Can I just add this dried mushroom to my regular tea or soup instead of making a decoction? — Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), 25g - Lekraset

Adding the whole, dried pieces directly to a cup of tea or a pot of soup is not the intended preparation method and will likely be ineffective. The key water-soluble components are locked within the tough mushroom structure and require prolonged simmering to be extracted into the water. Simply steeping the pieces in hot water for a few minutes, as with tea, or briefly cooking them in soup, will not yield a meaningful extract. However, if you wish to incorporate it into food, a practical workaround is to first prepare the decoction separately as described, then use that strained, concentrated liquid as a broth base for soups, stews, or sauces. This allows you to benefit from the extracted compounds while avoiding the unpalatable texture of the woody mushroom pieces in your meal. Remember, the product is offered specifically for those who value this traditional, hands-on preparation process.