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You can make mushroom tea at home with just a few simple ingredients and about twenty minutes of your time.
Whether you’re curious about functional mushrooms like reishi and chaga or you’re exploring the world of psilocybin mushrooms, the basic brewing method stays surprisingly similar.
The process is all about extracting the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms into hot water so your body can easily absorb them.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to make mushroom tea at home, from choosing your mushrooms to perfecting your brewing technique.
Let’s dive right in and get that kettle boiling.
Why You Should Make Mushroom Tea At Home
Making mushroom tea at home is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms without any fancy equipment.
When you make mushroom tea at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, the strength, and the flavor profile.
Unlike store-bought powders that might contain fillers, homemade mushroom tea is pure and incredibly fresh.
Plus, the hot water extraction process helps break down the tough cell walls of mushrooms, releasing powerful antioxidants and polysaccharides.
Here are the main reasons you’ll want to start brewing your own mushroom tea right away.
1. It’s More Affordable Than Buying Pre-Made Blends
Pre-packaged mushroom teas can cost a small fortune, especially if you’re buying high-quality brands online.
When you make mushroom tea at home, you buy dried mushrooms in bulk for a fraction of the price.
A single ounce of dried mushrooms can brew many cups of tea, stretching your dollar much further.
And you can mix different mushrooms together to create your own custom blends tailored to your health goals.
2. You Control the Strength and Flavor
Some people love a strong, earthy mushroom flavor, while others prefer a more subtle taste that’s easy to sip.
When you make mushroom tea at home, you decide exactly how much mushroom to use per cup.
You can also add honey, ginger, lemon, cinnamon, or your favorite tea leaves to mask or enhance the natural mushroom taste.
This level of customization is impossible with pre-made tea bags from the store.
3. Hot Water Extracts the Good Stuff
Mushrooms contain powerful compounds like beta-glucans, which are known for supporting immune health.
These compounds are locked inside rigid cell walls made of chitin, which is tough on our digestive system.
The heat from simmering water breaks down these walls, making the nutrients much more bioavailable.
So when you make mushroom tea at home, you’re not just making a tasty drink, you’re unlocking the full potential of the mushroom.
How To Make Mushroom Tea At Home: Step-By-Step
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of the brewing process.
This method works for both culinary mushrooms like shiitake and maitake, as well as medicinal types like reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, and turkey tail.
And for those asking about magic mushroom tea, the steps are the same, just with a different end goal in mind.
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious cup of mushroom tea ready in no time.
1. Choose Your Mushrooms and Prep Them
Start with dried mushrooms for the best results, as fresh mushrooms are about 90% water and will make your tea weak.
You can use whole dried mushrooms or buy them already sliced and powdered.
For whole mushrooms, give them a quick rinse to remove any dust, then chop them into smaller pieces to increase the surface area.
Use about one to two teaspoons of dried mushroom powder or one to two tablespoons of chopped dried mushrooms per cup of water.
If you’re new to mushroom tea, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase the dosage.
2. Simmer, Don’t Boil, Your Mushrooms
Add your prepared mushrooms to a small saucepan and cover them with cold, filtered water.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
The key here is to let the mushrooms steep slowly rather than subjecting them to a rolling boil, which can destroy some delicate compounds.
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for at least 15 to 20 minutes for medicinal mushrooms.
If you’re making a stronger brew with chaga or reishi, you can simmer for up to two hours for a deeply concentrated extract.
3. Strain and Finish Your Tea
Once your tea has simmered to your desired strength, carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth.
Press down on the mushrooms to squeeze out every last drop of that golden, nutrient-packed liquid.
You can save the spent mushroom pieces and simmer them again for a second, slightly weaker batch of tea.
Now, taste your tea and add any flavor boosters you like, such as raw honey, fresh lemon juice, a slice of ginger, or a dash of cinnamon.
Pour yourself a warm cup and enjoy the earthy, soothing comfort of homemade mushroom tea.
