What is dual extraction, and why is it important?

Dual extraction is a process that combines simmering in water and maceration in alcohol. It matters for mushrooms such as reishi and chaga, because some compounds (like beta-glucans) are water-soluble, while others (like triterpenes) are mainly alcohol-soluble. Combining the two makes it possible to extract a broader range of compounds.

How long should you simmer medicinal mushroom tea?

Unlike ordinary tea, medicinal mushrooms need a long cooking time to release the compounds from their tough cell walls. It is recommended to simmer over low heat (a gentle bubble) for at least one to three hours.

Can you use fresh mushrooms to make the tea?

It is better to use dried mushrooms. Drying concentrates the compounds and makes it easier to grind or cut them, which increases the surface area and improves extraction during cooking.

How do you improve the taste of mushroom tea?

Mushrooms such as reishi can be bitter. You can balance the taste with natural sweeteners (honey, maple), spices such as cinnamon and vanilla, or add a plant-based milk to create a "latte"-style drink.

How many times a day is it recommended to drink the tea?

Usually one cup a day is enough. It is more important to be consistent and to drink the tea over time (weeks and months).

Medicinal Mushroom Tea: The Complete Preparation Guide (Dual Extraction, Ratios & Brewing Times)

The world of health is full of tips and shortcuts, and it isn’t always easy to know what’s worth investing in.
In this guide we take you into the world of medicinal mushrooms – and above all, into the practical way to make a homemade tea from them.
These are mushrooms far removed from the supermarket shelf; ones that were used in traditional medicine for generations, and that modern research is now examining as well.
The goal here is simple: to explain what to make, why it works this way, and how to do it right – with no exaggerated promises and no “magic”.
Just practical, precise, and clear knowledge.
If you’d like a broader picture of this world, we recommend first reading the complete guide to medicinal mushrooms.

Medicinal Mushrooms for Tea: What Are the Active Compounds and What’s Important to Know?

Long before they became a health trend, medicinal mushrooms were part of traditional systems of medicine – Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese medicine, and various traditions around the world.
They produce unique compounds: from β-glucans and triterpenes to various nutrients.
It’s important to be clear: medicinal mushrooms are not a “magic cure”. They are a natural dietary supplement, studied in the context of support and balance in the body.
β-glucans, for example, are studied in the context of supporting the normal function of the immune system (a structure-function claim), and are not a treatment for any disease.

The Stars of the Field: The Common Mushrooms for Tea

The world of mushrooms is enormous, and not every mushroom is suitable for tea.
Here are some of the best known, so you’ll know who you’re working with.

Reishi:
An ancient mushroom, very bitter in taste.
It is rich in triterpenes and polysaccharides.
Traditionally it was associated with supporting liver function and with a sense of calm and balance, and it is also studied in the context of sleep quality.
Important: reishi may affect blood clotting – see the safety note below.
Chaga:
A mushroom that looks like a piece of charcoal on a birch tree, but is very rich in content.
It is known as a rich source of antioxidants, and is studied in the context of protection against oxidative stress.
Lion’s Mane:
A mushroom named for its mane-like appearance, and identified with brain health.
It contains unique compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that are studied in the context of encouraging the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).
It is studied in the context of supporting memory, focus, and mood.
Cordyceps:
A mushroom traditionally associated with athletes and physical activity (in commercial cultivation it is grown in a lab).
It is studied in the context of supporting oxygen uptake, energy levels, and physical endurance.

Not sure which mushroom suits you and your goals? A good place to start is our complete medicinal mushroom guide, which will help point you in the right direction.

Guide to Making Medicinal Mushroom Tea: Step by Step

So how exactly do you make the tea?
It isn’t complicated, but it does require precision, patience, and a bit of understanding of the process.
A good result begins with proper preparation.

Step 1: Raw-Material Quality – Where Do You Get Mushrooms?

