6 Adaptogenic Mushrooms & How To Use Them—Plus A Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to consume adaptogenic mushrooms? ›

Beverages: Many mushroom elixirs come in powder or liquid form and can be mixed with hot water to make a soothing tea. You can also add them to coffee or herbal teas.

Some of the most common adaptogenic mushrooms include reishi, cordyceps, and Lion's mane. There are records of the use of mushrooms going back thousands of years for various medicinal purposes, including reducing inflammation, caring for wounds, antitumor properties, and immune support, amongst others.

They're not the same as hallucinogenic or “magic” mushrooms and do not act on the mind or perception. In general, an adaptogen is a substance that works to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body.

Higher doses of reishi mushroom might make bleeding more likely in people who have a very low platelet count. Also, avoid using reishi mushroom if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because there hasn't been enough study on their safety in these circ*mstances.

Chaga mushroom (scientific name: Inonotus obliquus): It is also called “the king of medicinal mushrooms.” It is not a true mushroom but a mass of mycelia (called sclerotium). This mushroom is rich in various antioxidants. It boosts immunity, brain health and liver health and may thus increase life span.

There are many herbs and mushrooms that qualify as adaptogens, and what experts know about most of them is still limited. But growing research shows that adaptogens help the body regulate in many ways, including improving mood, balancing hormones, fighting fatigue and boosting the immune system.

Komen Foundation note that reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe for up to 1 year when a person takes it orally. However, they also note that taking powdered reishi mushroom for longer than 1 month may be toxic to the liver. Other potential side effects include: nausea.

For anxiety and depression, some of the best mushrooms include Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps. Reishi mushrooms are known for its calming properties and can help regulate the body's stress response. Lion's Mane mushroom supports brain health and cognitive function, which can be beneficial in managing depression.

Adaptogens are generally well tolerated. Side effects are rare but possible and vary based on the plant. Side effects of adaptogens include: Allergic reactions.

Other research has shown mushrooms may also be protective against cancers of the liver, uterus, pancreas, and stomach, as well as acute leukemia. 23 However, more research is needed to understand if and how much mushrooms may reduce cancer risk.

Who should not take lion's mane? ›

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with low blood pressure or certain bleeding disorders, and those who are undergoing surgery should avoid reishi. People who take certain medications (including medications to slow blood clotting and chemotherapy drugs) should talk to their doctor before taking reishi.

It's important to note that most functional mushrooms are not meant to be eaten raw, so the best way to reap the benefits of these fantastic fungi is to enjoy them as capsules, in powdered form, or as a tincture. You can also add them to your coffee, tea, or smoothies for their health-promoting benefits.

The best way to take reishi mushroom powder is really down to personal choice. In traditional Eastern medicine, reishi is often taken at night, before bed, in a soothing tea form. However you might prefer to add your Reishi Mushroom Powder Mix to a smoothie, or even a soup.

While some adaptogens are more stimulating and most appropriate to take in the morning or early afternoon, others have a more calming effect and are best taken later in the day or evening when you want to wind down.

Functional mushrooms can be consumed at any time of day, though their effects may be magnified when timed with certain activities. For example, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane are known for supporting cognitive health and energy, respectively, which means they may be most beneficial when taken at the start of your day.