Functional mushrooms have emerged as a potent force in holistic health and wellness. Beyond culinary appeal, these fungi are revered for therapeutic properties, enhancing both physical and cognitive functions.
This comprehensive guide investigates eleven popular functional mushroom species and their unique benefits for individual wellness needs. From Cordyceps to Reishi, these immune-boosting fungi have traversed centuries of Eastern medicine.
Functional mushrooms are also effective tools for enhancing psychedelic journeys with substances like psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca, and ketamine.
Let’s explore.
What Are Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are a type of fungi that support overall well-being. According to the Cleveland Clinic, functional mushrooms contain nutrients and properties that prevent cellular damage, support the human nervous system, boost the immune system, and promote healthy energy and blood pressure levels.
Functional mushrooms differ from common edible and medicinal varieties in that people primarily use them to enhance overall health and prevent disease rather than for specific therapeutic uses or basic culinary purposes. Their usage is rooted in a holistic approach to wellness.
Of all known fungi, roughly 2,000 species are either medicinal or edible, and of those, roughly 15 have functional benefits, making them a wonderful candidate for those who’d like to grow their own mushrooms.
These functional mushrooms fall into the category of adaptogens, meaning they assist the body in adapting to and reducing many forms of stress. This function helps the body remain in optimal balance.
Unlike common edible and medicinal mushrooms, functional mushrooms are primarily used to enhance overall health and disease prevention, aligning with a holistic approach to wellness.
11 Types of Functional Mushrooms & Their Health Benefits
Among the functional mushrooms, a select group of 11 stand out for their remarkable health benefits.
1. Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Cordyceps are string-like mushrooms that have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. They were originally discovered as parasitic mushrooms growing on the backs of caterpillars.
Cordyceps are known for their anti-aging properties and performance-boosting abilities. Research also reveals that cordyceps can ease Type 2 Diabetes by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites.
Other scientific evidence supports cordyceps for preventing tumor growth, boosting heart health, and reducing disease-causing inflammation.
Cordyceps is a string-like mushroom with centuries of use in Eastern medicine. Known for anti-aging and performance-enhancing properties, they may also support diabetes management, heart health, and combat inflammation.
2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are small, fuzzy white fungi that resemble the fur in a lion’s mane. For millennia, people have been ingesting lion’s mane to enhance health and longevity. They’ve used it to ease the mind, enabling better meditation and improving memory. Not only that, but it enhances mental focus and clarity as well.
Lion’s Mane is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Research indicates this functional mushroom promotes brain health, as it helps improve memory and fight dementia. Preliminary evidence suggests it might also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms, resembling a lion’s mane, have been consumed for ages to boost health and longevity. With benefits like enhanced focus and memory, reduced inflammation, and potential stress relief, they’re a potent ally for overall well-being.
3. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushrooms, also known as the ‘mushroom of immortality,’ were discovered over 2,000 years ago in China and Japan. These small, meaty, brown mushrooms pack a health-boosting punch.
Reishi is known to help elevate mood, support cancer treatment, and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms through mood-boosting properties.
Ancient Chinese texts mention Reishi mushrooms having functional qualities like improving memory, strengthening the heart, and boosting energy.
The ‘mushroom of immortality’ has over 2,000 years of history in China and Japan. Packed with health benefits, they uplift mood, aid in cancer treatment, and offer potential relief from anxiety and depression.
4. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga are small brownish-gold immune-boosting mushrooms that provide an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Chaga is a natural liver aid, and anti-inflammatory agent. Studies also have shown that Chaga extracts exhibit antiviral, antibacterial, immunostimulating, and anti-tumor activities when tested in laboratory settings.
Discover Chaga, small brownish-gold mushrooms rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, known for natural liver support, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-tumor effects.
5. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey Tail are functional mushrooms with vivid striped patterns that resemble a turkey’s tail. Many people drink turkey tail teas for digestive health due to its beneficial effects on the gut microbiome.
An animal study showed that Turkey Tail could even boost exercise performance by increasing grip strength and reducing physical fatigue. Another study found turkey tail extract helped improve blood sugar levels in diabetic rats and made them more responsive to insulin.
Additionally, the substance appeared to reduce oxidative stress, a process linked to diabetic complications. Eastern Chinese medicine practitioners have used this mushroom to replenish vital energy (qi) and regulate immune functions.
Turkey Tail mushrooms, known for their striking appearance, support gut health, enhance exercise performance, and potentially aid blood sugar regulation, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
6. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are distinctive functional varieties with a tan to dark brown cap that often appears slightly convex with a broad, umbrella-like shape.
