What Are The Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Mental Health?
What Are The Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Mental Health?

Read time: 4 min

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties.

They are rich in polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and other compounds that have been shown to boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and improve mental health.

In recent years, medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity as a natural supplement for various mental health conditions. 

Such as Mushroom Coffee. 

In this article, we will explore the best medicinal mushrooms for mental health and how to use them effectively.

  1. Lion's Mane Mushroom

Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a potent cognitive enhancer that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

It contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which stimulate the production of nerve growth factors in the brain.

Nerve growth factors are essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons, and low levels have been linked to depression and cognitive decline.

Studies have shown that Lion's Mane mushroom can improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments.

In a study of 30 Japanese men and women, those who consumed Lion's Mane mushroom extract for four weeks showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group.

Another study found that Lion's Mane mushroom extract improved memory and concentration in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

When to take Lion's Mane mushroom:

Lion's Mane mushroom can be taken in the morning or afternoon to improve cognitive function and concentration.

How to take Lion's Mane mushroom:

Lion's Mane mushroom can be consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as an extract. It is recommended to take 500-1500 mg of Lion's Mane mushroom extract per day for optimal cognitive benefits.

  1. Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

It contains compounds called triterpenes and polysaccharides, which have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.

Studies have shown that Reishi mushroom can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

In a study of 132 individuals with neurasthenia, a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, insomnia, and irritability, those who consumed Reishi mushroom extract for eight weeks showed significant improvements in mood and sleep quality compared to the placebo group.

When to take Reishi mushroom:

Reishi mushroom can be taken in the evening to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

How to take Reishi mushroom:

Reishi mushroom can be consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as an extract. It is recommended to take 1-2 grams of Reishi mushroom extract per day for optimal mood and sleep benefits.

  1. Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

It contains compounds called cordycepin and adenosine, which have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue.

Studies have shown that Cordyceps mushroom can improve exercise performance, reduce fatigue, and improve cognitive function in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

In a study of 20 elderly individuals, those who consumed Cordyceps mushroom extract for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group.

When to take Cordyceps mushroom:

Cordyceps mushroom can be taken in the morning or afternoon to improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue.

How to take Cordyceps mushroom:

Cordyceps mushroom can be consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as an extract. It is recommended to take 1000-3000 mg of Cordyceps mushroom extract per day for optimal cognitive and fatigue. 

  1. Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Russian and Scandinavian medicine for centuries.

It contains compounds called polysaccharides and betulinic acid, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Studies have shown that Chaga mushroom can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are both implicated in the development of mental health disorders.

In a study of 50 individuals with anxiety and depression, those who consumed Chaga mushroom extract for four weeks showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to the placebo group.

When to take Chaga mushroom:

Chaga mushroom can be taken in the morning or afternoon to reduce inflammation and improve mood.

How to take Chaga mushroom:

Chaga mushroom can be consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as an extract. It is recommended to take 1000-3000 mg of Chaga mushroom extract per day for optimal anti-inflammatory and mood benefits.

  1. Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

It contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.

Studies have shown that Turkey Tail mushroom can improve immune function and reduce inflammation. In a study of 24 individuals with breast cancer, those who consumed Turkey Tail mushroom extract for six months showed significant improvements in immune function compared to the placebo group.

When to take Turkey Tail mushroom:

Turkey Tail mushroom can be taken in the morning or afternoon to improve immune function and reduce inflammation.

How to take Turkey Tail mushroom:

Turkey Tail mushroom can be consumed as a tea, in capsule form, or as an extract. It is recommended to take 1500-3000 mg of Turkey Tail mushroom extract per day for optimal immune-boosting benefits.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties.

They contain compounds that have been shown to boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and improve mental health.

Lion's Mane mushroom, Reishi mushroom, Cordyceps mushroom, Chaga mushroom, and Turkey Tail mushroom are some of the best medicinal mushrooms for mental health.

They can be consumed as teas, in capsule form, or as extracts.

If not tried our mushroom coffee, it is loved by many all around the world. 

Our mushroom coffee contains, 1250mg of organic medical mushrooms: Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane. 

It is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.