Reishi mushroom tea has long been revered in Eastern traditions, but today, it’s also finding a place on modern kitchen shelves, for good reason. Earthy, calming, and packed with wellness benefits, this ancient elixir is more than just a trend. Here’s a heartfelt journey into the world of reishi tea, complete with brewing tips, cultural wisdom, and a touch of humour.
The Tea That Found Me At 2 AM
It was one of those nights when sleep was hard to get. I’d already tried counting sheep and chamomile, and I even listened to that one 10-hour YouTube video of Tibetan singing bowls. Nada. Then I remembered the reishi mushroom powder I’d impulsively bought during a "new me" phase three months ago. It had been sitting in the pantry, smug and untouched. Desperate and curious, I brewed it. And just like that, reishi mushroom tea became my unexpected night-time saviour.
It didn’t taste like magic, more like the forest after rain, but something shifted. A sense of calm, not dramatic like in movies where characters instantly collapse into bed, but a soft quietness that finally lets sleep sneak in.
A Sip From Ancient Wisdom
Before reishi mushrooms became wellness-world darlings, they were already revered in Chinese medicine as the "Mushroom of Immortality" or Lingzhi. It wasn’t your average soup ingredient. It was reserved for emperors, monks, and healers. Some even believed it brought spiritual enlightenment.
Fast forward a few centuries, and here we are, infusing it into tea for stress relief, immunity, and those holy grail words: better sleep. It’s like sipping a scroll of Taoist wisdom, without the formality.
What Exactly Is Reishi, Anyway?
Imagine a mushroom that looks like it came from a fantasy novel, deep red, glossy, with a woody texture. You wouldn’t sauté it for dinner. Reishi isn’t edible in the conventional sense; it’s more bark than button. That’s why tea is the ideal way to extract its goodness.
Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes and beta-glucans, compounds linked to immunity, reduced inflammation, and anxiety relief. Some studies even hint at cardiovascular support and cancer-fighting properties.
Of course, this isn’t a “drink this and never age” kind of potion, but if you're looking for something to anchor your evening or ground your morning, it fits beautifully.
Brewing Reishi Mushroom Tea Like A Forest Witch (Beginner Edition)
Now, if you’re picturing some ancient kettle over a fire, herbs strung from the ceiling, and a wise owl watching over you, you’re not far off. Minus the owl, here’s how to brew reishi mushroom tea, no spells required:
Option 1: Dried Reishi Slices (The Traditional Way)
You’ll need:
3–5 grams of dried reishi mushroom slices
4 cups of water
A saucepan or teapot
Patience
Steps:
Rinse the slices gently to remove any dust.
Simmer in water for 30–45 minutes (yes, it’s a commitment).
Strain and serve. Add honey, ginger, or lemon if the earthy flavour is too bold.
Think of this as your tea meditation. The longer brew time allows the bitterness to mellow and the medicinal goodness to seep in.
Option 2: Reishi Mushroom Powder (The Quick Way)
You’ll need:
1 teaspoon of reishi powder
1 cup of hot water (not boiling)
A whisk or spoon
Steps:
Pour hot water over the powder.
Stir or whisk until fully dissolved.
Sip slowly. It’s intense but worth it.
Tip: Mix with cacao or coconut milk for a “reishi latte” experience. It’s like giving your nervous system a warm hug.
What Does It Really Taste Like?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: reishi tastes like earth, deep, dark, and grounding. It has a bitter backbone, which is often the case with medicinal herbs. But somehow, after a few sips, your taste buds adjust. It becomes a ritual, not just a drink.
And if bitterness isn’t your thing, a splash of maple syrup or a cinnamon stick goes a long way. Some even brew it with chai spices, which I fully support, because nothing should stand between you and your mushroom tea journey.
When To Drink It: Morning Zen Or Night-Time Calm?
There’s no strict rule, but most people drink reishi tea in the evening. Its calming properties can be mildly sedative, so it pairs well with your bedtime routine. That said, some morning sippers report a grounded focus without the jitters of caffeine.
Experiment. Find your rhythm. Your body will tell you what works. Mine basically high-fived me after that first cup at 2 AM.
More Than A Trend: A Return To Slowness
In an era of 15-second reels and instant gratification, reishi tea asks for time. You don’t chug it on the way to work or toss it back like an espresso shot. You sit with it. You pause. You feel the steam rise. You breathe.
And in that moment, between the inhale and the sip, you feel something ancient stirring. A connection to forests, to healers, to those who believed that wellness isn’t just what you take, but how you take it.
A Word On Safety
As calming as it sounds, reishi isn’t for everyone. If you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, or have a mushroom allergy, talk to your doctor before looking into this new tea ritual. Nature is powerful, but she doesn’t come with a universal pass.
A Ritual Worth Sipping Into
Reishi mushroom tea is more than a wellness fad. It’s a ritual, a conversation with nature, a chance to slow down and breathe deeper. Whether you're seeking better sleep, a calmer mind, or simply a reason to pause, this earthy elixir may just become your new favourite companion.
So, next time the world feels a little too loud, let the kettle sing. Let the steam rise. And let a little mushroom remind you what peace tastes like.
FAQ: Everything You Were Afraid To Ask About Reishi Tea
Q: Can I drink reishi mushroom tea every day?
Yes, in moderate amounts. Many people drink it 3–4 times a week, especially in the evenings.
Q: Will it make me sleepy right away?
Not instantly. Reishi’s effects are subtle and build over time. Think of it as a gentle nudge rather than a sleeping pill.
Q: Is it safe for kids?
Generally, no. It’s best reserved for adults unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
Q: Can I add milk or sugar?
Absolutely. Though traditionally consumed plain, adding milk, honey, or spices can make it more enjoyable.
Q: Can I store brewed tea?
Yes. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently, don’t boil, or you’ll lose some of the benefits.
0 Comments