When most people hear the word mushrooms, their minds almost immediately shoot to magic mushrooms or psilocybin. Over the years, magic mushrooms and functional mushrooms or “Adaptogenic Mushrooms” have become popular for various reasons. Magic Mushrooms have been researched and used in depression treatments.
At the same time, functional mushrooms have been used for centuries for their medicinal and adaptogenic properties. The most significant difference between Magical Mushrooms and functional mushrooms is that functional mushrooms are fully legal within all 50 states, and magical mushrooms are classified as schedule 1 drugs (currently) in most states.
This blog will cover functional mushrooms, the most common types of functional mushrooms, how they can be used, and what Great CBD Shop has to offer!
What Are Functional Mushrooms?
As stated previously, functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for their high nutritional value and the benefits received beyond containing essential nutrients. Mushrooms have long been used in Eastern Medicine and culture and have only recently been recognized in the west for their powerful health benefits.
Functional mushrooms are often broken down into two distinct categories. Medicinal Mushrooms and Adaptogenic Mushrooms. Some types of mushrooms may also fall under both categories. Below we will briefly go over these two categories.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that provide specific health benefits. Many of these mushrooms offer anti-oxidative and cytotoxic properties. In lay-mans terms, they can help stop the oxidation of cells and aid in killing harmful cells within the body.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms: Adaptogenic mushrooms contain adaptogens. Adaptogens are compounds that help our bodies adapt or fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress. Unlike medicinal mushrooms that may aid in bringing down inflammation or fighting a cold, adaptogenic mushrooms help our bodies’ stress response systems function correctly.
In 2022 the world and our bodies can benefit from including these functional mushrooms in our routines. Our world is filled with things that can disrupt our immunity and create stress within the body leading to sickness. Consider functional mushrooms your preventative care and insurance in a high-stress world full of pollutants!
What Are Some Of The Most Popular Functional Mushrooms And Their Benefits?
It is thought that there are over 2000 species of mushrooms that are either edible or medicinal. Fifteen of these are considered to have functional or adaptogenic properties that help to support overall well-being and health. This group of mushrooms is thought to support us in a wide variety of ways, including lowering stress levels, sharpening cognitive function, and providing clean and natural energy.
These mushrooms are also loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, and polysaccharides, which help support a healthy immune system and smooth digestion. Although all of these mushrooms work on overall health and immunity, each specific mushroom also has its benefits. We will review some of the most widely used mushrooms and what we consider our top 3 below.
Reishi-Reishi mushrooms are known as the “immortality mushroom” or the queen of mushrooms. This mushroom is known to supercharge immunity and increase stamina. From an adaptogenic standpoint, they offer whole-body wellness by supporting a calm body and mind by helping regulate cortisol levels.
Chaga-While Reishi mushrooms are referred to as the queen of mushrooms, Chaga takes the title king of mushrooms. Chaga is widely used for its robust antioxidant and DNA-protecting properties that help protect the body from free radicals and boost immunity and anti-aging.
Cordyceps-Cordyceps mushrooms are known to provide clean, lasting energy and increase stamina. This makes them a perfect mushroom to include in energy-boosting supplements. Aside from fighting off fatigue, cordyceps have health benefits as well. They produce potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may aid in reducing cholesterol.
Lion’s Mane-Lion’s Mane mushrooms are the “smart mushroom,” boasting many cognitive benefits. Lion’s Mane supports the nervous system and is thought to replenish neural pathways between the brain and stomach. It also promotes good gut health, which aids with cognition, memory, and mood. It is often used in focus supplements and nootropic stacks.
Shiitake-Shiitake mushrooms work to help improve overall immune function. They also aid skin health, energy levels, and cardiovascular health. This type of mushroom is also loaded with b-vitamins aiding in hormone support and digestion of food into energy.
Turkey Tail-Turkey Tail mushrooms are a well-known immunity booster. They are high in antioxidants and prebiotics, which promote gut health and can reduce inflammation.
All these mushrooms also have adaptogenic properties that boost mood, energy, and focus and protect your body from stress. That being said, functional mushrooms are often used in nootropic stacks alongside caffeine to boost the effects further.
