Move over magic mushrooms — functional mushrooms have entered the chat.
With wellness top of mind, particular ingredients have recently been gaining traction: most notably functional mushrooms, which are non-psychedelic fungi that can support brain health, immunity, stress responses and more.
“Wellness influencers have done a fantastic job in introducing functional mushrooms to the public, and the industry has grown immensely for these reasons,” says Lena Bakovic, MS, RDN and CNSC.
Functional mushrooms are currently available in a slew of forms, including powders, capsules, mints, sprays, chocolates and tinctures, and are generally considered to be safe.
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“Functional mushrooms are well-tolerated and pose little risk for most people, even if consumed daily,” Bakovic says.
“Mushrooms are efficacious allies with swift results,” says Amanda Chantal Bacon, founder of adaptogenic beauty and wellness company Moon Juice. “With habitual use, their benefits prove to be cumulative and undeniable. A great way to start is to choose one to three that speak to you and incorporate into your daily routine. The most powerful medicine is the one you actually take, so look for efficient ways to stack mushrooms into your existing daily rituals with coffee or smoothies in the morning, a hit of chocolate in the afternoon, evening tea or as part of your skin care.”
Here, a look at the top five functional mushrooms for beginners, the vibe they provide, expert recommendations and products to try.
Lion’s Mane
The vibe: Heading into a meeting-packed work day and need a brain boost.
The expert take: “Lion’s Mane is a potent nootropic that has been shown to lower cellular stress within the brain and enhance cognitive performance and function,” Chantal Bacon says.
Tonya Papanikolov, founder and chief executive officer of mushroom brand Rainbo, add “it boosts brain functions like focus, concentration, memory, brain fog and mood, supports neuron health and anxiety, and is anti-inflammatory.”
The product: For the ingredient alone, try Rainbo’s Lion’s Mane tincture, $40, or for a blend of other brain-boosting ingredients, like rhodiola, try Moon Juice’s Brain Dust, $38. Looking for something sweet? Try Alice Mushrooms Brainstorm, $29, a chocolate for sharp focus.
Turkey Tail
The vibe: Trying to avoid getting sick.
The expert take: “This powerful mushroom supports the immune system’s innate and adaptive immune responses,” Papanikolov says. “Turkey tail also supports a healthy inflammation response, protects DNA from damage and supports gut health through the polysaccharides in this mushroom that can positively alter the microbiome.”
The products: For the ingredient alone, try Real Mushroom’s Turkey Tail Extract, $35, or for a blend of 11 mushrooms to support everyday health, try Rainbo’s 11:11 tincture, $49.
Reishi
The vibe: The multitasking mushroom for the person who’s trying to do it all.
The expert take: “This mushroom has queen energy, and she is my favorite mushroom, especially for women,” Papanikolov says. “Reishi is a powerful adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body and mind adapt fluidly to stress, allowing the body to adjust and find balance. Reishi is great for hormone health as it supports the liver. It also supports the immune system and a long and healthy life.”
Chantal Bacon adds: “[It] can be eaten or used as a topical. Reishi hydrates and nourishes the skin barrier.”
The products: For the ingredient alone, try Anima Mundi’s Reishi powder, $42, or for a blend that boosts daily vitality, try Super Mush’s Daily Passion Gummies, $40. Seeking the skin-supporting benefits? Try Moon Juice’s hydrating serum Plump Jelly, $58.
Cordyceps
The vibe: Prepping for a busy day and need a jolt of energy.
The expert take: “The benefits are numerous, supporting energy, sexual function and libido, performance, and support of the lungs and kidney essence in traditional Chinese medicine. This mushroom is all about vigor and vitality,” Papanikolov says.
The products: For the ingredient alone, try Anima Mundi’s Cordyceps Energy Super Tonic, $45, or for a blend of energy-boosting and antioxidant-filled mushrooms and adaptogens, try Deon Libra’s Unbothered Adaptogenic Elixir, $54.
Chaga
The vibe: Feeling run down and seeking immune and energy support.
The expert take: “Chaga is traditionally used to support a healthy immune system. It’s also known to balance energy, help reduce fatigue and increase mental sharpness,” Chantal Bacon says. “Mix into a latte to help reduce fatigue.”
The products: For the ingredient alone, try Moon Juice’s Chaga powder, $48, or for a latte-like mix infused with cacao and cinnamon, try Renude’s Chagaccino, $45.
