6 Adaptogenic Mushrooms + Their Benefits, Explained By A Functional Medicine Doctor

This doesn't mean you should eat any ol' mushroom you find the next time you feel anxious or sniffly. Some varieties are bioaccumulators, meaning that they absorb and store the chemicals that surround them, so you need to be super careful with sourcing the right 'shroom. With that being said, here are a few mushroom varieties that show some promise for their calming, adaptogenic properties.

In another study, the water-based extract of chaga exhibited antiviral activity against common infections2 such as the flu. Chaga is also packed with beneficial antioxidants3.

Shitake mushrooms are commonly used in cooking, and lucky for us they might potentially help protect the body against heart disease4 and lower cholesterol5, according to animal trials out of Japan.

In one literature review, Himematsutake, or Royal Sun Agaricus, was found to promote a healthy immune response6, though more research is needed to look into exactly how they work in the body. We do know that this type of mushroom is rich in β-glucans, a healthy dietary fiber.

About a dozen studies have been published on the neuroregenerative properties of lion’s mane so far. One small-scale study9 gave human patients four 250 mg tablets containing 96 percent lion's mane mushroom powder three times a day for 16 weeks. Those who took the lion's mane powder showed significantly increased scores on the cognitive function scale compared to the placebo group. Another small study found that the mushroom has the potential to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms10 in some cases.

Another double-blind placebo-controlled trial on humans 12found that cordyceps acted like an adaptogen, or hormone balancer, helping people struggling with fatigue increase their levels of energy and endurance.

Preliminary cell studies have shown that the polysaccharides and triterpenes in reishi13 extracts may help reduce excess fat storage and promote blood sugar balance due to their ability to down-regulate alpha-glucosidase14, the enzyme responsible for breaking down starches into sugars.

You should always talk to your doctor before introducing a new supplement into your routine. If you have the go-ahead to start experimenting with adaptogenic mushrooms, here are some tips on how to safely incorporate them into your well-being practice.

These superfood mushrooms typically come in a few forms:

Go for the form that works best for you and your daily routine. Of course, again, talk with your doctor about your interest in supplementing with anything.

Any way you bring healing mushrooms into your life, make sure they are organic and harvested from a trusted source.

You can add your fresh crop to everything from salads and soups to tonics and elixirs. For some inspiration, here's my favorite adaptogenic mushroom drink recipe:

Instructions