If you have never had reishi mushroom tea, you are missing out on an ancient and powerful brew that can deliver a myriad of health benefits.
What is Reishi Mushroom Tea?
Reishi mushroom is a specialty tea brewed from dried or powdered reishi mushrooms, which bear the scientific name Ganoderma lucidum. These mushrooms grow in the wild on fallen hardwood trees, primarily in China, but they are cultivated in many other places in the world for their nutritional qualities and various medicinal applications. Due to the bitterness of this mushroom, it is not very popular as an ingredient in recipes, but it is often made into a tea or infusion. If you want to brew reishi mushroom tea, it is best to choose red reishi mushrooms, as they are the densest in terms of active ingredients. This mushroom tea will provide a high level of beta glucans, water-soluble polysaccharides, as well as certain triterpenes, all of which have antioxidant and health-stimulating properties. [1]
Reishi Mushroom Tea Benefits
Reishi mushroom tea Photo Credit: Shutterstock
The top benefits of reishi mushroom tea include its ability to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and aid in weight loss, among others.
Immune System
With antiviral and antibacterial properties, this tea is known to stimulate the immune system and prevent a number of infections and foreign pathogens from taking hold, particularly in the gut. [2] [3]
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Studies have found that active ingredients in reishi mushrooms might be able to improve cardiovascular risk factors such as blood glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol profiles. [4]
Anticancer Potential
Reishi mushrooms are valued for their medicinal properties in several regions of Asia. The National Cancer Institute acknowledges the findings of some Asian studies which suggest that forms of this mushroom might offer protection against lung and colorectal cancer. While it is not a treatment for this disease, it certainly has the potential to be developed as complementary and alternative medicine. Further studies are required to fully understand its potential and side effects. [5] [6]
Weight Loss
This tea can improve the metabolism, and also stimulate digestion to improve nutrient uptake, thereby requiring less food and helping you stick to your diet. [7]
Detoxification
Traditionally used to flush out the toxins from the blood and liver, this mushroom tea is an excellent way to detoxify the body, increase urination, and prevent the buildup of unwanted substances in your system. [8]
Allergies
The immunomodulatory effects of reishi mushroom tea can help prevent or mitigate allergic reactions in the body, further reducing strain on the immune system. [9]
Reishi Mushroom Tea Side Effects
There are some allergic reactions associated with drinking this tea, including dryness of the mouth, throat, and sinuses, along with inflammation, stomach upset, and blood in your stool. When consumed in large quantities, the use of powdered reishi mushroom is more often associated with toxicity of the liver. Due to the powerful nature of this tea, do not consume more than 3 cups of this tea per day. As with any healthy beverage or medicinal plant, moderation is key, as is a conversation with your doctor before making major changes to your health routine.
