So, it may seem a bit counterintuitive for us to be telling you how to make reishi mushroom tea when we sell a nice convenient mushroom tea blend over here, with the exact right amount of polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and peptidoglycans to get all of the benefits in each serving along with turkey tail, maitake and a host of other functional mushrooms, hint hint. But, some people like making things from scratch and if you're one of them then we've got you covered.
First up, the ingredients, keep in mind if you're using dried reishi mushrooms or a reishi powder, your dose is going to need to be higher than you'd get in a more concentrated extract. Do note if you're using a powder for reishi mushroom tea, then make sure you get the fruiting body NOT reishi mycelium or you won't get the same benefits.
And remember if you've got a reishi powder that's standardized to 10:1, 4:1 etc then you can use 10, 4 times less and so on. And if you're using fresh reishi mushrooms rather than dried mushrooms you'll need to a bit more too.
We've got reishi capsules too if you would rather just do that, and that's the last of the self promotion, we promise.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed for Reishi Mushroom Tea
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Reishi Mushroom: 10 grams of fresh reishi 5-10 grams of dried reishi mushroom slices or 1-2 teaspoons of reishi mushroom powder
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Water: 4 cups (1 liter)
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Optional: Honey or other sweeteners for taste (some people like to add things like fresh ginger slices and this can add a nice flavor).
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Equipment: Pot, strainer, and teapot or mug
Important Things To Remember With Any Reishi Tea Recipe
Cleaning and Preparing the Reishi
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the reishi mushrooms. Gently wipe away any dirt or debris using a damp cloth, taking care not to damage the delicate structure. If the reishi pieces are particularly large, you may choose to chop or slice them into smaller, more manageable fragments.
Extracting the Bioactive Compounds
To maximize the extraction of reishi's beneficial compounds, it's essential to use the appropriate preparation method. Traditionally, reishi tea is brewed by simmering the mushroom pieces in water for an extended period of time. This slow, gentle extraction process allows the water to effectively draw out the active constituents, resulting in a potent and flavorful tea.
Steps to Make Reishi Tea
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Preparation of Reishi Mushroom:
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If you're using dried slices, rinse them lightly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. And of course you need to clean a fresh mushroom too.
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If using powder, ensure it is finely ground for better extraction.
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Boiling Water:
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Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil in a pot and reduce to a simmer.
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Adding Reishi Mushroom:
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Add the reishi mushroom slices or powder to the simmering water. This is where you'd also add any extra ingredients.
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Simmering:
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Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-60 minutes. For a stronger brew, you can simmer for up to 2 hours.
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Straining:
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After simmering, remove the pot from heat. If using slices, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or directly into your mug. If using powder, let the sediment settle or use a coffee filter for a clearer tea.
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Serving:
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Serve the tea hot and then simply drink reishi tea. You can add honey or another sweetener if desired to counteract the bitter taste of reishi.
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Storage:
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Any leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
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Different Reishi Mushroom Tea Combinations To Try
Reishi and Ginger Tea
Combining reishi with fresh ginger can create a warming and invigorating tea that can help soothe the digestive system and boost circulation. The problem is that you do need to actually use about 2 grams of ginger to get these benefits and that can make reishi mushroom tea quite strong in flavor.
Reishi and Other Mushroom Tea
Of course you can mix reishi mushroom tea with other mushrooms to get their specific benefits too.
Reishi and Adaptogenic Herb Blend
Incorporating other adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or rhodiola you can create a synergistic tea that addresses multiple aspects of well-being. A lot of people us ashwagandha and reishi mushroom tea together as that's particularly effective for stress and immunity.
Reishi and Citrus Infusion
This one is one that most people will like, as adding a touch of citrus such as lemon or orange can brighten the flavor profile of reishi tea and counter the earthy taste if you're not too much of a fan.
Reishi and Spiced Chai
Blending reishi with traditional chai spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, can result in a comforting, aromatic tea experience. And some people like to mix in matcha for a full on super easy super tea.
Reishi and Turmeric Latte
Infusing reishi tea with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can result in a creamy, golden-hued latte that nourishes the body and mind. Again, the downside is you need quite a lot of turmeric for it's benefits, 5-10 grams, due to the active compound being quite a small percentage, and the flavor when using that much turmeric in one cup tends to not be very good.
What Are The Compounds In Reishi Mushroom Tea?
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Triterpenes: These compounds are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-modulating properties.
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Polysaccharides: Reishi's polysaccharides are known for their ability to support the immune system and regulate blood sugar levels.
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Ganoderic acids: These unique compounds exhibit antioxidant and liver-protecting effects, making reishi mushroom one of the most interesting functional mushrooms.
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Adenosine: This compound is thought to play a role in regulating sleep patterns and reducing stress levels.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Reishi Mushroom Tea?
Immune System Support
Reishi mushrooms are mostly known for their immune benefits, that's because they're rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans which are known to enhance the immune system. As a result regular consumption of reishi tea may help bolster the body's defense mechanisms against infections and diseases.
Stress Reduction and Improved Sleep
The second most common use for reishi tea is for it's adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress. Additionally there's a growing body of evidence that shows reishi can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it a good choice for those with insomnia or anxiety.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
The triterpenoids found in reishi mushrooms are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking reishi tea can help reduce inflammation in the body although there are more potent herbal anti inflammatories.
Antioxidant Properties
Another highlight of Reishi mushrooms is that they are packed with antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. This can reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Liver Health
Reishi mushrooms have been shown to support liver health by promoting detoxification and protecting against liver damage. Drinking reishi tea can contribute to overall liver function and health.
Cardiovascular Health
Some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve circulation. This makes reishi tea a beneficial addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Allergy Relief
Reishi mushrooms have anti-histamine effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
Enhanced Mental Clarity
There's quite a few studies that show reishi tea may improve cognitive function and mental clarity. This can be beneficial for maintaining focus and reducing brain fog.
Does Reishi Mushroom Tea Have Side Effects?
90% of people are going to be completely fine, but some people may experience dry mouth, dizziness, or digestive discomfort. Consult a healthcare provider before using reishi, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
Sourcing and Selecting High-Quality Reishi
To craft the perfect reishi tea it's essential to get good quality reishi mushrooms or powder. When sourcing your reishi, consider the following factors:
Provenance and Cultivation Methods
Reishi can be found in various regions around the world, but the most sought-after varieties often come from specific geographic areas in Asia, where the growing conditions are optimal. And whilst organic is often good, just because something is organic Reishi doesn't necessarily mean good, there are plenty of natural pesticides that aren't good for you, so ensure the mushrooms come from a reputable supplier, and if it's powdered that it's tested for heavy metals etc.
Appearance and Maturity
Mature reishi mushrooms typically have a distinctive reddish-brown or glossy black hue, with a thick, woody texture. Avoid reishi that appears discolored, brittle, or excessively dried out (assuming you haven't specifically bought a dried mushroom and accorded your dose in line with the reishi tea recipe above), as these may not possess the same potency and therapeutic benefits.
Reputable Suppliers
Sourcing your reishi from trusted, reputable suppliers is crucial. Look for vendors with a proven track record of providing high-quality, authentic reishi that meets industry standards. Of course we'd like to say that includes ourselves, but we do only sell reishi capsules or a pre made mushroom tea blend that contains the optimal dosage of reishi and several other mushrooms and natural superfoods.