Last updated: June 2026
Mushroom tea has been gaining serious momentum — and for good reason. Made from adaptogenic fungi rather than standard tea leaves, it offers a delicious and versatile way to incorporate the benefits of medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine. Here’s everything you need to know.
Evopure adaptogenic mushroom supplements
What is mushroom tea?
Mushroom tea is a drink made by steeping or simmering adaptogenic mushrooms in hot water. Unlike regular tea, it doesn’t use tea leaves — it uses dried or powdered medicinal fungi. The result is an earthy, warming drink that carries the bioactive compounds from the mushroom into your body. It’s been used for centuries in East Asian traditional medicine and is now gaining mainstream popularity in the West.
Types of mushroom tea
Chaga mushroom tea
Made from Inonotus obliquus, which grows on birch trees in cold climates (Russia, Korea, Canada). Chaga is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
Reishi mushroom tea
Often considered the most nutrient-dense mushroom tea — high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and triterpenes. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) grows on dead or dying hardwood trees in warmer temperate regions including Asia and Australia. Associated with immune support, stress management and sleep.
Lion’s mane mushroom tea
Made from Hericium erinaceus, which grows on dead and decaying trees across Asia, North America and Europe. Lion’s mane is primarily associated with cognitive function, focus and nerve support.
Cordyceps mushroom tea
Cordyceps are parasitic fungi found at high altitudes in China, Nepal and Tibet — traditionally used in medicine for centuries. They contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides and triterpenoids, and are primarily associated with energy, athletic performance and immune support.
Read more: Reishi mushroom benefits | Cordyceps mushroom guide
Health benefits of mushroom tea
Respiratory health
Reishi contains triterpenes that may reduce inflammation in the respiratory system — potentially improving breathing function and reducing asthma and allergy symptoms. Cordyceps contains cordycepin, a compound linked to improved lung function and reduced airway inflammation in conditions like bronchitis and COPD.
Athletic performance
Cordyceps mushroom tea is most associated with athletic performance. A study of 20 participants given 333 mg mushroom extract capsules daily found those consuming the extract were able to exercise at higher intensity than controls. Cordyceps is thought to support ATP energy pathways and oxygen utilisation.
Blood sugar regulation
A 2018 study in the Journal of Functional Foods found mushroom extracts — including maitake, reishi and chaga — may assist in regulating blood sugar levels and improving gut bacteria in animal models.
Gut health
Chaga and turkey tail mushrooms contain prebiotics that support gut health — feeding beneficial bacteria, improving gut barrier function, reducing inflammation and regulating digestion.
Read more: Medicinal mushrooms for inflammation
Prefer your adaptogenic mushrooms in a drink blend?
Our Reishi Mushroom Complex blends reishi with raw cacao for a rich, warming evening adaptogen drink. Take our quiz to find the right Evopure formula.
Take the free health quiz →How to make mushroom tea
Ingredients
- 1–2 g dried mushrooms of your choice per cup (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, ginger or oat milk to taste
Equipment
- A pot
- A sharp knife or scissors (if using whole dried mushrooms)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Method
- Cut mushrooms into small pieces, or use pre-ground powder.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add mushroom pieces and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 20–30 minutes minimum — or up to 4 hours for a more potent brew.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard solids or save for a second brew.
- Add lemon, honey, ginger or other flavourings to taste.
- Enjoy.
Mushroom tea is extremely versatile — experiment with combinations and flavour additions to find your ideal brew.
How long does mushroom tea last?
Consume fresh for best flavour and potency. Leftover mushroom tea can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2–3 days. After this it begins to lose potency and should be discarded. If in any doubt about freshness or safety, discard it.
How long does mushroom tea take to take effect?
Effects vary depending on mushroom type, dosage and individual metabolism. Generally, 20 minutes to 2 hours. Start with a low dose if you’re new to adaptogenic mushrooms — increase gradually and monitor your response. Consistent daily use over weeks is where adaptogenic benefits are most meaningfully felt, rather than any single cup.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink mushroom tea every day?
Yes — most adaptogenic mushroom teas are safe for daily use. Limit to 1–2 cups per day and consult a GP if you have any health conditions, take medications or are pregnant.
What is the healthiest mushroom tea?
Depends on your goals: reishi for immune support and sleep, chaga for antioxidants and blood sugar, lion’s mane for cognitive function, cordyceps for energy and athletic performance.
Can mushroom tea interact with medications?
Some mushrooms (particularly reishi and chaga) may interact with blood thinners and immunosuppressants. Consult your GP before regular use if you take any prescription medications.
Explore Evopure adaptogenic mushroom blends
Take our free quiz and we’ll match you with the right Evopure formula for immune support, stress or sleep.
Take the free health quiz →Final thoughts on mushroom tea
Mushroom tea is a delicious and versatile way to access the health benefits of adaptogenic fungi — from immune support and antioxidant protection to gut health and energy. Choose the mushroom that matches your goals, simmer properly for full extraction, and use consistently for meaningful results. Consult a clinician if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.