These mushrooms have been cultivated for centuries in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, where they were originally discovered. Shiitake mushrooms have a rich history in traditional Asian medicine and cuisine. They were prized for their potential health benefits, including immune system support and potential cholesterol-lowering effects.
In recent years, clinical research has begun investigating their anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activity, and potential role in cancer prevention and cardiovascular health.
Shiitake mushrooms have a long history in Asian medicine and cuisine, offering potential benefits such as immune support, cholesterol management, and anti-inflammatory properties, with ongoing research exploring their role in cancer prevention and heart health.
7. Oyster (Pleurotus species)
Oyster mushrooms are white functional species with gill-like indentions in their stalks. There are approximately 40 edible varieties, some featuring distinct nutty, and seafood-like flavors. Oyster mushrooms are powerful antioxidant sources, beneficial for reducing cellular damage in the body.
Research indicates they may also support heart health through balancing blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally, Oyster mushrooms could help the body maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Oyster mushrooms, with their gill-like stalks and various flavors, offer antioxidant benefits, support heart health by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol, and potentially help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
8. Meshima (Phellinus linteus)
Meshima mushrooms are unique mushrooms with a woody and tough appearance, often resembling a horse’s hoof. They were initially discovered in the wild, primarily in Asia, including regions like Korea and Japan.
In recent years, scientific research has explored their antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment. Meshima mushrooms may also affect women’s health by potentially supporting breast health, hormonal balance, and immune function.
Source: Meshima mushrooms, resembling a horse’s hoof, offer potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential support for women’s health and cancer treatment.
9. Agarikon (Laricifomes officinalis)
Agarikon mushrooms are large and bitter, making them inedible in raw form. However, when incorporated into other foods, they become a potent immune booster. These mushrooms contain Coumarin, a compound that could help treat lung conditions such as asthma and pneumonia.
Beyond respiratory health, agarikon mushrooms reduce inflammation, fend off viral infections, and possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
Source: Paul Stamets hoisting an Agarikon mushroom, inedible on their own due to their bitterness, becomes a potent immune booster when integrated into foods, potentially benefiting respiratory health and offering anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties.
10. Royal Sun
Royal Sun mushrooms are edible, fleshy, and come with an almond flavor. They’re often used to boost the immune system.
Royal Sun mushrooms contain compounds that help to relieve histamine-related allergies, such as hay fever and seasonal allergies. They’re effective in boosting the body’s ability to prevent and fight off infections, and their properties are capable of improving the function of the liver as well as aiding liver recovery.
Source: Royal Sun mushrooms, with their almond-like flavor, are edible and known for immune-boosting properties, allergy relief, and potential benefits for liver health and infection prevention.
11. Maitake
Maitake are thin, whitish mushrooms that contain organic compounds that promote relaxation and may be beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
Maitake mushrooms help to lower cholesterol levels, boost the immune system, and help regulate blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Further, Maitake mushrooms are used to help prevent and treat cancer.
Maitake mushrooms, characterized by their thin, whitish appearance, offer potential benefits such as relaxation, blood pressure reduction, cholesterol management, immune support, blood sugar regulation in diabetes, and potential cancer prevention and treatment.
How to Consume Functional Mushrooms
Now that we’ve covered the top functional mushrooms and their health benefits, let’s explore their various forms. Individuals with unique needs and preferences may favor a particular consumption method, especially if they dislike the taste or texture of their chosen functional mushrooms.
The most common functional mushroom forms include:
Tea
Powder
Whole mushrooms (full or cut up)
Capsules
Extracts
Chocolate
Incorporate into food
Juices & Smoothies
Discover various forms of functional mushrooms, catering to your preferences and unique needs: from tea to capsules, there’s a choice for everyone.
How Functional Mushrooms Can Enhance Your Psychedelic Experience
Psychedelic experiences can sometimes ignite unpleasant feelings like anxiety and fear. Even the anticipation of a psychedelic experience can be a source of stress. Diving into the unknown can create discomfort, especially for people with PTSD and severe depression.
Incorporating functional mushrooms into a psychedelic journey can help mitigate these risks and even enhance the experience. Functional mushrooms’ stress reduction and brain-boosting qualities make them an ideal complement to inner exploration.
Enhanced Clarity and Mental Acuity: Functional varieties, like Lion’s Mane, are celebrated for improving cognitive function. Within a psychedelic container, these mushrooms can help people maintain mental clarity, enhancing their capacity for self-reflection and insight. It’s like turning up the brightness on the journey, allowing for a more vivid exploration of thoughts and emotions.
