A Brief Explanation of Functional Mushrooms

Have you heard of functional mushrooms? They’re a new trend in Western alternative medicine, and the hype appears justified. Ancient Greek and Far Eastern practitioners have used fungi as medicine for thousands of years. Now, the Western world is catching up and exploring the therapeutic value of these remarkable organisms. It seems that mushrooms may offer immune-boosting properties and support everything from digestive health to mental well-being. But is there scientific proof to support these claims?
While the trend is relatively recent and surrounded by numerous overblown claims, today, we’re cutting through the noise. Keep reading to discover functional mushrooms’ reported benefits, available species, and ways they may support holistic health.

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are a category of fungi celebrated for their health benefits. Their effects are multi-faceted and species-dependent, but they all appear to support human well-being. Resources usually divide these mushrooms into two groups:

• Medicinal mushrooms: Packed with beneficial bioactive compounds, like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Adaptogenic mushrooms: Containing adaptogens, compounds that help combat the adverse effects of chemical, physical, and biological stress.Many functional fungi possess both medicinal and adaptogenic properties. In the future, psychedelic mushrooms might also enter this category for their potential mental health benefits. Currently, we consider functional mushrooms as dietary supplements. While they may support wellness, they are unlikely to treat illnesses alone. Therefore, they are best used as preventative measures alongside healthy living practices and, when necessary, pharmaceuticals.

Functional Mushrooms: Species and Benefits

According to Tero Isokauppila, author of Healing Mushrooms and a holistic living expert, there are currently fifteen known species of functional fungi. Here are the seven prominent in Western alternative medicine, along with their reported benefits:

• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may support individuals with autoimmune diseases, diabetes, IBS, and depression. It is also said to improve cognitive functions, heart health, and immunity.
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): Consumed for lung health and natural energy, this mushroom may lower blood pressure and alleviate asthma by loosening airways. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial against stress, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): Recognized for immune-enhancing properties, it is rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation and prebiotics to promote gut health. It contains polysaccharopeptides that may increase white blood cell counts, and the other boosts resistance to toxins.
• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Offers anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, energy-boosting, and immune-enhancing property. It may reduce cholesterol levels, supply vitamin B for energy, and provide selenium to soothe acne scarring.
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Dubbed the ‘king of medicinal mushrooms’ for its antiviral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It might stimulate white blood cell production to fight off illnesses and potentially reduce the risk of cancer.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): A well-known immunity booster in Eastern medicine, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that assist against stress and soothe symptoms of conditions like arthritis and IBS. Reishi may also help fight cancer cells.
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa): May aid type 2 diabetes patients by improving glucose levels and reducing cholesterol. Its antioxidant activity and vitamin-rich composition may enhance the immune system.

Where Are Functional Mushrooms Available?

Would you like to incorporate functional mushrooms into your diet? Obtaining them in raw form can be challenging, as many species are rare and not native to the US. Fortunately, the growing popularity of these mushrooms has led to a swift market response. You can now find functional fungi supplements in many health food stores. Their popularity has also attracted health and beauty care manufacturers looking to harness natural ingredients. For instance:

• Reishi and Chaga: Found their way into face masks, creams, and even blushes by companies like Milk Makeup.
• Clevr Blends: Infuses their coffee blends with mushrooms to enhance their brews.
• Meati: Produces plant-based meat alternatives packed with the benefits of functional mushrooms.
• Fungtn: A British beer company offering myco-adaptogenic, alcohol-free, feel-good beers.

Who Should Try Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms may safely support most people’s journey to better health. However, people who are pregnant, lactating, or receiving medical treatment should first consult with their physicians. Reported side effects are rare, but research is still in its early stages. Improper or excessive use might lead to adverse effects like insomnia and nausea. Therefore, it’s essential to read supplement labels and proceed with caution. 

Better Health With Mushroom Power

There’s potentially much to gain from incorporating functional mushrooms into your lifestyle. While research is still limited, anecdotal claims are numerous and optimistic. We expect science to provide more information on the benefits of mushrooms in the coming years. And we’re excited about what the future holds.

Reading about this topic has only increased our enthusiasm for the fifth kingdom. Do you feel the same? If yes, visit our shop to order lab-grade mushroom spore syringes. Supplement your large-scale exploration with amateur microscopy.

All content and images on our site are for informational reference only. The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is federally illegal in the United States. We do not promote the cultivation of psilocybin “magic” mushrooms under any circumstances. Do not contact us asking for advice related to this subject. Any products found on this site are for microscopy and taxonomy purposes only. None of the psilocybin mushroom spores we offer are for consumption or cultivation. We do not sell any products containing psilocybin.