Reishi Tea
As an avid mushroom picker, I have always longed to encounter the powerful chestnut brown reishi mushroom, revered as an elixir of life. While camping in Canada in September 2025, I was fortunate enough to discover this precious fungus just across from my tent, seemingly staring back at me. According to Frank Hyman in How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying, reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum, also known as varnished conk or lacquered bracket, is often hailed as the Mushroom of Immortality. Hyman beautifully describes the first sight of reishi as an enchanting moment, almost as if the forest fairies themselves had painted it with a glossy brown shellac. Its radiant, lacquered appearance not only captivates the eye but also embodies the timeless allure that has inspired its mystical reputation for centuries.
As noted by Frank Hyman, the Reishi mushroom has no poisonous look-alikes and no other mushroom closely resembles it. Its distinctive feature is a coating that resembles a dark red varnish, giving it a unique, glossy appearance. While it is true that some mushrooms can appear shiny when wet from rain, the Reishi stands apart because even when completely dry, it maintains a remarkable shine, almost as if it were polished for a commercial promoting high-end furniture varnish. This unmistakable gloss makes it easier to identify in the wild.
For many centuries, the reishi mushroom has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, valued for its wide range of health benefits. It has been traditionally used to support and strengthen the immune system, enhance vitality, combat tumors, lower blood pressure, and alleviate various health issues such as fatigue, allergies, insomnia, and depression, among many others. In fact, in Japan, reishi mushrooms have gained official recognition and are included as a component of anti-cancer treatment protocols, highlighting their significant therapeutic potential.
Now, if you happen to come across a reishi mushroom, just as I did during one of my recent fungi foraging adventures, the detailed steps in my recipe will guide you through the process of preparing a nourishing and health-enhancing reishi mushroom decoction or tea, designed to support and elevate your overall well-being in a natural and holistic way.
If you find yourself pressed for time and unable to go mushroom foraging, another highly reliable and convenient option is to order your mushrooms online from iherb.ca, which happens to be my absolute favorite online retailer specializing in health and wellness products. Here is the link provided for purchasing high-quality dry reishi mushrooms.
Reishi Mushroom Tea Recipe
By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: November 04, 2025
Preparation Time: drying 5 - 10 hrs, tea brewing 30 minutes
Yield: 125 ml of powder
Ingredients:
2 fresh young reishi mushrooms if possible
Instructions:
Slice the reishi mushroom as thinly as you can. Allow it to dry completely, which can take up to a full day depending on the freshness and age of the mushroom. If the reishi is younger, it will slice more easily. However, for older mushrooms that tend to be denser, tougher, and drier, exercise extra caution when cutting them into pieces as it will be much harder.
Place the dry mushroom carefully into the spice grinder or food processor. Simply pulse the mushrooms until they reach your desired consistency. I allow it to grind thoroughly until it becomes a fine, well-powdered consistency. For an even smoother texture, you may also choose to use a grain mill, which can produce a more delicate and refined powder.
Store Reishi powder carefully in a jar that is well sealed, placing it in a cool, dry storage room to maintain its freshness and potency.
To make a cup of tea: boil 250 ml of fresh filtered water. Lower the heat and add 1 teaspoon of reishi powder. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. Then, reduce to the lowest heat and steep for 30 more minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy this strong, refreshing drink.❤️🍁
