Neither plant nor animal, each variety of mushroom has its own unique nutrient profile. Reishi mushrooms are potent healers. These fantastic fungi are known as the “mushroom of immortality” in Eastern cultures, thanks to their health benefits to mind and body.

Western medicine is only beginning to acknowledge mushrooms clinically, but luckily for us, mushrooms are everywhere and ready to boost your brain. One of the easiest ways to add functional and medicinal mushrooms to your diet is through supplements or as additions to your favorite dishes already.

How to make Reishi mushroom tea

Mushroom cells contain chitin, a polysaccharide that our bodies can’t digest. To access the full benefits, we have to steep the dried mushroom pieces. Once we do, our bodies will be able to absorb the beta-glucans and triterpenes that make the goodness possible.

This process is called decoction, or the act of extracting the essence of something. In this case, all we need is some hot water.

1. Break dried Reishi mushrooms into small pieces.

Use a food processor or spice grinder to break down your dried pieces. You’re looking to break down the pieces to about half-inch or quarter-inch bits. You don’t want to pulverize it into a mushroom powder!

2. Add water to a pot and simmer mushroom pieces.

Add the mushroom bits to a pot and cover in water. How many cups of water you need will depend on how many mushrooms you have. Bring the water to a boil and turn to low, simmering gently for 30 minutes to up two hours. The longer you simmer in boiling water, the stronger the tea.

If it’s your first time using dried Reishi, I’ll mention the bitter taste before you proceed. Some find it invigorating and others, well, prefer to consume Reishi alongside other flavors. If you want to liven up your tea, you can add other flavors to the pot. Ginger slices and lemon slices are delicious.

3. Strain Reishi pieces and cool.

Scoop out your Reishi bits and any other ingredients in the simmering pot. Cool and store in an airtight container or consume right away. Congratulations, you made Reishi mushroom tea! Serve with a natural sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, and there you have it! Your very own Reishi mushroom tea recipe.

The best tea bags to pair with Reishi Mushroom Tincture

Now, no matter how much I love fresh Reishi tea, making my own on the go isn’t always possible. When you lack the time to go through the hours-long decoction process, there are ways to make sure you’re not missing out on your routine.

Here are three teas I love adding Naturealm Reishi Tincture to for a calming pick-me-up.

Celestial Seasonings Jammin’ Lemon Ginger

If your digestive system needs soothing, ginger and Reishi are a natural superfood pairing for gut health. Ginger aids with bloating and nausea, while Reishi mushrooms create better bacteria in your stomach. Research from Nature Communications found that, like ginger, Reishi is an anti-inflammatory agent. This is one of my go-to tea varieties when my stomach feels less than great.

Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Original

If you could use a revitalizing, caffeine-free boost, this is your pairing. Good Earth’s blend of herbal and black tea contains rosehip, lemongrass, cinnamon chamomile, peppermint, jasmine green tea, anise seed, ginger root, orange peel, and orange oil.

I love adding my Reishi Tincture to this blend because it pairs nicely with the notes of cinnamon and orange. I opt for this combination when I need a midday pick-me-up.

Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger

I did, indeed, save the best for last. The Lemon Zinger is my personal favorite tea pairing with our Reishi Tincture. Anyone who’s had a Zinger flavor from Celestial Seasonings before knows what I’m talking about. This is a perfect blend for the first cup of the day or a mid-morning break.

The lemon pairs so brightly with Reishi, it feels like sunshine in a cup. And I feel like sunshine after having one.

Reishi Mushroom Tincture

You can find our Reishi Mushroom Tincture on our website! It’s made with USDA-certified organic Reishi fruit bodies grown on a small farm in California. We use 100% mushrooms and nothing else.

Our dual-extraction process ensures that every ounce of nutritional value from the Reishi is distilled into this potent liquid extract.

The benefits of Reishi mushrooms

Immune support and anti-inflammatory properties

Reishi has been proven to support the immune system. It promotes the body’s defense against pathogens and also helps to de-regulate the immune system to avoid inflammation. Inflammation is one of the most chronic, intense forms of pain in the body.

Antioxidant and cholesterol support

The triterpenes in Reishi’s active compounds have been found to support blood pressure and manage cholesterol. Studies have also noted the increase in oxygen consumption and blood flow to the heart. The antioxidants found in Reishi also protect cells against damage from free radicals.

Focus and stress relief

Reishi is incredible at balancing our two major stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. Research from a clinical trial, published in J Med Food, has shown that regularly ingesting Reishi leads to less anxiety, restful sleep, and mental clarity. 

Reishi mushrooms were considered tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine, something to be consumed daily to gain the fullest health benefits. This restorative mushroom is one you don't want to leave off your holistic health list.