Reishi mushroom tea is a delicious and healthy drink used for centuries in Asian cultures. Reishi mushroom, also called the mushroom of immortality, is a medicinal mushroom that has many health benefits. It can make you feel better, strengthen your immune system, decrease tiredness and sadness, and stop or cure some illnesses.
Reishi mushroom tea is easy to make at home; you can customize it according to your taste and preference. This guide will teach you how to make reishi mushroom tea. We will be using dried reishi mushroom, which is the most common and convenient form. You can also use reishi mushroom powder or reishi mushroom extract if you prefer.
What You Need to Make Reishi Mushroom Tea
You will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- Dried reishi mushrooms: You can buy dried reishi mushrooms online or from health food stores. Find the reishi mushroom’s fruiting body, which grows above ground and contains more active compounds than the root. You can use whole, sliced, or broken pieces of dried reishi mushroom, depending on the size of your pot and how strong you want your tea to be. A general rule of thumb is to use about 5 grams of dried reishi mushroom per cup of water.
- Water: Use filtered water or spring water for the best taste and quality of your tea. Tap water may contain chlorine or other chemicals that can affect the flavor and potency of your tea.
- Sweetener: Reishi mushroom tea tastes bitter and earthy, which some people may find unpleasant. Add honey, maple syrup, or stevia to make your tea taste better and less bitter. You can also add some lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, or other spices to add some zing and aroma to your tea.
- Pot: Use a stainless steel, glass, or ceramic pot to boil your reishi mushroom tea. Avoid using aluminum or plastic pots, as they may leach harmful substances into your tea.
- Filter: Use a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to filter out the mushroom pieces from your tea. You can also use a French press or a teapot with a built-in strainer if you have one.
How to Make Reishi Mushroom Tea
Follow these simple steps to make it:
1. Rinse the dried mushrooms under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also soak them in water for 10 minutes to soften them and make them easier to cut.
2. Cut the mushrooms into smaller pieces if they are too large. You can use a knife, scissors, or your hands to break them apart. The smaller the pieces, the more surface area they will have and the more flavor they will release.
3. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the mushrooms. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the mushrooms. You can also add some sweetener or spices at this point if you like.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for at least 30 minutes. You can simmer it for longer if you want a stronger and more bitter tea. The longer you simmer, the more nutrients and compounds you will extract from the mushrooms.
5. Turn off the heat and strain the tea into a cup or a pitcher. You can discard the mushroom pieces or reuse them for another batch of tea. You can also store the tea in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month.
6. Enjoy your reishi mushroom tea hot or cold. You can drink it as it is or add some milk, cream, or plant-based milk to make it creamier. You can also mix it with other teas, such as green tea, black tea, or herbal tea, to create your own blends.
How Much Reishi Mushroom Tea to Drink
There is no definitive answer to how much reishi mushroom tea you should drink, as it depends on your personal preference, health condition, and tolerance. However, some general guidelines are:
- Start with a small amount, such as half a cup, and see how you feel. As you get used to the taste and effects of the tea, you can gradually increase the amount and frequency.
- Drink reishi mushroom tea in the morning or afternoon, as it may have a stimulating effect and interfere with your sleep if you drink it at night.
- Drink this tea on an empty stomach or at least two hours before or after a meal, as food may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the tea.
- Drink reishi mushroom tea for two months to fully experience the benefits. It takes time for the active compounds to build up in your body and show noticeable effects.
- Speak to your doctor before drinking reishi mushroom tea if you have health problems, allergies, or take medication. Reishi mushrooms can interact with certain drugs and may cause side effects like allergies, liver problems, or low blood pressure.
Conclusion
Reishi mushroom tea is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of this amazing mushroom. It can make you feel better, strengthen your immune system, decrease tiredness and sadness, and stop or cure some illnesses. It is easy to make at home, and you can customize it according to your taste and preference.
Try it today and see for yourself how reishi mushroom tea can transform your health and happiness.
References
- Reishi Mushroom: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage-Healthline
- Reishi Mushroom Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects – Dr. Axe
- Reishi Mushroom: MedlinePlus
