MUSHROOM COFFEE
The food we eat can be our medicine too, especially mushrooms.
I use a variety of mushroom powders in my clients’ programs, usually in the form of hot (not boiling) drinks to release the nutrition and provide fast delivery.
I use mushroom powders rather than liquid extracts to provide the whole benefits of the fruiting body, including prebiotic fibre called beta-glucans that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria – and are also recognised for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
I use a mushroom coffee recipe with my clients because it is a convenient way to include medicinal mushrooms in a morning routine that most people enjoy – their morning coffee.
It is argued that coffee reduces the absorption of certain nutrients but if you drink coffee between meals, you minimise this impact.
Consumed in moderation (1-2 cups per day), organic coffee can aid digestion by stimulating gastric acid, enhance bile and pancreatic secretion, reduce gallstone risk, promote large intestine movement (bowel movement), regulate intestinal flora, and prevent certain types of cancers.
Adding mushroom powder to your morning coffee does change the taste – but also pairs well – giving you an earthy and even a nutty flavour depending on the type of mushrooms used.
I recommend using organic coffee granules to make a quick convenient cup of coffee. But if you are a lover of brewed coffee just adapt the recipe to suit your needs.
If you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine, use organic water-decaffeinated coffee granules.
If you don’t like coffee, you can make a delicious cup of hot cacao or tea and still enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
Mushroom powder also adds a delicious umami boost to miso.
If you are a coffee purist who would never mess with your favourite brew – you can add mushroom powder to half a cup of hot water (not boiling) or organic miso. Steep and stir to release the active ingredients.
DON’T USE BOILING WATER
Water temperature plays a crucial role in mushroom coffee. Do not use boiling water.
Mushroom powders have a broad spectrum of nutrients and activity that can be destroyed by excessive heat.
Boiling water is 100℃ and that’s too hot. The optimal water temperature for keeping the mushroom powder nutrients intact is between 85-93°C maximum, with some manufacturers recommending 75°C for certain mushrooms.
If you have a temperature control kettle that’s ideal. Set it for 85°C for most mushroom powders. But for those who have a standard kettle, our recipe can help you make a quick hot (not boiling) brew.
Also, use filtered or distilled drinking water for brewing to ensure the best possible benefits.
RECIPE
Many of us enjoy a mug-sized morning coffee, so grab your favourite coffee mug (approx. 240ml).
Fill between a quarter to a third of your mug with cold, organic plant-based milk first.
I use Bonsoy soy milk but use your favourite.
Add one slightly rounded teaspoon of mushroom powder to the milk.
Add one teaspoon of organic coffee granules – or one shot of brewed coffee.
Use a milk frother and blend the ingredients into the milk.
Once you’ve created your favourite froth consistency, then gently stir in hot (not boiling) water into your mug.
If you are using a standard kettle, let your boiled kettle water cool for a bit before making your coffee.
If you require sweetener, use a few drops of 100% pure monk fruit liquid extract, or a teaspoon of raw honey, or a teaspoon of 100% pure organic maple syrup.
Finish with a sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon to give your immune system a boost (optional).
Enjoy!
RECIPE NOTES
If you drink animal milk, please only consume organic dairy products so you can avoid exposure to agrichemicals used in conventional Australian dairy farming, such as antibiotics and vaccines used to control diseases and promote growth • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation • anthelmintics (antiparasitics) • insecticides • herbicides • and fungicides.
Buying organic dairy can help you avoid the risk of consuming permissible residue contaminants in conventional dairy products, which can impact human health.
If you have sensitive gut issues, start slowly with mushroom powders. For the first three days, use only a quarter teaspoon of mushroom powder. If your gut responds well, increase to half a teaspoon for three days. If all remains well, increase to a teaspoon.
HOW MANY CUPS A DAY?
Unless your practitioner advises you otherwise, moderation in all things is usually good advice.
Two cups a day is a general consumption guideline for mushroom powder drinks.
In the morning you can enjoy a cup of mushroom coffee to help boost energy and support your immune system.
Don’t drink coffee after lunchtime.
At night avoid stimulant drinks altogether, especially sugar sweetened beverages. Instead, try a teaspoon of lion’s mane mushroom powder in a hot cacao drink to promote a good night’s sleep.
Cacao contains tryptophan, which soothes, calms, and relaxes. Sweeten with unprocessed honey, which also contains tryptophan, or use pure monk fruit extract if you are on a sugar-free diet.
Lion’s mane mushroom is relaxing and calming for your brain making it a wonderful nighttime drink.
Studies reveal that lion’s mane mushroom has the potential to hasten the onset of REM sleep improving overall sleep quality.
