Nothing screams summer more than a cool glass of iced tea. Tea made with Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus) is a herbal twist to the classic drink, one that comes with numerous health benefits.
This special drink stands out for its ease of preparation. Just boil some water, add a teaspoon of your Lion's mane powder, stir, and add a natural sweetener. Now you can enjoy a refreshing drink that improves cognitive function, enhances digestion, supports weight loss, and fights neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Well, there is more than one way to prepare Lion's mane tea. So let's explore other detailed recipes you can leverage to improve your immunity, raise your energy levels, and even improve your gut health.
How To Make Lion's Mane Mushroom Tea
It would help if you first got a premium Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder—this will be your main ingredient in all the recipes outlined below. Once you have the mushroom powder, follow these no-fuss Lion's mane tea recipes to create a tasty, nutrient-dense beverage.
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Lions Mane Tea
This recipe features Lion's Mane mushroom powder, a superfood known for stimulating the growth of brain cells, the ability to fight against the growth of tumor cells, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Read More: Learn how Lion's Mane fights cancer.
This tea has a delicious and warming flavor thanks to black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. The lemon and honey add a refreshing touch, making it the perfect drink for a warm summer day. This drink is tasty without increasing your risk of weight gain as it has minimal calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 serving of Lion's mane mushroom powder
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tbsp. ground cardamom
- 1/2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp. ground ginger, ground
- Half a lemon squeezed to get the juice
- Honey to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring your cup of water to a boil in a kettle.
2. Add a Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder serving to the boiling water. Reduce the heat.
3. For 15 to 20 minutes, let your tea simmer.
4. Add the black tea bag, and depending on your preference, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
5. Steep for five to ten minutes.
6. Add honey and lemon, as desired.
7. Strain in a cup, chill in the refrigerator, and enjoy on a warm summer day!
Latte With Milk And Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder
Milk-based Lion's mane mushroom tea is an excellent option for a delectable morning or evening beverage. To increase the benefits of your regular drink even more, play around with the ratios and concentration or add additional ingredients. However, observe Lion's mane dosage for safety and avoid side effects often resulting from overconsumption.
This mane tea recipe promotes flavor while disguising the earthy tones of Lion's Mane. Moreover, it is your best bet if you want a drink that gives you caffeine-free focus.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 serving of Lion's mane powder
- Low glycemic sweeteners (such as raw honey, stevia, coconut sugar, and xylitol)
- Cinnamon powder to taste
- Optional: Cocoa butter or vegan butter
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan over the fire, warm your preferred milk.
2. Blend the heated milk in a blender. Add one serving or a teaspoon of Lion's mane powder to the blender.
3. Put a low-glycemic sweetener in the blender, like stevia, xylitol, raw honey, or coconut sugar.
4. For a creamier consistency, add some cocoa butter and blend for 7 seconds to increase the health benefits of your tea.
5. Place in a cup.
6. Add a dash of cinnamon on top, and enjoy!
Golden Milk Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract Tea
Golden milk is a healthy Indian beverage made using milk and turmeric. This drink has a long history of usage in traditional Ayurvedic medicine because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
This tea combines the brain health benefits of Lion's mane bioactive ingredients—including erinacines, hericenones, and adaptogens—with turmeric to boost your memory health. A human clinical trial conducted in 2018(1) verified that curcumin (a bioactive ingredient in turmeric) could improve memory health in non-demented adults.
Read More: See how Lion's Mane fights dementia and Alzheimer's disease and supports neurons in the human body.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dairy or plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 1 serving Lion's mane mushroom powder
- ½ cup water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (if you are new to turmeric milk, start with 1/4 tsp, then add according to color and taste)
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon powder
- Few whole or freshly ground black peppercorns
- Few cloves
- 1 tsp of sweetener of your choice (e.g., honey)
Optional ingredients
- Vanilla
- Star anise
- Ginger, crushed or minced
- Coconut oil or ghee (for extra nutrition and healthy fats)
Instructions:
1. Heat a pot to a medium-high temperature. First, add water to stop the milk from sticking to the hot pan.
2. Add all the ingredients except the sweetener and coconut oil/ghee (if using).
3. Stir or use a whisk to mix everything.
4. Before removing the milk from the heat, it is essential to check that the turmeric powder has completely dissolved.
5. Simmer for a few more minutes to enhance the spices' flavor. Both Lion's Mane and turmeric will continue to have their beneficial effects.
6. Strain into your cup. Adding ghee or coconut oil is optional.
7. Add sugar according to taste. Since 1 tsp of honey is low, you can always taste and add more.
Combining Lion's Mane and Coffee: Can You Mix These Beverages?
Combining Hericium Erinaceus tea and coffee is a popular trend among coffee enthusiasts and those looking to boost their cognitive function. Here are some ways to combine Lion's Mane and coffee:
- Lion's Mane Mushroom Coffee: This is a popular blend of coffee beans and powdered Lion's Mane mushroom extract. Mix the two and brew as you would typically brew coffee. This will give you a caffeine boost and the benefits of Lion's Mane extract.
- Lion's Mane Espresso: If you prefer espresso, add powdered Lion's Mane extract to your shot of espresso. This will give you a concentrated dose of caffeine and Lion's Mane extract.
- Lion's Mane Tea and Coffee Combo: Brew a cup of Hericium Erinaceus tea and a cup of coffee separately, then combine the two in a mug. This will give you the benefits of Lion's Mane extract and coffee.
Remember to be mindful of caffeine intake, as too much can cause jitters, anxiety, and insomnia. Consuming no more than 400mg of caffeine per day is recommended.
