All About Medicinal Mushrooms

Boundless energy, bulletproof immunity, and a calm, collected composure in the face of a heaping inbox: this is the modern wishlist. There are some things that just can’t be solved with a third cup of coffee, and turning to a glass of red wine at the end of a demanding work day isn’t exactly the healthiest habit. Enter medicinal mushrooms -- a healing source that can help you move closer to these contemporary longings, verified by thousands of years of use in eastern medicine. What’s the best mushroom for you? We’re taking a look at 7 of our favorites.

Reishi 
Think of Reishi as your daily dose of balance -- it’s exactly what you need for that calm, collected feeling we’re all looking for. By lowering cortisol levels, reducing blood pressure, and relieving the effects of stress, Reishi is ultra-balancing and can lead to transformational mental clarity alongside strengthening the immune system. 

Chaga
Incredibly high in antioxidants and nutrients like zinc and B vitamins, Chaga is the mushroom to reach for when you’re in need of a serious immunity boost. You can find it in the Immune Shrooms Adaptogenic Elixir from Wylde One, which makes a great hot chocolate with a cup of nut milk, a tablespoon of cacao, a teaspoon of maple syrup, and a pinch of himalayan sea salt.

Cordyceps 
Look to Cordyceps while training for a half-marathon or as a sidekick to an intense workout -- it’s known for enhancing athletic performance and serving as a source of natural energy, all while helping the body handle stress. With inflammation-fighting properties to top it all off, you might find cordyceps to be a great addition to your morning routine. 

Lion’s Mane
A nootropic, Lion’s Mane naturally enhances memory, sharpens focus, and inspires creative thinking, which means it’s a great aid for any overflowing to-do list. Try mixing an elixir made with Lion’s Mane into nut milk for a morning brain boost before you get to work.

Shiitake 
Brimming with antioxidants, Shiitake mushrooms support the cardiovascular system by helping the body maintain healthy circulation, blood pressure, and immunity. Sautéed in olive oil with some garlic and a touch of salt and pepper, these mushrooms have a light, smoky flavor that’s great paired with brown rice or a pasta dish. These gummies are a great option, too. 

Maitake
Translating to “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, Maitake supports the digestive system while lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It’s also rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins B and C. 

Turkey Tail
Named for its resemblance to, you guessed it, a turkey tail, this mushroom works to boost the immunity and feed the good bacteria in the gut. Another star player in the Immune Shrooms Adaptogenic Elixir, which we recommend for recharging the body and strengthening your immune system -- founder Stephanie Park created the elixir with a “powerful, synergistic combination of 5 immuno-modulating mushrooms that work together to help strengthen and boost daily immunity and vitality, improve digestion and gut health, and protect the body against disease and infection.”