enhanced memory and cognitive functioning. Lion’s mane also shows potential antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms grow primarily on birch trees in northern climates. They concentrate several biologically-active substances from their hosts, offering potent antioxidant effects that may inhibit tumor growth and lower inflammation.

Evaluating the Safety of Various Mushrooms

With thousands of mushroom species in existence, differentiating safe, beneficial mushrooms from dangerous ones takes care and knowledge.

Poisonous Mushrooms

Many common wild mushrooms can cause serious harm or even death if consumed, like the death cap or destroying angel mushrooms. Never harvest wild mushrooms for consumption or experiment with unfamiliar mushroom types for tea.

Psychoactive Mushrooms

Certain mushrooms like psilocybin mushrooms have hallucinogenic effects. Buying, selling, or consuming psychoactive mushrooms is generally illegal and has safety concerns including the risk of dangerous behavior or accidents while impaired.

Safe, Non-Toxic Mushrooms

The safest mushrooms for tea are non-toxic species that have been verified by a reputable grower or source. Stick to well-researched varieties with established health benefits. With proper sourcing, prep, storage and consumption habits, nutritious mushroom tea can be enjoyed safely.

How to Make Healthy, Beneficial Mushroom Tea at Home

Once you have procured high-quality dried medicinal mushrooms from a supplier you trust, use these best practices for making your own mushroom tea:

1. Sanitize Equipment

Carefully wash all equipment with hot, soapy water first to remove dirt and bacteria.

2. Chop Mushrooms

Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut mushrooms into smaller pieces. This exposes more surface area to release health-enhancing compounds during steeping.

3. Boil Water

Bring fresh water to a rapid boil. Proper boiling helps extract key bioactive ingredients from tough mushroom cell walls.

4. Reduce to Simmer

Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. High remaining heat risks destroying delicate compounds.

5. Steep Mushrooms

Add chopped mushrooms to simmering water and steep anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. Longer steep times may extract more benefits but also more bitter flavors.

6. Strain and Cool

When done steeping, pour liquid through a sieve to catch mushroom pieces. Cool tea to a safe, drinkable temperature.

Getting the Most from Medicinal Mushroom Tea

Following a few helpful habits and preparation tips will let you maximize both the flavor and health potential of homemade mushroom tea:

Choose Carefully

Opt for dried mushrooms over fresh to avoid spoilage concerns. Seek out certified organic and responsibly wildcrafted mushrooms whenever possible.

Consider Taste

Some medicinal mushrooms have a strong or bitter taste. Balance with sweeter fruits, spices, or milk instead of sugar.

Make in Bulk

Consider making a larger quantity of tea in advance, allowing it to cool and storing in the refrigerator for up to a week for easy reheating.

Supplement as Needed

Drinking cups of mushroom tea daily may provide wellness advantages. Or take mushroom extracts if struggling to stomach the flavor long-term.

Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations

When consumed appropriately, most people can enjoy mushroom tea safely. However, medicinal mushrooms do have some risks including:

• Digestive upset
• Allergic reactions
• Harmful drug interactions
• Liver toxicity (rare, typically only at extremely high doses)

Talk to your doctor before trying mushroom tea if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions. Cease drinking and seek medical guidance if any concerning reaction develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to eat mushrooms or drink mushroom tea?

Both offer benefits! Teas make compounds easier to absorb but contain less fiber. Eating whole mushrooms provides fuller nutrition and satisfaction.

What is the best way to store leftover mushroom tea?

Chill tea quickly after steeping then refrigerate for up to 7 days. Freeze for longer-term storage up to a few months.

Can children drink nutritive mushroom tea?

While data are limited, children likely can safely consume moderate amounts of non-psychoactive mushroom tea with guardian approval. Avoid giving psychoactive mushroom tea to those under 18.

Do mushroom teas have caffeine?

No, mushrooms do not naturally contain any caffeine. But many people enjoy pairing soothing mushroom teas with some green or black tea for an energizing boost.

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.