Read More: Can you combine Lion's Mane and coffee?
Nutritional Profile of Pure Hericium Erinaceus Tea
Hericium Erinaceus tea has a unique nutritional profile and contains several bioactive compounds that benefit human health. Here is a list of the nutritional profile and bioactive ingredients of Lion's Mane:
Nutritional Profile:
- Calories: 24 per 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4.2 grams per 100 grams
- Protein: 2.5 grams per 100 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams per 100 grams
- Fiber: 2.5 grams per 100 grams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9
- Minerals: Contains potassium, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus
Bioactive Ingredients:
- Beta-glucans: a type of polysaccharide that boosts the immune system and improves cholesterol levels
- Ergothioneine: an antioxidant that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals
- Hericenones and erinacines: unique compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which is essential for brain health and function
- Polyphenols: antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation
- Triterpenes: compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects
It is worth noting that the exact nutritional and bioactive content of Hericium Erinaceus tea can vary depending on several factors, including growing conditions and preparation methods.
For example, if you add tea bags containing other herbs, the results will differ from when your servings are made up of pure Lion's mane powder. Moreover, if the Lion's Mane in your powder has been grown with enough sunlight, it will have more vitamin D.
Read More: Learn more about vitamin D in mushrooms.
What To Look For When Buying Lion's Mane Powder For Tea
Regarding purchasing mushroom supplements, including Lion's Mane, Chaga, turkey tail, reishi, and other mushroom products, caution is vital. Unfortunately, the industry lacks transparency and regulation, so it's easy to end up with a low-quality product.
Beware of blends containing cheaper Lion's mane mushrooms or mycelium instead of fruiting bodies. To get the most significant possible benefit, look for 100% fruiting body products and a certificate of analysis (COA) that reveals the type and quantity of mushrooms.
Opt for pre-extracted Lion's Mane powder using hot water extraction for maximum therapeutic benefit. Also, avoid fillers or additives that dilute the product's potency and choose powders packaged in a sealed, airtight container to ensure freshness and prevent contamination.
Read More: See our detailed guide on what to look for when buying Lion's mane powder.
Lion's Mane Mushroom Tea Benefits
Lion's Mane is a popular supplement in traditional Chinese medicine and offers numerous health benefits. One of the most noteworthy benefits of Lion's Mane is its ability to enhance cognitive function and improve general brain health, making Hericium Erinaceus tea an excellent choice for daily consumption. A 2022 study(2) involving rats showed that Lion's Mane has cognitive benefits.
Mushroom tea can help relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety, protect against dementia, speed recovery from nervous system injuries, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, this tea can boost the immune system, help fight cancer, protect against ulcers in the digestive tract, manage symptoms of diabetes, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Read More: See our detailed guide on Lion's mane benefits.
FAQs About Lion's Mane Tea
What Are The Negative Effects Of Lion's Mane Tea?
Lion's Mane is considered safe for consumption and is not associated with significant adverse side effects. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, especially when consuming high doses.
Additionally, Lion's Mane may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, or shortness of breath. If you experience any adverse effects after consuming Hericium Erinaceus tea, it is advisable to stop using it and seek medical attention if necessary.
How Does Lion's Mane Tea Make You Feel?
When consumed regularly, Hericium Erinaceus tea may leave you feeling more alert and focused, as it can improve mental clarity and promote general brain health. Additionally, some people have reported feeling less stressed and more relaxed after consuming the tea, likely due to Lion’s Mane’s anti-anxiety properties.
However, the effects of Hericium Erinaceus tea may vary from person to person, and some people may not notice any significant changes in how they feel after consuming it.
Can You Take Lion's Mane Tea Every Day?
You can take Hericium Erinaceus tea daily.Lion's Mane is considered safe for regular consumption, and there is no evidence to suggest that taking it daily would lead to any negative health effects.
Consuming Lion's Mane tea regularly could offer several potential health benefits, including improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and boosted immune system. However, as with any supplement, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications that may interact with Lion's Mane.
Read More: Learn about Lion's Mane drug interactions.
What Is The Best Time To Take Lion's Mane Tea?
No specific time is considered the "best" to take Hericium Erinaceus tea, as it may depend on your preferences and lifestyle. However, some people prefer to consume it in the morning to promote mental clarity and focus throughout the day. Others may drink it in the evening to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
It is worth noting that Hericium Erinaceus tea is typically consumed on an empty stomach to promote optimal absorption of its beneficial compounds. However, if you experience gastrointestinal discomfort after consuming the tea on an empty stomach, you may prefer to drink it with a small meal or snack.
Read More: See our guide on the best time to take Lion's Mane.
Key Takeaways
Drinking Lion's mane tea is an excellent and straightforward approach to incorporating Lion's mane supplements into your daily routine. It only takes a few minutes, the time you would need to prepare your morning coffee. In addition, your cup of Hericium Erinaceus tea gives you extra health benefits, minus the caffeine crash.
So, if you're considering forgoing that additional cup of coffee in favor of Lion's mane tea, we're rooting for you! Moreover, you can combine Lion's Mane and coffee, drawing from the best of both worlds, benefiting from caffeine and the bioactive compounds in Lion's mane mushrooms.
Have you used Lion's mane mushroom tea? What is the most significant benefit you got from the mushroom tea? Let us know in the comments.
References
- Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial, (1)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748117305110
- Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) Exerts Anxiolytic Effects in the rTg4510 Tau Mouse Model, (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312024/
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