Functional mushrooms

Mushroom scientists, known as mycologists, have identified a staggering 150,000 species of fungi so far and estimate that millions more remain to be discovered. Among this gigantic pool of organisms, a handful of medicinal mushrooms form the basis of the mushroom supplements industry. These include lion’s mane—a fungus with an alien-like fruiting body that features white tendrils—and reishi, a deep orange-red fungus that grows on decaying wood. Likewise, the cordyceps mushroom has risen to fame for its feed strategy that involves the zombification of its insect prey. Turkey tail, shiitake, chaga, tremella, and maitake have also become popular options because of their purported benefits.

Medicinal mushroom supplements are used for a wide range of purposes, including increased cognitive function and mental clarity, immune support, and increased energy. It’s important to remember that the research surrounding these substances remains in the early stages and that their medicinal effects in humans remain inconclusive.

However, based on early findings and anecdotal evidence, many people find that using lion’s mane, for instance, helps them to maintain focus and mental clarity. Users also find that cordyceps mushroom extracts help to enhance energy and endurance; the coach of the record-breaking Chinese female running team of 1993 attributed their success to the fungus. Preliminary evidence and historical use also suggest that reishi can help to still the mind, while chaga and other species might contribute to fortifying the immune system and improving overall wellness. They're also packed with beneficial antioxidants.

Researchers are currently exploring the role of medicinal mushrooms as adaptogens—plants and fungi that contain molecules that are thought to benefit the body and mind. Mycologists have also discovered a vast treasure trove of potentially health-promoting bioactive compounds in so-called functional mushrooms, such as the polysaccharides and triterpenes found in reishi mushrooms, phenolic substances in chaga mushrooms, and nucleosides in cordyceps. Culinary mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake are also excellent vegan sources of essential nutrients, including B vitamins, copper, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

Proper storage of medicinal mushrooms is crucial to maintain their potency and prevent spoilage. Whether you’re using dried medicinal mushrooms, mushroom complex capsules, or extracts, following the right storage practices will preserve their important molecules and maintain the highest quality.

While some mushrooms actually produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, excess exposure can cause the degradation of important constituents. Excess moisture can also become a problem during storage, shortening the shelf life of the product and potentially causing mould. Aim to keep dried medicinal mushroom fruiting bodies, powders, and capsules in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, and dry place such as a pantry or cupboard.

The safety of taking mushroom supplements daily depends on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the quality of the supplement, and individual health conditions and medications. While medicinal mushrooms are generally regarded as safe to consume when adhering to the recommended dosage of specific products, they are known to interact with blood thinners, diabetes medication, and other drugs. The lack of safety data also makes them unsuitable for those with bleeding disorders and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Before starting a daily mushroom regimen, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications. For the best experience, you should opt for natural mushroom products from reputable companies. Azarius Medicinal Mushrooms are natural extracts from 100% fruiting bodies, vegan, 100% natural, and free from harmful chemicals.

There are several easy and effective ways to incorporate powerhouse medicinal mushrooms into your daily diet and supplement routine. These include:

• Medicinal mushroom powders and blends: Loose mushroom powders are a flexible product and are easy to add to soups, smoothies, teas, and coffee substitutes.
• Mushroom capsules and tablets: Supplements in capsule and tablet form offer pre-determined dosing and are naturally easy to add to an existing supplement regimen.
• Dried medicinal mushrooms: You can add natural dried culinary mushrooms, such as lion’s mane and maitake, into stews and soups. Likewise, dried medicinal species such as turkey tail and natural reishi are suitable for decocting into teas.

Whether medicinal mushrooms are worth it for you depends on your health goals and personal experiences. Many people find that adding functional mushrooms to their daily routine comes with the anecdotal benefits of improved immunity, cognitive enhancement, and a noticeable energy boost. Because the scientific evidence surrounding these fungi remains inconclusive, they are not guaranteed to produce the same outcomes.

It’s important to have realistic expectations when using natural mushroom extracts and supplements, but you’ll only really know how they work for you after trying them for yourself. Factor in the cost, any health benefits you experience, and how well they fit into your supplement regimen. Also, consider taking the time to find the products that work for you, from a particular mushroom powder blend to a certain extract.

When taking medicinal mushrooms, the effects can vary depending on the species you consume. The following effects are anecdotally associated with different adaptogenic mushroom species:

• Immune system support: Early research and anecdotal accounts suggest that certain molecules, such as the beta-glucans found in reishi, can help to assist the immune system.
• Increased energy: Many users find that using cordyceps extracts helps them gain an energetic edge both in and out of the gym.
• Mental clarity: Lion’s mane has gained popularity for its use as a nootropic, helping to boost cognitive function and mental clarity.
• Nervous system regulation: As adaptogens, species such as reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are thought to bring balance to the body and mind.