" My Daily Tea Simmering Routine"
After 38 weeks of daily Cordyceps tea consumption, I decided to discontinue its use. On January 17, 2025, I paused taking Cordyceps tea due to my flow cytometry results, which showed that my WBC and ALC values were at the lower end of normal ranges and my abnormal B-cell value went down so much (more than 90%) that I no longer qualify for having CLL. I believe I have fully realized the benefits that Cordyceps could offer for improving my blood counts and values. Now I will "Watch and Wait" while in clinical remission.
- NOTE: I have learned that these supplements can interact with Cordyceps mushrooms so I did NOT take any of these while on my Cordyceps journey.
- Echinacea
- Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)
- Turmeric (Curcumin)
- Garlic Supplements
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Dong Quai
Cordyceps Tea Preparation
- I use to start my day by preparing an 8 oz cup of Cordyceps tea and I finish my day with another 8 oz cup of tea. Each cup has 0.5 grams of ground up dried Cordyceps fruiting body mushrooms from Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms out of Vermont.
Tea Brewing Process (when I was drinking the tea)
- I pour 7 oz of filtered water into an electric tea kettle (see link below for the one I use) and I set the time on the electric tea kettle for 2 hours and the temp to 142 degrees (see photos and step by step instruction below). Once the water has stabilized at 142 degrees I then add 0.5 grams of dried Cordyceps Militaris fruiting body mushrooms that have been ground into a powder (see instructions and photos below for how I prepare the mushrooms).
- The electric tea kettle I use, features a gold-colored round dial that rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. To turn the unit on, I simply press the dial down towards the counter. Once powered on with the dial, I then can adjust the time and temperature. Now I press the 'Hold/Mute' button once. This allows me to set the time, which can be adjusted using the dial. I set the time to 2 hours, and after the time stops flashing, the temperature setting will appear. At this point, I use the dial again to adjust the temperature.
- For precise temperature control, I use a digitally adjustable tea kettle, which cost me $49.99. The model I use is the "1200W Gooseneck Kettle with ±1℉ Temperature Control, Pour Over Electric Kettle for Coffee & Tea, Digital Display, 4 Temp Preset, 12H Keep Warm, 100% Stainless Steel, Rapid Heating, 1L, Matte Black," which I purchased this one here.
- Below are the instructions I follow for adding Cordyceps mushroom powder to the tea kettle. To ensure proper integration of the mushrooms while simmering, I adhere to the steps below. This method works equally well when using chopped or crushed Cordyceps mushrooms.
Consumption
- I would always consume the tea on an empty stomach. For me the tea has a pleasant taste and is gentle on my stomach. The small, chopped, or crushed or ground mushroom remnants in the tea cup are beneficial for me so I try to consume as much of the mushroom remnants as possible.
Products I use for making the tea and storing the Cordyceps (all are hyperlinked)
- Electric Tea Kettle – This kettle offers me more convenience than a non-digital one, though at a little bit higher price point. $60
- Scale – So I can accurately measure my mushrooms. $8
- Containers for mixing & storing the mushrooms $9
- Grinder for the mushrooms "Mr. Coffee brand" $22
- Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms – Organic, with a third-party analysis report. $50 large bag (1 oz)
- FungiJon Cordyceps Mushrooms – $80 large bag (1 oz)
- Vacuum sealer for mason jars - $33
Supplements/Vitamins:
Below are the only 3 supplements I was taking the last 2 months of my Cordyceps journey:
Note: I believe certain supplements may interact with the active compounds in Cordyceps mushrooms, so I think it’s best to minimize the number of supplements I take.
Papaya Leaf Extract - Organic - Liquid (note: I discontinued my use of this product after 3 weeks due to no increase in platelets)
- Purpose: Supports platelets and bone health.
- Dosage: 1 tablespoon per day with a mid-day meal.
- Description: A bioavailable combination of Vitamin D3 (5000 IU, Cholecalciferol) and Vitamin K2 (MK-7), primarily for bone health.
- Dosage: 1 capsule per day, with a meal, mid day
- Note: as of 1/17/2025 I stopped taking all supplements including Vit D3 w/K2 except I do still take a very minimal amount of melatonin on occasion, just before bed.
Nature Made Melatonin 3mg Tablets
- Purpose: Supports quality sleep and has been studied for potential anti-cancer benefits.
- Dosage: I would take approximately 1/4 of a 3 mg tablet, equating to about 0.75 mg, taken one hour before bed.
"I really watched what I ate so I could have the lowest ADA (adenosine deaminase) levels in my body, my 'Diet' link is at the top of this page or click "here". I believe a well-planned diet can play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of the Cordyceps tea."
"This is not professional medical advise and is for informational purposes only; consult a healthcare provider."
NOTE: There are no affiliate sales links to any products featured on this website. I am an individual with no affiliations or sponsorships from any company or organization, and do not profit from any purchases you may make. Having this information available to you actually cost me $220 per year for the host of the website and the website domain cost.