MUSHROOM RESEARCH
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years both as food and for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal mushrooms are classed as natural immunomodulators, which means they contain bioactive compounds that help regulate the immune system so it works more effectively.
Mushrooms also help reduce inflammation, prevent disease, aid recovery, and restore metabolic health.
There is growing evidence that medicinal-culinary mushrooms have a positive influence on your gut microbiome too, acting as prebiotics that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Mushrooms are also used as a therapeutic approach in integrative oncology in the treatment of cancer, alongside chemotherapy (But mushroom powders should NOT be taken with immunotherapy or targeted therapies for cancer treatment).
Research evidence suggests that medicinal mushrooms may improve cancer treatment and patients’ survival.
But, if you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is important to check with your oncologist before using them.
I have included live links to studies in the blog references so you can further explore why mushrooms are an invaluable addition to your daily diet.
Following is a brief review of the main action and uses of four mushroom powders I commonly use in my clinic practice and the reasons why I recommend them.
LION’S MANE – Hericium erinaceus
ACTION
Anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), antibiotic, anticarcinogenic (preventing cancer), antidiabetic (regulates blood sugar), antifatigue, antihypertensive (balances blood pressure), antihyperlipodemic (prevents rise in cholesterol), antisenescence (anti-ageing), cardioprotective (heart), hepatoprotective (liver), immune-stimulating, nephroprotective (kidneys), and neuroprotective (brain and nerve cells) properties.
MAIN APPLICATIONS
Lion’s name is well known for supporting the nervous system and brain.
Lion’s Mane properties help boost brain function, improve memory, alertness and focus, is used for mood support, and to encourage a healthy nervous system.
Studies show that Lions Mane helps improve cognitive function, sleep quality, neuropathy, neurodegenerative diseases, anxiety, and depression.
Lions mane also promotes healthy energy levels and combats fatigue.
CHAGA – Inonotus obliquus
ACTION
Anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, antitumour (inhibit abnormal cell growth), antioxidant (protects against cell damage), anti-obesity (aids weight regulation), anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiviral (effective against viruses), hepatoprotective (liver), renoprotective (kidneys), hypoglycemic (improve blood sugar control) and hypolipidemic (lowers high cholesterol) activities.
MAIN APPLICATIONS
Chaga is mainly known for its immune boosting and metabolic properties.
Chaga is a natural adaptogen that supports whole body balance and improves physical endurance.
It is used for reducing inflammation, preventing cancer, reducing high cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure, improving energy metabolism, and as an anti-obesity aid in weight loss research.
Chaga is also used in integrative oncology as a support therapy to help slow cancer growth and support immune function.
TURKEY TAIL – Coriolus versicolor
ACTION
Anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue (tiredness, exhaustion), antioxidant, hepatoprotective (liver), antitumour, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial effects, immunomodulatory, immune-activating, immunotherapeutic and immune-boosting properties.
MAIN APPLICATIONS
Turkey tail is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, offering a host of benefits that support a healthy immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight cancer.
Turkey tail has been demonstrated to increase the rate of survival for cancer patients, especially research participants with breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers.
Turkey tail is also used to improve insulin resistance, help fight pathogenic bacteria, and acts as a prebiotic balancing and promoting levels of healthy bacteria in the intestines.
Studies also show that the immune-modulating action of turkey tail also has anti-fatigue properties that aid immune dysfunction, such as chronic fatigue.
With its ability to lower ammonia levels after exercise, turkey tail also has the potential to boost exercise performance and endurance.
REISHI – Ganoderma lucidum
ACTION
Anticancer, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, anticancer, cytotoxic (stop cancer cells from dividing and growing and to shrink in size), antimutagenic (reducing the frequency of mutation), antiaging, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidaemic, and hepatoprotective properties.
MAIN APPLICATIONS
Since ancient times, Reishi has been widely used as a tonic to promote well-being and longevity in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Reishi is used to boost the immune system, promote restful sleep, and combat fatigue.
Studies have found that the immune stimulating properties of Reishi inhibit cancer cell signalling and growth and is used in integrative oncology as an immune system support supplement in chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatments.
Reishi is a natural adaptogen that helps restore balance in response to stress, anxiety, and fatigue, especially bodily weakness and exhaustion after minimal effort (neurasthenia).
Reishi is also used for liver and kidney support, blood glucose management, and to promote overall wellbeing.
PRACTITIONER SUPPORT
I love sharing general information that can help you create a healthier lifestyle.
But what I share is not meant to replace professional support.
If you suffer from chronic infections or disease, always seek qualified advice.
Your health is precious so please protect it.
As a parting gift, you can download my MUSHROOM COFFEE Handout Sheet, I give to my clients as a handy recipe reference.
All the very best,
Lisa Rieniets ND.
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