Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine Sawbones: Mushroom Coffee
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Jan 27, 2026 A lively dive into the long hunt for coffee substitutes and why people keep inventing them. Fun history of wartime and commercial alternatives like Postum and chicory. A look at mushroom-based brews, common fungal types used today, and where the science currently stands. Practical cautions about interactions, allergies, and label surprises.
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Coffee Substitutes Are An Old Problem
- Coffee substitutes have existed for centuries and often aimed to mimic flavor, not caffeine.
- Mushroom-based beverages fit this trend by offering earthy, roasted-like flavors as a replacement.
Finland Used Chaga In Wartime Coffee
- Finlanders used chaga mushrooms during World War II as a coffee substitute when beans were scarce.
- They soaked and pressed chaga, sometimes with roasted rye, to produce a dark, coffee-like beverage.
Treat Natural Products Like Medicine
- Treat medicinal claims seriously and consult a professional when needed.
- Remember natural products can interact with medications and have side effects.