This is the most critical step, and many people skip it.
You want quality medicinal mushrooms – what does that mean?

A reliable source: look for reputable suppliers, with quality certifications, that state the growing origin and that test the mushrooms for pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
This goes into your body – don’t compromise on transparency and testing. At Triterra you can see exactly what is tested on the transparency page and the lab test results (β-glucan).
Form: you can find mushrooms in different forms: dried slices (reishi, chaga), powder (lion’s mane, cordyceps), or liquid extracts.
To start, it’s recommended to use dried mushrooms or pure powder, because that gives you full control over the process.

Step 2: Prep Work – Cutting and Grinding

The way you prepare the mushrooms before cooking greatly affects extraction efficiency.

For hard mushrooms (reishi, chaga): they are as hard as wood, and you can’t simply toss them into water.
Cut them into small pieces or grind them into a coarse powder. The greater the surface area, the more compounds will be released.
A strong coffee grinder can do the job, or a sharp knife and patience.
For softer mushrooms or powders (lion’s mane, cordyceps): if you bought powder – no prep is needed.
If you have whole, more delicate mushrooms, you can simply chop them.

Step 3: What Is “Dual Extraction” and Why Does It Matter?

A large portion of the important compounds in medicinal mushrooms (such as β-glucans) are water-soluble, meaning they will be released when simmered in water.
But other compounds (such as triterpenes in reishi or chaga) are mainly alcohol-soluble.
Dual extraction is a process in which you extract the compounds in both water and alcohol, and then combine the two extracts – to get a broader range.
Want to dig deeper into the extraction method? Read about our triple-extraction method and quality standard.

The Easy Option: Simple Tea (Water Extraction)

Suitable for mushrooms like lion’s mane or cordyceps, in which most of the important compounds are water-soluble.

The ratio: use about 10-20 grams of dried mushroom (or 2-5 teaspoons of powder) per liter of water.
Gentle boil: bring the water to a boil, add the mushroom, and lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cooking time: simmer for at least one hour, preferably two to three hours.
Chaga and reishi can simmer for 4-6 hours. The longer the time, the more compounds are extracted. Reduce the liquid by half.
Straining: strain the liquid through a fine strainer or cheesecloth, and squeeze the mushrooms well.
Storage: store the tea in the refrigerator – it will keep for about a week.

The Professional Option: Dual Extraction (for Mushrooms Like Reishi and Chaga)

This process requires a bit more effort, but it lets you extract a broader range of compounds.

Preparing the alcohol extract:
- Ingredients: take 50-100 grams of chopped/ground mushroom, and 500 ml of strong alcohol (40% vodka, brandy, or 96% alcohol with a light dilution).
  Make sure it is drinking alcohol, not disinfectant.
- Container: place the mushrooms in a sterilized glass jar, and cover them completely with alcohol.
- Maceration: seal the jar tightly, place it in a cool, dark spot for two weeks to a month, and shake it daily.
- Straining: strain the alcohol through cheesecloth and squeeze the mushrooms well.
  Keep the liquid (this is the alcohol extract), and the mushrooms themselves – don’t throw them out! They go to the next step.
Making tea (water extraction) with the strained mushrooms:
- Cooking: take the mushrooms strained from the alcohol extract, place them in a pot with about 1 liter of water, and simmer over low heat at a gentle bubble for at least 2-4 hours.
- Straining: strain the liquid and keep this tea separately.
Combining:
Now you have two extracts: one alcoholic and one water-based. Combine them together.
For example: 1 part alcohol extract to 5-10 parts tea. Store the combined extract in the refrigerator.

7 Common Mistakes in Making Medicinal Mushroom Tea (and How to Avoid Them)

Even careful preparation can fall into common traps. Here are a few things to watch out for.

