If you have never asked yourself how to make mushroom tea, then it’s about time you did. It is not only a delicious treat, but also beneficial for your health, as it can be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, among others.
What is Mushroom Tea?
We’re not talking about steeping a few mushrooms in hot water, but instead, using a concentrated version of the best mushrooms to give you a higher level of benefits. Usually, you will find a mushroom blend or extract, ready to be used in your tea.
Here are the 6 steps to follow when you wonder how to make mushroom tea:
Step #1: Choose the right mushroom mix for you
Whether you find a tea house that sells mushroom tea, or you have a favorite store somewhere, you may see different blends that all have varying benefits. Some of the best-known mushrooms to include in your tea are Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Shiitake.
These mushrooms are considered adaptogens, which help your body relieve stress by calming the central nervous system and moderating the release of cortisol. This is the hormone that often causes us to experience stress.
At the same time, these mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, all of which can battle oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Step #2: Weigh out the correct amount
This step is important because it can determine the strength of your tea. If you have a tea extract, you most likely will see instructions on how much to infuse. If, on the other hand, you are using a powder, your best bet is to measure out the amount as you would when making coffee or another type of tea.
Step #3: Boil the water
As with any other tea, you need to have steeping hot water before you can make your tea. Use a teapot on the stove, or an electric one, and when the water is boiling hot, you are ready to add the mushrooms.
Step #4: Steep your tea
If you like tea, then this step should come naturally to you. However, if you aren’t much of a tea-drinker, and this is your first time making a mushroom tea, then this step is essential.
We recommend that you use a tea infuser for the powder instead of adding it directly, but if you don’t have one, then this works as well. Steep the mushroom powder for about 5 minutes, until the water turns darker.
Keep in mind that some mushroom powders are stronger, depending on the mushroom chosen. Make sure you steep slowly and not rush; otherwise, you won’t get all the flavors.
When using a mushroom extract, there will probably be instructions handy on how much to infuse. But make sure you also infuse this in boiling water and let it sit as long as it is recommended.
Step #5: Add any garnish or spice you like
Who says mushroom tea has to taste only like mushrooms? This is the right time to add any other type of flavor you like. We suggest a pinch of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or even some mint.
For more health benefits, consider using ginger. You can use a little bit of ginger root, peel it, and add a few bits to your tea. If you have it, use mashed ginger or powder ginger as well. Ginger goes great in mushroom tea because it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties.
In some cases, you can even mix other teas in. Some people love drinking green tea for a kick of caffeine, but also because of its own medicinal properties. So, feel free to mix in a bit into your mushroom tea for a boost of health benefits.
Step #6: Enjoy your tea any time!
This last step may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people get caught up on the idea of making tea and never actually prepare it. You can have tea any time of day, and the great thing about mushroom tea is that it is caffeine-free.
Enjoy your tea in the morning, as a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or after dinner for easier digestion.
Final Tip…
Usually, mushroom tea should be made with a pre-mixed blend of mushrooms. Still, not everyone can find these easily. If you prefer to, you can make your blend at home. Simply make sure to pick the best kinds out there, dry them out, and then grind them into a powder.
Some good commercial mushrooms for you to use include Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps. But be careful not to mix some mushrooms that are strong with others that are milder, as the flavor can come out weird.
Now you are all set to start making your mushroom tea at home and enjoy the health benefits this brings into your life. Don’t wait any longer to feel better without having to change much!