Out of these functional mushrooms, personally, our top 3 are Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga. These are our top 3 due to their adaptogenic properties and overall effects. Reishi mushrooms help your body to manage occasional stress, which is highly important to overall health and longevity. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are excellent for producing focus, productivity, and creativity. They also pair perfectly with caffeine. Chaga is king for a reason. This mushroom is filled with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, defend against free radicals, and regulate the immune system.
What Are Common Misconceptions Associated With Functional Mushrooms?
The two biggest misconceptions and commonly asked questions about functional mushrooms are: Are These psychedelic mushrooms, and do they taste like culinary mushrooms?
The answer to both of these questions is no. Functional mushrooms do not produce any “high” or “trip” as they do not contain psilocybin or other psychedelic compounds like magical mushrooms. They can produce feelings of focus and alertness but nothing beyond that.
Regarding tasting like culinary mushrooms, they will not taste like portabello or other culinary mushrooms, but they have a bitter earthy taste if consumed raw or cooked. In most cases, you will not have to worry about the taste of functional mushrooms as most supplements will be in gummy, tincture, capsule, or other edible forms where the flavor is masked.
What Is The Best Way To Add Functional Mushrooms To Your Wellness Routine?
As the popularity of functional mushrooms has grown in the west, so have the options for consuming them. You can add functional mushrooms to your routine and reap the benefits in many different ways!
Some of the best options available are easy to add to any routine! It’s as simple as taking a tincture dropper in the morning, eating a gummy, or even taking a piece of chocolate on the go.
The most significant benefit of adding functional mushrooms into your routine is that it is quick, simple, and convenient. These options take out all leg work, offering pre-dosed blends catered to your specific needs!
There are many functional mushroom supplements catered to energy and focus, immunity and overall wellness, sleep, and other options! Putting functional mushrooms into these supplements also masks their bitter taste making it easy for all users to consume!
Where Can I Buy Functional Mushroom Supplements?
There are functional mushroom supplements available here at Great CBD Shop! Currently there are tinctures, capsules, gummies, and mushroom chocolates available with more products incoming! If functional mushrooms aren’t your cup of tea, we also have magic mushroom spores available for research as well!
Happy Mush Mushroom Extract Energy Tincture
This Mushroom Extract tincture is a concentrated extract containing cordyceps, shitake, ginseng oil, guarana, and CBD. This specific formulation is catered to producing energy and focus over a long duration while also offering an overall sense of well being. This tincture is the perfect supplement for users looking for a boost to make it through the day!
Happy Mush Mushroom Extract Immunity Gel Caps
These gel caps combine immunity boosting powerhouses Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Reishi to keep your immune system running optimally. This combination also helps to regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress. It is well known that keeping stress low is highly important to overall health, immunity, and longevity!
Happy Mush Mushroom Extract Sleep Gummies
This blend contains Reishi mushrooms, myrcene, linalool, and CBN. Not only does this blend help reduce overall stress and regulate cortisol levels with reishi to create an optimal sleep environment, it combines other natural plant based ingredients to ensure once you get to sleep you stay there!
Shruumz Microdose Edibles | Shrooms + HHC
Shruumz Microdose Edibles blend functional mushrooms with cannabinoids to mimic micro dosing. Microdosing is when a user takes a smaller dose of magic mushrooms than needed to produce an actual “trip” but still produces euphoric feelings and minor mushroom headspace. These tasty treats do just that! Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga promote a sense of overall well being and euphoria while HHC swoops in producing a minor high.
The Takeaway
Functional Mushrooms are a product that EVERYONE can benefit from. Whether a user is looking for a clean energy boost with no crash or to add to their overall health and well-being, functional mushrooms can help.
In 2022 the world is filled with things that add stress to our daily lives and pollutants that cause buildup and sickness in the body. Functional mushrooms are an effective way to create balance within the body and ensure we are functioning optimally.
To Learn More About Functional Mushrooms, Check Out Our Other Related Blogs!
What Are Functional Mushroom Extract Gummies? What Are There Benefits?
What Are Functional Mushroom Tinctures? Everything You Need To Know
Functional Mushrooms Quick FAQS
