Benefits of Adaptogenic Mushrooms

There is no shortage of powders, capsules, and supplements on the market that promise to boost your health and help you reach your goals. Maybe you’ve recently noticed that adaptogenic mushrooms have joined the lineup and taken the health and wellness world with great force. Though they might be new to you, adaptogenic mushrooms have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and boast many amazing health benefits that make their recently gained spotlight justified. These include their immune boosting properties, their ability to decrease blood pressure, improve concentration, and increased energy. Seems too good to be true? Keep reading to learn more about what really makes adaptogenic mushrooms so great, and why you should consider adding them to your wellness routine.

What are adaptogenic mushrooms?

Unlike the well known portobello mushroom, and other types of mushrooms you might add to your pizza, adaptogenic mushrooms are special types of functional mushroom that have a long history of use in Eastern medicine. An adaptogen is a natural substance that works synergistically with the body to adapt to stress and return your body to its desired equilibrium. Adaptogens are able to increase the body’s natural resistance to different types of stress, and decrease the risk of stress-related damage and disease. To accomplish such a task, adaptogens target the HPA axis (the body’s main system involved in the stress response) and provide support to this essential body system. 

Some plants and fungi, specifically including mushrooms, possess these adaptogenic properties and as a result can be an important addition in one’s health journey. Before continuing on, we should note that there are differences between medicinal, adaptogenic, and dietary mushrooms. This article is specifically referencing adaptogenic mushrooms.

Curated’s Top Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Reishi Mushroom

When considering getting started in the adaptogenic mushroom world, Reishi mushroom is a great place to start. Also known as the Queen of Mushrooms, the Mushroom of Immortality, or Ganoderma Lucidum, the research behind this mushroom is astounding. Reishi is shaped like a saucer and ranges in many different colors. The most researched form of Reishi is red Reishi, which is found on Hemlock trees. As you might expect, the Queen of Mushrooms has many health-boosting qualities, and you would be right. 

Regular consumption of Reishi boosts restorative sleep and supports the body’s natural sleep cycles, which may have something to do with its ability to modulate the body’s stress response. Reishi actively supports the adrenal glands (the glands that secrete cortisol and other important stress hormones), and may help to protect against stress induced anxiety—something we could all likely use a bit of support with. Reishi has also been shown to support your immune system as it has high levels of antioxidant properties, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans—all of which support immune function.

Reishi is naturally bitter, which makes it great for the body but maybe not so enjoyable for your tastebuds. Most people find that they can enjoy the taste of Reishi when it is added to already bitter beverages (like coffee or hot chocolate) to mask its taste. Reishi is also available in supplement form. Check out our favorite Reishi here. For even more stress-reducing benefits, consider pairing Reishi with our Tranquility Now Curation.

Chaga Mushroom

The use of Chaga mushrooms in Eastern medicine dates many centuries back. Also known as Inonotus obliquus, Chaga mushroom is found on the bark of birch trees. It grows in cold climates, so is most often found in places such as Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada, Alaska, and Europe. It has long been given in tea form, though modern resources and processing have made it available in capsule or powdered form as well.

Chaga is most well known for its ability to boost immune health and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that chaga is able to reduce long-term inflammation, and although inflammation is a natural and healthy response by the immune system, chronic inflammation is not. In fact, chronic long-term inflammation has been linked to many serious conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Regular consumption of Chaga may promote formation of cytokines, which are a specialized protein that helps to regulate the immune system. Consequently, chaga is able to stimulate the white blood cells. These important immune cells are important for protecting the immune system and fighting off pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Some research has also found that Chaga may prevent the production of harmful types of cytokines, which triggers inflammation and increases damage to your delicate microbiome.

The best way to consume Chaga is in tea, capsule, or powdered form. There are many options available, though one of our favorites is this one. Consider pairing your Chaga supplement with one of our Be Well curations for even more immune-boosting support.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane mushroom has received a lot of recent attention for its brain boosting benefits, which are just as interesting as its unique, mane-like appearance. These mushrooms are typically found from late summer to fall, and grow on broadleaf trees.

There are many amazing, brain-boosting benefits that come with regular consumption of Lion’s Mane. To start, research has found that this mushroom may support brain function by increasing neurite growth (growth of dendrites and axons from neurons) in the brain. This is amazing news, and has the potential to impact brain health research and treatment. Increased neurite growth is thought to potentially slow or reverse cellular degeneration in the brain, and thus decrease the risk for different neurological impairments. Consistent consumption of Lion’s Mane has also been shown to stimulate cognitive function, and improve memory and suggest protective effects against other neurodegenerative disorders.