Emotional Resilience: Some functional mushrooms possess calming and mood-balancing properties. This power can be particularly valuable during a psychedelic trip, as it may help people manage anxiety or emotional turbulence that arises. Functional mushrooms can act as a soothing presence, akin to a trusted friend providing emotional support.
Sustained Vitality: During a psychedelic journey, maintaining a high level of energy and focus can be challenging. Functional mushrooms with energy-boosting qualities can help people maintain stamina. This vitality ensures explorers can engage fully with their inner exploration. It’s like having a wellspring of energy at their disposal.
Amplified Insights: Psilocybin-infused mushrooms, combined with functional mushrooms, create a synergistic effect, according to mycelial experts like Paul Stamets. This means functional mushrooms can enhance the depth and clarity of the insights gained during the journey. It’s like fine-tuning a telescope to observe distant galaxies; the insights become more profound and illuminating.
Functional mushrooms like Reishi and Lion’s Mane ease stress, enhance focus, and optimize the psychedelic journey. During and after the experience, they support focus, stress management, and introspection for a more productive and healing journey.
Functional mushrooms’ potential to complement and enhance the psychedelic experience is a fascinating area of exploration. Let’s take a look at two functional mushrooms in particular.
The Role of Reishi and Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Two standout functional mushrooms in this context are Reishi and Lion’s Mane. These fungi are not only revered for their unique flavors and culinary uses but also for their potential to ease the mind, promote relaxation, sharpen focus, and uplift one’s mood.
Reishi, often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” has been associated with stress reduction and mood enhancement. Its calming properties can create a soothing mental environment, which can be particularly advantageous for those embarking on a psychedelic journey, especially if it’s their inaugural experience. The reduction of stress prior to the journey can help alleviate apprehension, paving the way for a more positive and enriching exploration.Lion’s Mane, on the other hand, is renowned for its potential to improve cognitive function and focus. This mushroom may help individuals navigate the intricate realms of a psychedelic experience with greater clarity and attentiveness. Enhanced focus can lead to a deeper understanding of the journey’s insights and revelations, ultimately contributing to a more profound and meaningful encounter with the psychedelic state.
A Holistic Approach to Psychedelic Experiences
The synergy between functional mushrooms and psychedelics extends beyond the journey itself. Integrating these mushrooms into one’s routine as part of the pre-journey preparation and post-journey recovery process can be immensely valuable.
Imagine a scenario where an individual combines a Reishi or Lion’s Mane supplement with mindfulness practices and meditation before embarking on a psychedelic adventure. This holistic approach can set the stage for a well-prepared, open-minded, and stress-free state of mind, facilitating a more positive and transformative experience.
In the aftermath of a psychedelic journey, functional mushrooms can also play a role in promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being during the crucial integration phase. They can assist in processing and making sense of the insights gained during the journey, enabling individuals to apply them constructively in their everyday lives.
Exploring New Combinations
While Reishi and Lion’s Mane are prominent examples, the world of functional mushrooms offers a wide array of possibilities for those looking to enhance their psychedelic experiences. Mushrooms like Cordyceps, known for their energy-boosting properties, could potentially provide an interesting twist to the psychedelic journey, offering increased physical stamina and vigor. Similarly, Chaga, celebrated for its antioxidant properties, may contribute to the overall health and resilience of the body and mind in preparation for a psychedelic experience.
In conclusion, the relationship between functional mushrooms and psychedelics is a realm ripe for exploration. As we continue to uncover the potential benefits of these fascinating fungi, individuals may find new ways to enrich and elevate their psychedelic journeys, ultimately leading to more profound insights and personal growth.
Functional Mushrooms: Final Thoughts
Functional mushrooms, with their adaptogenic properties, assist the body in relieving various forms of stress and contributing to optimal balance. Research indicates they can help prevent cellular damage, support the nervous system, boost immunity, and maintain healthy energy and blood pressure levels.
For those looking to incorporate functional mushrooms into their routine, various convenient forms are available, from teas and powders to capsules and extracts. This diverse range ensures that anyone can access the benefits of these natural wonders, regardless of taste or texture preferences. A healthier, more vibrant life is within reach for those who harness the potential of functional mushrooms.
If you’d like to start your own journey cultivating mushrooms, there’s no better time to start than now. Our Mushroom Grow Kit includes nearly everything you need to start cultivating mushrooms, including access to our Mushroom Growing Course and expert mycologist support.
Check out our Mushroom Grow Kit today.
