Mushrooms in Tea: Why Functional Mushrooms Pair Perfectly with Loose Leaf

The points below are informational. They’re not medical advice and don’t diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Why Tea and Mushrooms Make Sense

• Complementary compounds. Tea brings polyphenol antioxidants (e.g., catechins). Functional mushrooms provide polysaccharides like beta glucans that researchers study for immunomodulatory activity. Together, you get a flavorful cup with diverse botanicals.
  
  
• Balanced experience. The gentle caffeine and L-theanine in tea create a beverage that provides soothing alertness; mushroom blends add earthy depth that many people enjoy any time of day.
  
  

Spotlight on Functional Mushrooms

• Cordyceps: People reach for cordyceps when they want a smooth drink that boosts mood; studies explore roles in exercise capacity, oxygen use, and immune signaling.
  
  
• Reishi: Often called the “calming” mushroom, reishi is widely studied for immunomodulatory activity and shows up in many traditional preparations; potential hormone-balancing and overall health-boosting benefits are emerging also.
  
  
• Turkey tail: Turkey tail is rich in beta glucans like PSK/PSP to improve immune response, and in Japan certain extracts have been studied alongside standard care.
  
  
• Lion’s mane: Lion’s mane appears in small human studies looking at cognition, mood, and perceived stress, and it brings a gentle, savory depth that pairs naturally with tea.
  
  

Yum Cha Tea Company Functional Mushroom Blends

• Forestberry Sangria — Cordyceps • Reishi • Lion’s Mane
  Juicy berries, hibiscus, and tropical fruit meet three functional mushrooms for a vibrant, ruby-red cup.
  
  
• Cordyceps Chai Tea — Black tea + classic chai spices + cordyceps
  Cozy, aromatic chai with a gentle lift from the caffeinated base.
  
  
• Raspberry Leaf Tea — Turkey Tail • Raspberry Leaf • Spearmint
  Naturally caffeine-free and crafted specifically for female reproductive balance; it’s herbaceous and lightly minty with ginger and apple notes.
  
  
• Creamsicle Cordyceps Tea — Rooibos • Orange Peel • Cordyceps • Turkey Tail
  Leans toward the citrus-forward dessert, creamy orange and rooibos tea without caffeine.
  
  
• Cordyceps Lemon Mate Energizer Tea — Yerba Mate + Cordyceps
  Bright lemon and a lively, daytime-friendly sip; contains caffeine for a proper midday boost.

References 

1. NCCIH — Green Tea: Usefulness & Safety (polyphenols, caffeine overview). NCCIH
   
   
2. Peer-review (catechins/antioxidants): Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins (review). PMC
   
   
3. NCI PDQ — Medicinal Mushrooms (HP/Patient summaries): research status and context (reishi, turkey tail, etc.). Cancer.gov+1
   
   
4. MSKCC — Reishi Mushroom: interaction cautions (bleeding risk; immunosuppressants). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1
   
   
5. MSKCC — Cordyceps & Lion’s Mane: usage notes and potential interactions/considerations. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1
   
   
6. Mayo Clinic — Caffeine content guidance: context for daily intake and sensitivity. Mayo Clinic