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If you’re into mushrooms, then you’ve heard about Mushroom Coffee. In fact, it’s becoming one of the most popular ways to consume medicinal mushrooms. Why?
For most, it’s not because of the delicious flavor. It’s about medicinal benefits mushrooms contribute to our health and well-being. After all, if your morning ritual already involves coffee, why not give it a little extra health kick?
Medicinal Mushrooms for Health and Well Being
Mushrooms form an important part of centuries-old traditional medicine. They were most often decocted in hot water and used for a large variety of ailments. Their traditional uses range from treating serious conditions to the alleviation of minor symptoms.
Possible Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
- Alleviates Symptoms of Chronic Diseases
- Boosts Immune System
- Boosts Energy Levels
- Improves Brain Function including Short and Long Term Memory
- Has Anti-Carcinogenic Properties
- Powerful Anti-Inflammatory
- Helps Regulate Cholesterol Levels
- Reduction of Stress
- Regulation of Sleep Cycles
- Helps Against Infections
- Much More!
Does Mushroom Coffee taste like Mushrooms?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, this is the first question people have. After all, no coffee drinker wants the savory taste of mushrooms in their morning cup of coffee. That’s why mushroom coffee tastes like normal coffee.
This is because it’s only mixed with small quantities of mushroom extracts. This provides all the benefits without altering the flavor!
Of course, every coffee lover is particular about the taste of their coffee. Some like any old black coffee, while some are strict fans of arabica coffee. Many of us prefer drinking organic ground coffee, others don’t mind instant coffee.
If you’re picky about your coffee, don’t worry. With dozens of mushroom coffee brands out there, you’ll find something that’s right for you. Otherwise, you can also turn your own coffee into a unique mushroom product.
Common Medicinal Mushrooms used in Mushroom Coffee
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is one of the top functional mushrooms around. While its uses are versatile, studies show it may have the ability to improve brain functioning. In particular, its active constituents may improve short and long-term memory. Studies also show Lion’s Mane can help with the functioning and restoration of damaged nerves.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps are considered the most energizing of all mushrooms. Studies show they may improve blood flow, oxygen levels, and respiration. They are often used along with physical exercise to improve stamina and recovery. Studies also show Cordyceps may have the ability to enhance sexual potency and fertility in men.
Chaga
Chaga is a powerfully unique mushroom. Studies show Chaga has an extremely high antioxidant value and may protect your body against oxidative stress. Studies also show it has the potential to slow the aging process, combat chronic diseases, and fight cancer. On top of this, many herbalists consider it to be one of the most potent adaptogenic mushrooms. Chaga mushroom extract or Chaga mushroom powder are deemed the most effective ways to consume Chaga.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
This is the most studied of all medicinal mushrooms. Its fame comes largely from large quantities of studies that show it may have the ability to help fight cancer. Studies also show Turkey Tail helps reduce symptoms caused by a wide range of chronic diseases. It is also considered an adaptogen in herbal medicine.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom coffee is one of the most popular mushroom coffee options. Reishi is traditionally known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” for its life-extending properties. Studies show it may help fight cancer, diabetes, and a wide range of other illnesses. Studies also show that its 400 bioactive compounds have anti-inflammatory, sleep-promoting, and lightly antibiotic properties amongst many others. This is also one of the most famous adaptogenic mushrooms in herbal medicine.
DIY Mushroom Coffee
Making your own mushroom coffee is easy. There are different ways to do it, but the overall process is the same. You mix regular coffee or instant coffee with powdered mushroom extracts and voilà. Home-made mushroom coffee!
You can either premix your coffee with the extract or do it cup-by-cup. Do this with ground coffee or instant coffee. If you’re working with a whole coffee bean product, grind it to make ground mushroom coffee!
Feel free to be creative a mix different extracts for a mushroom coffee blend!
Since you are making a medicinal product, it’s recommended to use organic coffee. Organic coffee has higher antioxidants values and no residues of agrochemicals.
You can also include cacao powder, turmeric, cardamom, vanilla, or any ingredient of your choice. Of course, you can use cream and sugar if you like, too!
How do you prepare Mushroom Coffee?
In most cases, just like you would regular coffee! Use a French Press, coffee maker, or whatever technique you usually use. Otherwise, let it settle like an old fashion cup of cowboy coffee. Medicinal mushroom extracts in the coffee easily absorb into the brew.
If your using instant mushroom coffee, then all you need to do is mix with hot water!
Mushroom Coffee and Caffeine
While many folks tend to enjoy the buzz given by caffeine, others have sensitivities. For this reason, you may want to look for caffeine-free mushroom coffee. You can also just skip the coffee and make mushroom tea instead!
Mushroom Tea
Traditionally this is made by simmering fresh or dried mushrooms in water. Decoct your mushroom blend by simmering them in water for at least one hour. Powdered medicinal mushrooms will extract quicker. This makes a great coffee alternative! Note: Certain mushrooms have medicinal properties that you cannot extract in water.
Other Ways to consume Medicinal Mushrooms
Of course, there are many other ways to consume a mushroom supplement.
Tinctures – These are usually double extracted in both alcohol and water. They are some of the most common forms of medicinal mushroom products. Their benefits are that they’re easy to consume, have a long shelf life, and are easily made.
Powdered Extracts – These are potent extracts of medicinal mushrooms. You only use them in small quantities where they can be very effective.
Dried Powder – Dried powders are whole mushrooms that become dried and powdered. If you have “Activated Mushroom Powder” you can mix it into food or beverage directly. Otherwise, you will have to decoct it in simmering water for up to an hour.
Fresh Mushrooms – Certain mushrooms are best eaten fresh! This is the case for Lions Mane, Shiitake, Maitake, and other prized edible mushrooms.