Store any leftover tea in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to three days, and simply reheat it when you’re ready for another cup.
Different Ways To Make Mushroom Tea At Home
The method above is the classic hot water extraction, but there are a few other ways to make mushroom tea at home depending on the type of mushroom you’re using.
Each method has its own benefits, so let’s break down the most popular options.
1. The Powder Method for Quick Tea
If you’re using mushroom powder, you can skip the simmering step entirely.
Just add a teaspoon of mushroom powder to a mug and pour hot water over it, just below boiling point.
Stir well and let it steep for about five to ten minutes so the powder fully hydrates.
This method is perfect for when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to simmer mushrooms on the stove.
However, for tough mushrooms like reishi, simmering is still the better extraction method.
2. Double Extraction for Maximum Potency
Many medicinal mushrooms have both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds, so chamomile to boost the flavor.
This traditional way of brewing mushroom tea calls for a dual extraction to get everything out of the mushroom.
To do this, first simmer the mushrooms in water as we described above, then steep the same mushrooms in high-proof alcohol for several weeks.
You can then add a few drops of this tincture to your regular mushroom tea for an extra potent kick.
For everyday drinking at home, a simple water extraction is more than sufficient.
But for serious health enthusiasts, a double extraction is a great way to maximize benefits.
3. The Magic Mushroom Tea Route
If you’re specifically looking to make psilocybin mushroom tea, the process is a bit shorter.
Psilocybin is water-soluble and converts to psilocin when exposed to heat, which is what you want for the psychoactive effects.
To make magic mushroom tea, chop your dried mushrooms finely and steep them in hot, but not boiling, water for about 15 minutes.
Many people add fresh ginger and lemon at this stage, as lemon can help convert psilocybin into psilocin more efficiently.
Strain the mushrooms and drink the liquid, remembering to start with a low dose to understand your tolerance.
Remember to always research the laws in your area and consume responsibly.
Tips for the Best Mushroom Tea At Home
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your homemade mushroom tea turns out perfect every single time.
Pay attention to these small details and you’ll notice a big difference in the quality of your brew.
1. Always Use Dried Mushrooms for Richer Flavor
Fresh mushrooms have a high water content and can taste bitter or bland in tea.
Dried mushrooms have a concentrated, umami-rich flavor that makes for a much more satisfying drink.
If you only have fresh mushrooms, you can use them, but you’ll need to use double the amount and simmer for longer.
Check your local health food store for pre-dried mushrooms or consider drying your own at home with a dehydrator.
2. Don’t Throw Away the Mushrooms After Straining
The leftover mushrooms from your tea still contain some valuable nutrients and flavor.
You can add them to soups, stews, or even a stir-fry for an extra boost of mushroom goodness.
Alternatively, you can simmer them one more time for a lighter second brew of tea.
This way, you get every last bit of value from your ingredients when you make mushroom tea at home.
3. Pair with Green or Black Tea for a Morning Boost
Mushroom tea can be earthy, so many people love blending it with regular tea leaves for a pleasant twist.
Try adding a bag of green tea or black tea while your mushrooms are simmering.
The caffeine will give you an extra morning lift, and the tannins help round out the mushroom flavor.
This is a fantastic way to ease into drinking mushroom tea if you’re not used to the taste yet.
So, How Do You Make Mushroom Tea At Home?
Making mushroom tea at home is a simple, rewarding process that anyone can master in their own kitchen.
You can make mushroom tea at home by simmering dried mushrooms in water for 15 to 20 minutes, then straining and flavoring the liquid to your liking.
Whether you choose medicinal mushrooms for wellness or explore other varieties, the key is to use quality ingredients and simmer gently.
We’ve covered why you should make mushroom tea at home, the step-by-step brewing method, and several variations to try.
So next time you’re craving a cozy, healthy drink, skip the coffee shop and brew your own delicious mushroom tea right in your kitchen.
Happy brewing, and enjoy every soothing sip.