Lion's Mane mushroom is often found in powdered or supplement form. It is usually mild in flavor and appealing mixed into beverages along with other adaptogenic mushrooms. For a great powdered form, click here. Looking to maximize your brain power? Pair your Lion’s Mane with our Brain Power Curation.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are yet another mushroom with a multitude of health benefits. Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants, they have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have recently become a popular energy boosting supplement in the Western wellness realm. There are hundreds of species, and most are native to Eastern Asian countries such as China, Nepal, Thailan, and Vietnam. The mushroom has a long, finger-like body that looks strikingly similar to a caterpillar, and thus is often referred to as the caterpillar fungus! Harvesting wild cordyceps is painstakingly difficult, making them an extremely expensive supplement. In fact, a kilogram of Cordyceps can cost thousands of dollars. As a result, many of the supplements today are actually made from an engineered fungal culture that biologically matches the wild mushroom version.

Cordyceps are the active individual's dream mushroom as they actively increase the body’s production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)- a molecule that is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. Research supports that this has positive effects on performance, VO2 max, and overall exercise capacity.

In addition to exercise benefits, cordyceps may also help to lower blood sugar levels and has been traditionally used for this purpose in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

For a trustworthy capsule option, check out our favorite source of Cordyceps here. Pair cordyceps with our Active Man or Active Woman Curations for targeted energy support.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

To round out our favorite mushrooms we will finish with Turkey Tail. As you might suspect, this mushroom looks very similar to an actual turkey’s tail- hence its name! 

Turkey Tail is most well known for its immune boosting properties and has traditionally been used to fight infections. It is thought to help modulate the immune system, whether underactive or overactive, and restore it to homeostasis. This can be attributed to Turkey Tail’s potent polysaccharide amount, specifically polysaccharide K (PSK) polysaccharide peptide (PSP)9,10. These have been shown to support a healthy immune system and manage inflammation, two very important characteristics for keeping you healthy! This mushroom is not only immune boosting, but possesses gut boosting benefits as well. It’s high amount of antioxidants and nutrients support a healthy and balanced gut flora, which in turn supports the immune system.

It is often brewed into teas for easy consumption, but is also available in supplement form as well. To see our favorite powdered form of Turkey Tail, click here. Magnify Turkey Tail’s inflammation-fighting power by pairing it with our Inflammatory Response Curation.

Do you have more questions about choosing the right mushroom or mushroom blend for you? Schedule a one-on-one consultation for personalized guidance from one of our experienced practitioners who are ready to guide you on your journey to optimal wellness, and help you to make sense of all of the confusing supplement advice to find the right choices for you. 

About the Author

Emily Alexander, M.Ed, FNTP—Emily is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner with Curated Wellness. She is passionate about supporting others in their journey to improve their relationship with food and their body through gentle nutrition, and is a firm believer that understanding the bio-individual components of nutrition is one of the best ways to do so. Emily completed her Master’s of education in health education and promotion with a concentration in eating disorders, and draws from both her educational background and life experience to help her clients improve their energy, understand their bodies, boost their athletic potential, and break down diet myths one at a time. Read more about Emily.

The information presented on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Statements within this site have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any specific condition or disease, nor is it medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health conditions or concerns. One should always consult a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary and/or lifestyle change or new health program. Curated Wellness does not take responsibility for any health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content.

References

1. Liao, L. Y., He, Y. F., Li, L., Meng, H., Dong, Y. M., Yi, F., & Xiao, P. G. (2018). A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chinese medicine, 13, 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9 
2. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/ 
3. Ko, S. K., Jin, M., & Pyo, M. Y. (2011). Inonotus obliquus extracts suppress antigen-specific IgE production through the modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 137(3), 1077–1082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.024 
4. Mishra, S. K., Kang, J. H., Kim, D. K., Oh, S. H., & Kim, M. K. (2012). Orally administered aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus ameliorates acute inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 143(2), 524–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.008 
5. Lai P.L., Naidu M., Sabaratnam V., Wong K.H., David R.P., Kuppusamy U.R., Abdullah N., Malek S.N. “Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia.” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54.  
6. Mori, K., Obara, Y., Moriya, T., Inatomi, S., & Nakahata, N. (2011). Effects of Hericium erinaceus on amyloid β(25-35) peptide-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), 32(1), 67–72. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.32.67
7. Katie R. Hirsch, Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, Erica J. Roelofs, Eric T. Trexler & Meredith G. Mock (2017) Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation, Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14:1, 42-53, DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386 
8. Lo, H. C., Tu, S. T., Lin, K. C., & Lin, S. C. (2004). The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fruiting body of Cordyceps in diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Life sciences, 74(23), 2897–2908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2003.11.003 
9. Blagodatski, A., Yatsunskaya, M., Mikhailova, V., Tiasto, V., Kagansky, A., & Katanaev, V. L. (2018). Medicinal mushrooms as an attractive new source of natural compounds for future cancer therapy. Oncotarget, 9(49), 29259–29274. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.25660 
10.  Sekhon, B. K., Sze, D. M., Chan, W. K., Fan, K., Li, G. Q., Moore, D. E., & Roubin, R. H. (2013). PSP activates monocytes in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: immunomodulatory implications for cancer treatment. Food chemistry, 138(4), 2201–2209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.009