Agaricus Tea Benefits

Agaricus tea benefits have recently been thrust into the consciousness of naturopathic practitioners in Asia and Brazil due to its antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, and anti-viral properties.

Agaricus is a species of mushroom that grows in many diverse locales, from China, Taiwan and Japan in Asia, to the Netherlands and Britain in Europe, to Brazil in South America. It is known by various names including "mushroom of life", "royal mushroom", "almond mushroom" and "mushroom of the sun". It is widely known as agaricus blazei Murill but scientists say that the more appropriate scientific name for this mushroom is agaricus subrufescens.

The agaricus mushroom has a convex grayish cap that measures about 2 to 7 inches. The cap possesses silk-like fibers that turn scaly as the mushroom matures. The stipe (or stalk) of the mushroom ranges anywhere from 2 to 6 inches long. It is bulbuous at the base. The flesh of the mushroom has a nut-like taste, and has a scent akin to almonds.

Due to its rich antioxidant and polysaccharide content, this mushroom is noted due for its medicinal properties. During the last several decades, the medicinal properties of agaricus mushroom have been utilized mostly in Japan , Korea and China to develop food supplements marketed to improve health and enhance well-being.

Agaricus tea benefits come from the mushroom's content of special polysaccharides called beta glucans and alpha glucans. Studies have shown that beta glucans initiate the activity of killer cells naturally found in the body. These killer cells are known to combat foreign bodies in the system that lead to infection and a weakening of the immune system. Other polysaccharides in agaricus mushroom are ergosterol, laccase, lectin and sodium pyroglutamate.

Agaricus tea can be made a variety of ways. Using dried mushrooms, simply place about 5 grams of them in 1 liter of cold water. Once the mushrooms have been rehydrated, start boiling the water. Once it reaches a boil, lower the temperature and let the mix simmer for about 20 minutes. The previous 1 liter of water will now be reduced to about 750 ml. This agaricus tea can be taken thrice in a day (250 ml for each drinking). Alternatively, a teaspoon of dried agaricus mushroom powder can be placed in a mug of newly-boiled water. Let the mix simmer and stand for about 5 to 7 minutes then drink.

Consult your physician before taking agaricus tea. There have reportedly been cases of side effects involving liver dysfunction after taking the agaricus mushroom while on cancer treatment but the cause of it has yet to be conclusively pinpointed.

The following are the agaricus tea benefits attributed to this brew:

Agaricus tea may help reduce the risk for tumors and cancer due to the antioxidant action of its component polysaccharides that help enhance the immune system. Agaricus is in fact used for anti-cancer treatment regimen in both Brazil and Japan.

Agaricus tea may help lower the risk for diabetes due to its polysaccharides' ability to improve the body's use of insulin and decrease insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Agaricus tea may help lower the risk for cardiovascular ailments due to its apparent ability to fight high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

Agaricus tea is believed to be helpful against stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

Agaricus tea is thought to help against osteoporosis.

Agaricus tea may be helpful against ailments affecting the liver.

Agaricus tea may be helpful against digestive ailments.

Agaricus tea may help against diseases affecting the bloodstream.

        Agaricus tea is believed to help in reducing damage from radiation.