Functional Mushrooms and the best time to consume them

Functional mushrooms, like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps etc. are types of fungi known as adaptogens. They help your body and mind adapt to stress and support overall well-being. Adaptogens work by interacting with your body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, to regulate stress hormones like cortisol. Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, functional mushrooms do not cause hallucinogenic effects but improve your overall health and wellbeing and are completely legal and safe to use. Following is a list of Organic Mushrooms and the best time to consume them during the day.

Lion’s Mane, with its distinctive white, shaggy appearance, is a powerful adaptogenic mushroom known for boosting brain function, memory, and mental clarity. It’s popular among students, professionals, and seniors for its cognitive benefits and support for a healthy nervous system. Lion’s Mane can be consumed anytime during the day, often added to coffee or tea, or taken as a supplement.

Reishi, also known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has a shiny, reddish-brown cap and is valued for its immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties. It helps relieve stress and supports a healthy immune system. Reishi is best consumed in the evening for its calming effects and can be taken as a tea, tincture, or powder in drinks and recipes.

Chaga, a mushroom that looks like a dark, burnt mass on birch trees, is great for overall health and skin protection. Rich in antioxidants, Chaga helps combat oxidative stress and supports a healthy immune system. It can be consumed in the morning or afternoon as a tea, added to coffee, or taken as a tincture or powder.

Cordyceps, a parasitic fungus that grows in the wild, is highly valued for its energy-boosting properties, making it a favourite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It enhances vitality, improves physical performance, and supports respiratory health, helping with asthma and allergies. Cordyceps extract powder is best consumed in the morning or before physical activity and can be added to smoothies, and coffee, or taken as capsules, gummies or tinctures.

Turkey Tail, with its colourful, fan-like appearance, is packed with polysaccharides that support immune health and promote gut wellness. It offers antioxidant benefits, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Turkey Tail can be consumed anytime during the day and is commonly added to warm beverages, broths, soups, and smoothies, or taken as a supplement.

Maitake mushrooms, with their large, feathery clusters, offer a unique flavor and are versatile in cooking. They are known for boosting the immune system and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Rich in antioxidants, Maitake combats oxidative stress and inflammation. You can enjoy Maitake any time of day, adding it to stir-fries, risotto, broths, soups, teas, and smoothies, or take it as a supplement in capsules, powder, or tinctures.

Ashwagandha, a root adaptogen, is well-known for its stress-relieving properties and support for adrenal function. Though not a mushroom, it’s often included in discussions about adaptogens. It can be consumed anytime during the day, often in the evening, and is commonly added to warm beverages, and smoothies, or taken as a supplement.

As per general recommendations, an adult should consume 2-3 grams of mushroom extracts per day for best results. Please note that this is not medical advice, and you should consult with a medical professional at your discretion before using any supplements for medical purposes.