Known by many as the “King of Mushrooms”, Reishi mushrooms are type of fungus native to several parts of Asia including China, Korea and Japan. They tend to be bitter-tasting with a tough texture which is why they are known more as a medicinal mushroom vs. a culinary mushroom. You are much more likely to find them in tincture or powder form.
Reishi mushrooms are considered by many to be adaptogenic, meaning they help your body deal with the negative effects of stress including inflammation, low energy, and hormonal imbalances. Studies have repeatedly shown that reishi mushrooms contain nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen the body’s defenses against cancer, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, allergies and more.
While generally considered very safe to consume it is always good to check with your doctor if you are unsure. Bio-individuality is key, as with any supplement or food. Consuming reishi can cause side effects for some so you definitely want to proceed with caution if you are pregnant, breast feeding, about to have surgery, have a blood disorder or high/low blood pressure.
The following recipe is one of my favorite treats for my whole family and is a great way to incorporate some reishi mushrooms into your diet. Even my daughter loves this hot chocolate!
Yield: 2- 3 Servings
Ingredients:
3 Cups milk of choice (I like almond, coconut, hemp or flax)
4 Teaspoons organic raw cacao powder
1 Tablespoon reishi mushroom powder (I like Four Sigmatic)
3 - 4 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 Scoops grass-fed collagen powder (optional)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into medium-sized saucepan and heat over medium heat. Whisk or stir to combine as it warms.
Continue to whisk or stir until all of the cacao powder, reishi, and collagen dissolves into the hot chocolate.
Serve warm. Feel free to add marshmallows, cinnamon or whipped cream!
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