Buzz
Image Credit: Kristina Kuptsevich/Getty ImagesAs the use of functional mushrooms becomes more popular, many are discovering creative ways to incorporate fungi into their daily habits, including by drinking mushroom tea. This method of consuming mushrooms is not only trendy but also among the oldest known practices. Mushroom tea offers a wide range of health benefits, but what exactly is mushroom tea? Does it contain actual tea, how is it prepared or sourced, and what benefits does it provide? Let’s explore all there is to know about this fascinating beverage and the health advantages it can bring.
Bianca Tamburello, a registered dietitian nutritionist at FRESH Communications, provides insight into the benefits of mushroom tea.
What Exactly Is Mushroom Tea?
In simple terms, mushroom tea is a hot beverage made by infusing water with mushrooms. However, we're not referring to common culinary mushrooms such as creminis, buttons, or portobellos. Instead, mushroom tea serves as a means to incorporate functional, adaptogenic mushrooms—those with healing properties that go beyond their nutritional value—into your diet with ease.
The most popular medicinal mushrooms found in these soothing beverages include reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane. Other varieties like cordyceps, tremella, turkey tail, and shiitake mushrooms may also be included. (Although there are types of mushroom tea made with psychedelic or hallucinogenic mushrooms, that is not what we are discussing here.)
Varieties of Mushroom Teas
Mushroom tea can come in several forms. Some tea blends contain whole, ground mushrooms, and all you need to do is add water, stir, and enjoy. Others require a more traditional steeping method, where the mushrooms aren’t consumed directly. Some types include actual tea leaves, while others do not. Additionally, some brands may incorporate other ingredients into their blends, such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, dandelion, and ashwagandha.
There are several powdered mushroom tea options available that dissolve directly into hot water, allowing you to consume the mushroom itself. These powders offer a slight nutritional advantage since you’ll also be consuming the fiber from the mushrooms. Notable brands in this category include MUD/WTR and Om Mushroom Superfood.
Alternatively, there are many varieties of mushroom tea that you brew in hot water without ingesting the mushrooms themselves, much like regular tea. Some brands offering this type of mushroom tea include Buddha Teas, Baikal Tea, Traditional Medicinals, Tealeaves, The Republic of Tea, Tamim Teas, and Full Leaf Tea Company.
Whether you enjoy mushroom tea as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon boost, or as a way to relax at night, there’s no denying the numerous health benefits these comforting beverages provide.
Adaptogen
An adaptogen is a natural substance found in specific fungi (and, by extension, mushroom tea) that helps the body cope with stress and maintain balance.
What Is the Flavor Profile of Mushroom Tea?
Mushroom tea typically offers an earthy, umami taste, and at times, it can be slightly bitter. The flavor of mushroom tea, however, can differ depending on the specific type of mushroom used. For example, reishi mushroom tea tends to be more bitter and woody, whereas chaga mushroom tea has a gentler, somewhat sweeter flavor.
Additional ingredients like ginger, lemon, and honey—often added to tea—can also modify the flavor of mushroom tea. Honey, for instance, can help to balance out the bitterness of the tea, making it more enjoyable for some drinkers.
7 Key Health Benefits of Mushroom Tea
The health benefits of mushroom tea are numerous. Here are seven of the most compelling reasons to start drinking mushroom tea more regularly.
1. Helps Manage Stress and Inflammation
Functional foods, including mushrooms, are classified as foods that offer health benefits beyond their basic nutritional content. Many of these foods also possess adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens are a category of compounds typically found in plant-based foods, although some synthetic variants exist, which assist the body in managing stress by soothing the central nervous system and controlling its reaction to cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. This process can help prevent the illnesses and diseases that often arise from chronic stress.
As Bianca Tamburello, RDN at FRESH Communications, eloquently puts it, 'The potential benefit of taking adaptogens is managing short-term body stress to help prevent the long-term impacts of stress.'
Currently, over 70 naturally occurring adaptogens have been identified. While modern science is only beginning to fully explore their effectiveness, the use of adaptogens has withstood the test of time. As Tamburello points out, 'Eating mushrooms and foods with adaptogens for their health benefits is not a new concept and has a long history in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.' Studies indicate that these compounds may also play a role in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms related to cognitive dysfunction and chronic fatigue.
2. Rich in Micronutrients and Antioxidants
Fungi that are cultivated under ultraviolet (UV) light are excellent sources of vitamin D, a micronutrient that is often scarce in many diets. Additionally, most mushrooms provide an array of B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism. Each mushroom variety also contains bioactive plant compounds that function as powerful antioxidants, enhancing our immune system's ability to perform at its best.
3. Supports Heart and Gut Health
An outstanding benefit of all mushroom varieties is their rich fiber content, which promotes gut health and overall well-being. Many mushrooms contain a specific type of fiber known as beta-glucan. This soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the small intestine, helping it to be excreted rather than absorbed, which makes mushrooms a heart-healthy food. In addition, beta-glucan acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria in our gut microbiome and contributing to its flourishing.
To fully harness the benefits of mushroom fiber, it's important to consume the whole mushroom—whether fresh or powdered—instead of relying on extracts or steeped mushrooms in tea. Powders contain the fiber that is necessary for these health benefits.
4. Has Low Caffeine Content
If you're looking to reduce your caffeine consumption, switching to herbal teas, which contain little or no caffeine, can serve as a great alternative to black tea or coffee. According to Tamburello, "Some people opt for mushroom teas in place of their morning coffee due to their lower caffeine content, offering a milder boost. However, the effects can vary depending on the specific product and brand."
5. Elevates Mood
Research suggests that certain mushrooms, like lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), can boost mood and cognitive abilities in middle-aged and older adults. Although mushroom extracts may lack some of the bioactive compounds found in fresh mushrooms, incorporating mushroom powder into mushroom tea ensures you can still benefit from its advantages.
6. Enhances Sleep Quality
Mushrooms have been found to support better sleep. For example, lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to alleviate sleep disturbances and improve overall well-being, while the blushing wood mushroom has demonstrated an ability to enhance sleep quality.
7. Strengthens Immune Function
We now understand that mushroom tea can contribute to a healthier microbiome. And a balanced microbiome isn't just essential for gut health; it's also closely tied to a stronger immune system. As a result, consuming mushroom tea can provide a boost to your immune health as well.
Is It Safe to Drink Mushroom Tea?
"Mushroom teas are often viewed as supplements, so it’s recommended to consult your doctor before incorporating them into your routine," Tamburello advises. However, she adds that, "For most people, drinking mushroom tea poses minimal risk and can complement a well-rounded diet with nutrient-dense foods and regular physical activity."
