Medicinal Mushrooms 101
The benefits and brands to try
The benefits and brands to try
As medicinal mushrooms continue to rise in popularity, I thought it could be helpful to break down some of the potential benefits and share a handful of different brands to explore. Perhaps you’ve seen mushroom varieties like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail pop up in smoothies and supplements out in the world — luckily, there are a few interesting formats of foraged mushrooms to choose from if you’re looking to incorporate them into your wellness routine.
Rainbo Forest Juice, $31 + Earth & Star Dark Chocolate, $60 for 12 bars
Medicinal mushrooms have the potential to increase your energy, provide immune support, offer a measured response to inflammation, support brain health and the nervous system, and they’re full of antioxidants. Mushrooms act as antibacterial, immune system enhancers and cholesterol lowering agents; as a result of these properties, some mushroom extracts are used to promote human health. Read on for a roundup of brands offering a range of medicinal mushrooms in powder, chocolate and syrup form. (1)
MUD\WTR MASALA CHAI, $50 or $40 on subscription
This blend from MUD/WTR is an all-natural, organic, mushroom-based coffee alternative. Each serving contains over 2,000mg of adaptogenic mushrooms and 1/7th the caffeine as a cup of coffee. The brand’s mushrooms are sourced in the United States and their ingredients are 100% USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and vegan, and their coffee alternatives are centered around naturally energizing you without jitters or a crash.
Wooden Spoon Herbs Mushroom Magic, $36
Six medicinal mushrooms in this liquid supplement from Wooden Spoon Herbs help to balance energy, support digestion, and calm stress. Dual-extracted and sweetened with cinnamon and vanilla, you can take 3 ml (with the included measuring dropper) 3 times daily. Add a dropperful to still or sparkling water, juice, tea, smoothies, cocktails and mocktails to instantly make any beverage plant-powered. This supplement is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, vegan and gluten free.
GOLDE SHROOM SHIELD, $20
This creamy cocoa blend from Golde is boosted with functional mushrooms (like reishi and turkey tail) for immunity and stress defense. This powder supplement is ideal to add to your coffee, a smoothie or milk of choice for a hot or cold cocoa situation. It’s sweetened with natural monkfruit extract and is vegan-friendly.
Sunwink Cacao Clarity, $24
This blend of cacao, maca and mushrooms is great for adding to your morning smoothie or in hot water as a coffee alternative. Benefits may include clarity, focus and vitality. All ingredients are USDA-certified organic, vegan and non-GMO, and Sunwink is a women-founded business with 2% of revenue going back to non-profits.
Rainbo Reishi Super Mushroom Tincture, $40
This organic Reishi tincture from Rainbo is a potent and bioavailable dual extract that is made to be taken every day. For millennia, Reishi has been regarded as the "Elixir of Immortality” and Queen of medicinal mushrooms. Reishi has been shown to be adaptogenic, helping to increase energy and resistance to stress and may support sleep, the immune system and liver function. There are 50 servings per bottle and this tincture is cruelty-free, vegan, organic, non-GMO, paraben-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, phthalates-free, reef safe, artisan made, and comes in recyclable packaging.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to buy any of the products I refer to and promote. All opinions are my own. Information on this page should not be considered professional medical advice. Please consult a physician before use of any mentioned products or substances.