Grinding my Cordyceps - Step by Step
Weighing Out & Grinding Up 5 Days Worth
I take 1 gram of Cordyceps daily, so I prepare a 5-day supply in advance, grinding approximately 5.25 grams for a 5 day supply. Using the grinder’s lid makes it convenient to grind the mushrooms and transfer them efficiently into a small storage container.
Grinding Process
After measuring 5.25 grams of the dried mushrooms, I place the grinder lid on the countertop and place the base of the motor to top of the lid. Holding the lid in place, I turn the grinder upright and plug it in. To operate the grinder, I press the black button on the side of the lid, running the grinder in 5-6 second intervals, repeating this process 4-5 times to ensure a thorough grind.
Transferring The Ground Up Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are ground, I use a 1/8 teaspoon to help transfer them into the designated container for daily use storage.
After grinding the mushrooms, I wait 30-45 seconds before removing the lid from the base to allow the mushroom powder to settle fully.
Preparing My Cordyceps To Simmer
I have found this method to be the most effective in ensuring that the Cordyceps mushrooms simmer consistently throughout the process.
First, I add 1 tablespoon of water to a small plastic container and place the container on the scale before turning the scale on.
I Then Place The Small Container On The Scale
I make sure the scale is "OFF" before placing the small plastic container with 1 tablespoon of filtered water on it."
Adding The Cordyceps To The Container
When I turn the scale on, with the container on the scale, I will see 0.00 on the display screen. I always make sure the scale is at 0.00 before adding the mushrooms. If the scale is NOT at 0.00, I simply press the TARE button to reset the scale to zero.
Note: I already put 7 oz of water in the tea kettle
Weighing The Cordyceps
After I add (roughly) .50 grams of ground Cordyceps mushrooms to the container that has 1 tablespoon of water, I am ready to put the cover on and shake/mix.
Mixing Up The Cordyceps With Filtered Water
I ensure the container lid is tightened properly, then I shake the mushrooms and water for roughly 8-10 seconds.
Adding Cordyceps To The Tea Kettle
Before adding the mushrooms, I allow the water to stabilize at the desired simmering temperature. After transferring the contents into the tea kettle, I then add a small amount of water to the empty container, cover, and shake to rinse. I pour the rinse water into the tea kettle and repeat this process once more, ensuring all remaining contents are thoroughly transferred.
Turning On and Setting The Temperature
How I Power ON The Tea Kettle
The tea kettle only has 3 buttons and I only use 2 of the buttons. To turn ON the tea kettle I simply press the gold colored round dial down towards the counter. I can feel/hear a click.
Set The Time and Temp
After I turn the unit on I then will press the button that my finger is pointing to in this photo ----->>>> I press that button 1 time
Setting the Time
If I am simmering the tea for 15 minutes at 176 degrees I will then want to use a timer from my smart phone or microwave because the minimum simmering time the tea kettle offers is 30 minutes. When I am doing the 2 hour simmering at 142 degrees I then wait for the time to start blinking, I then turn the dial to increase the simmering time.
Temperature Setting
Once the simmer time is set, the unit will automatically switch to temperature adjustment mode. When the temperature display begins blinking, I simply turn the dial to the desired temperature. After adjusting the temperature, the unit will start heating automatically.
" I always ensure the kettle contains water before turning it on"
What I Make Sure I Do
I never submerge the tea kettle in water or place it in the dishwasher. The tea kettle is hand wash only per the manual. After washing or rinsing the tea kettle out I will leave the lid slightly open on top to allow the inside to air dry. I clean the inside of the tea kettle approximately every other day.
Rotating The Tea Kettle During Simmering
I Turn The Kettle Right & Then Left
Whether I am simmering for 15 minutes at 176°F or simmering for 2 hours at 142°F, I periodically rotate the tea kettle on the heating base of the unit. Typically, I do this around the 1-hour mark and again at 1 hour and 55 minutes, just before increasing the temperature to 166°F for the final 5 minutes. The tea kettle remains flush and flat on the base of the heating unit throughout the rotation process. This means I do not lift the tea kettle off the heating unit base.
Turn I Left & Then Right
I believe this step enhances the simmering process by gently agitating the water/tea. Periodically grasping the top of the kettle and rotating it a few times to the right and left seems to help distribute the simmer more evenly. While this may be an extra step, it feels intuitively beneficial, which is why I incorporate it into my simmering routine. Additionally, before the start of the back and forth, I lift and tilt the lid briefly to allow any condensation to drip back into the kettle, returning the moisture to the simmering liquid.
Preserving The Cordyceps
Oxygen exposure can degrade mushrooms over time, which is why I store my Cordyceps in a mason jar with a dry pack and then vacuum seal the jar to preserve their quality. I am not getting any compensation from having these products hyperlinked above. Feel free to shop around like I did.
I got this vacuum sealer from my mom but I also purchased a backup vacuum sealer through the link above. To maintain the freshness and potency of the mushrooms, I only grind a 5 day supply at a time. The ground mushrooms are then stored in an small plastic container, as shown in the accompanying photos above.