What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Keep reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• Functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Chaga mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to boost immunity and mental clarity.
• Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, functional mushrooms don't have psychoactive effects but instead provide health benefits through bioactive compounds.
• Some potential health benefits of medicinal mushrooms include supporting brain function, promoting a healthy stress response, reducing inflammation, and enhancing energy levels.
• Adaptogenic mushrooms are now commonly added to coffee, tea, and supplements as an easy and enjoyable way to consume them.

See Related: What Are The Next-Day Side Effects Of Delta 8?

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are fungi that provide potential health benefits beyond nutrition. Functional mushrooms are usually classified as either medicinal mushrooms or adaptogenic mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that can provide potential health benefits, while adaptogenic mushrooms contain adaptogens (compounds that help the body adapt to and fight off stress).   

Ancient societies long ago discovered the unique health benefits of regular mushroom consumption.

Romans called mushrooms the “Food of the Gods.” The Chinese valued both their interesting flavor profile and their various nutritional benefits, and edible mushrooms were often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

While the term “functional mushroom" is generally used in reference to supplements, it’s important to remember that we are discussing a relatively straightforward whole-food ingredient.

Functional medicine is based on treatment plans that reflect unique individual needs over cookie-cutter solutions. It utilizes natural remedies that are designed to tackle the root cause of problems.

Where Western medicine often focuses on symptom management, functional medicine believes that natural solutions for underlying problems can better support overall wellness.

Are Functional Mushrooms the Same as Magic Mushrooms?

Psychedelic mushrooms contain a chemical compound known as psilocybin. Psilocybin is essentially the magic in “magic mushrooms!”

This chemical has a powerful psychoactive effect that can lead to distorted perceptions of reality.

In other words, it gets you high!

Some use psilocybin in small doses for improved relaxation and mental clarity. Research on the power of microdosing is still in its infancy, but early results seem promising.

While daily mushroom consumption is conceptually associated with “microdosing,” the functional mushroom phenomenon does not involve exposure to mind-altering drugs. Functional mushrooms are usually used as a generally safe dietary supplement.

Are Functional Mushrooms Legal?

Functional mushrooms are legal, as they are classified as dietary supplements in all fifty states. As dietary supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA, except in certain cases.

Are Functional Mushrooms Safe?

Functional mushrooms are considered safe in moderation and when taken as directed. They are also rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties that can support the immune system, enhance cognitive function, and help manage blood sugar.

They are also high in vitamins that can benefit your overall wellness. These include:

• Vitamin D - Essential for bone health and immune function.
• B Vitamins (especially B12) - Helps convert food into energy for your body.
• Selenium - A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Copper - Essential for red blood cell production and nerve cell maintenance.
• Beta Glucans - Boosts immune system function and helps fight inflammation.

Functional mushrooms also have many therapeutic applications and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, functional mushrooms aren't an ideal wellness solution for everyone! Some people may experience mild cases of gastrointestinal distress. Others may experience lower blood pressure or low blood sugar levels after taking functional mushrooms, though these effects are rare.

In fact, a recent study by the National Health Institute suggests that this effect may be beneficial to people with diabetes, whose pancreas produces little to no insulin.

If you are concerned about the potential side effects or feel you might fall into an “at risk” category, speak to your doctor before trying functional mushrooms.

Bonus: Operating A Dispensary In Ohio: A Comprehensive Guide

Functional Mushroom Supplements vs. Traditional Consumption

There are a few reasons why functional mushroom products are a better choice for people than traditional consumption.

• Regularity. Even if you eat a lot of mushrooms, you probably aren’t consuming them every day. Supplemental doses ensure that you receive their benefits, regardless of what is on the menu.
• Dosage control. The dosages for supplements are constant and carefully measured. You know exactly what you are getting and can tailor your consumption to ensure it aligns with your goals.
• Absorption. There is some debate over how well nutrients are absorbed when consumed in a processed form. It is true that processed doses can focus more directly on the nutrients that are most valuable to consumers. This may enhance absorption over time—particularly when they are consumed in combination with other nutrients found in a balanced diet.

There are also valid personal reasons for choosing supplements over regular consumption. Maybe you simply don’t like the way mushrooms taste. Supplement doses allow even picky eaters to enjoy balanced nutrition!

How to Consume Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms can be consumed in several ways. This includes:

• Powered and placed in capsules
• Added to gummies
• Seeped in tea
• Extracted into tinctures
• Brewed in coffee
• Cooked in soups

& many more!

Powdered mushrooms are usually somewhat tasteless, while food-based applications have a unique, flavorful taste. Dosage recommendations will vary based on concentration.

Can You Eat All Functional Mushrooms?

You might think, “Why consume mushrooms in pill form when they are better in omelets?” The challenging aspect of introducing functional mushrooms into your diet the old-fashioned way is that you need to be careful how you eat them.

Lion's Mane is a good example.

People consume Lion's Mane in supplement form as a way to help regulate their mood, support brain health, and support digestive health.

Lions Mane is safe for consumption in small doses. But in larger quantities, it can be toxic. There have been some reported instances of stomach pain and disorientation, ranging from mild to severe.

Regardless of your choice of mushrooms, you should avoid foraging. There are more than 80 species of poison mushrooms, many of which closely resemble the products you buy at the store.

Where Can You Buy Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are a fast-growing staple. They are available at many supplement stores, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.

Clean Remedies will soon add a new functional mushroom collection to our shelves this month, which will include two new products: the Multi-Daily Functional Mushroom Tincture and Multi-Daily Functional Mushroom Gummies.

These powerful and uplifting formulas will contain a unique blend of six different functional mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Chaga, and Shiitake.

Keep Reading: How Long Does It Take To Detox From Marijuana?

--

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

--

Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.