Using a fresh mushroom: most medicinal mushrooms should be dried before preparation.
Drying concentrates the compounds and prevents spoilage, and it’s also very hard to grind a fresh mushroom.
Cooking too briefly: five minutes won’t be enough.
The compounds in mushrooms need a long time under heat to be released from the cell walls.
Skipping dual extraction: if you’re working with reishi or chaga and skip the alcohol step, you’re missing a significant portion of the compounds.
Water too hot or not hot enough: a gentle simmer is the key – not a violent boil and not lukewarm water.
Enough water also matters, because the mushrooms will absorb some of it.
Not using a quality source: a mushroom with pesticides or contaminants won’t do you any good, even if you cook it for many hours. That’s why lab testing and full transparency matter.
Not straining well enough: invest in a good strainer or cheesecloth – a smooth, clear tea is part of the experience.
Improper storage: mushroom tea can spoil.
Store it in the refrigerator, in a sealed container, and for no more than a week.

3 Tips for Maximizing Your Medicinal Mushroom Tea Experience

Once you’ve mastered the preparation, here’s how to take it a step further.

Balance the taste: some mushrooms, like reishi, are very bitter.
You can add quality honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a little plant-based milk (almond, oat) – turning it into a treat of a drink.
Combinations: you don’t have to stick with a single mushroom.
For example, reishi and chaga are a traditional combination for general support; lion’s mane with cordyceps for a blend of focus and energy.
Start with small amounts and see how your body responds.
Consistency is key: medicinal mushrooms work in a gentle, gradual way, and their effect builds over time.
Be consistent with daily or almost-daily drinking, and don’t expect immediate results after a single cup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicinal Mushroom Tea

Q: How many times a day should you drink mushroom tea?

A: In most cases one cup a day is enough.
This can vary depending on the type of mushroom and your personal situation – listen to your body, and if you’re unsure, start with half a cup and see how you respond.

Q: Are there side effects to drinking mushroom tea?

A: Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, rashes, or allergic reactions.
If you take medications or have any medical condition, it’s important to consult a physician before use – especially regarding mushrooms like reishi, which may affect blood clotting.

Q: Can you give mushroom tea to children or to pregnant/nursing women?

A: Generally it’s recommended to avoid it.
There isn’t enough research on the effect of medicinal mushrooms on these populations, so it’s better not to take unnecessary risks and to consult a professional.

Q: Is the taste of mushroom tea pleasant?

A: It depends on the mushroom and the preparation.
Reishi can be very bitter; chaga has an earthy, woody taste that’s relatively pleasant; and lion’s mane is fairly neutral.
With our tips for balancing the taste, you can turn it into a drink that’s pleasant to drink.

Q: Can you use the same mushrooms over and over?

A: After a thorough extraction, most of the compounds have already come out of the mushrooms.
You can try cooking them again, but the result will be much weaker. It’s better to toss them into the compost and start with fresh raw material.

Q: Why don’t I feel anything after drinking it?

A: Medicinal mushrooms work in a gentle, supportive way, and aren’t felt like a cup of coffee.
The effect builds over time, so consistency is key – let your body get used to it and give it time (weeks to months).

Q: Is there a way to shorten the process?

A: There are ready-made mushroom extracts on the market (tinctures or extract powders).
It’s important to make sure they’ve undergone dual extraction (if the mushroom requires it) and that the raw-material quality is high. You’re welcome to review our transparent lab tests, and to learn more in our complete guide.

Have more questions? See our full FAQ.

That’s it – from understanding the compounds in mushrooms, through precise preparation, to the tips that will help you maximize every cup.
Making tea from medicinal mushrooms is a matter of understanding, patience, and appreciation for the raw material.
If you’d like to learn more before you begin, explore our complete medicinal mushroom guide. Cheers!

Disclaimer: This content is an educational overview, based on preliminary research and traditional uses, and does not constitute medical advice or a therapeutic indication. Medicinal mushroom extracts are dietary supplements only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not begin use – especially while taking medications, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with an existing medical condition – without consulting a physician or a qualified practitioner.