Don’t be alarmed by the title of this post. Mushrooms – yes, as in fungi – are on the radar for top wellness trends and for good reason! Select mushroom varieties have been termed “medicinal” for their adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-enhancing properties. These more exotic mushrooms found natively in Asia are becoming increasingly more available in dried, liquid extract or in capsule form. So why not reap the benefits and start adding them to your wellness routine? I promise you that this Medicinal Mushroom Latte is not just a “taste-trend” but a nourishing wellness blend that you will actually enjoy – and want to keep around!

Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been around for centuries and widely used in alternative medicine practices. However, it has not been until more recently that these mushrooms and their nutrient compounds have been (and continue to be) studied. These compounds that give the mushroom their potent healing qualities are their polysaccharides, which include letinan, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids. These compounds have promising immune-enhancing, cardiovascular-protective properties, anticancer and antibacterial properties that work along side other sterols, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to create a powerful adaptogen.

An adaptogen is a substance that increases the body’s ability to manage stress. They respond to our individual systems, helping us restore balance, manage stress and keep our hormones in check. Pretty amazing, right?

Types of Medicinal Mushrooms

  • Cordyceps

  • Chaga

  • Reishi

  • Shiitake

  • Maitake

  • Turkey Tail

  • King Oyster

  • Lion’s Mane

Where to buy medicinal mushrooms

Fortunately, these powders are coming more readily available, but I find the easiest and most convenient way to purchase is online. You can buy the mushroom powders as blends of multiple varieties or on their own. Some of my favorites can be found here: Sunpotion and Moon Juice, Four Sigmatic and Om (previously Mushroom Matrix).

As for this wellness tonic, it’s a blend of medicinal mushroom powders, warming spices and other health boosting ingredients like maca and MCT oil (or coconut oil) steamed together in cashew milk. Blending the warm liquid in a high-speed blender turns it into a delicious frothy beverage. As for taste, the mushrooms give a slight earthiness but it is balanced out by the natural sweetness of the cashew milk, the cinnamon and the malty-flavor of the maca powder. If you need more sweetness a few drops of stevia or a drizzle of honey works perfectly. I promise this immune-boosting latte will be the drink you’ll want to keep sipping on throughout these cold months.


Medicinal Mushroom Latte

A warm, creamy tonic made with medicinal mushrooms and other ingredients like maca and MCT oil. The foam comes from homemade cashew milk and the MCT oil or coconut oil emulsifying with the other ingredients. It’s not necessary but highly recommend.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cashew milk

  • 1 tsp mushroom powder (reishi, shiitake, chaga, cordyceps, etc or blend)

  • ½ tsp maca powder

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • 1-2 drops of stevia or 1 tsp honey or sweetener of your choice (optional)

  • 1 tsp MCT oil or coconut oil (optional, but recommended)

Instructions:

  1. In a small sauce pan, heat all ingredients to a simmer.

  2. Transfer the liquid to a blender and blend starting on low and working up to high for 1 minute, until foamy.

  3. Pour into a mug and enjoy hot!


Make sure to follow Nourished by Nutrition on Instagram. If you make this recipe tag #nourishedbynutriton so I can see what you have made and feature you!


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