Medicinal mushrooms
New to mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms have taken the health world by storm in the last couple of years. Many of us now regularly add a spoonful of reishi or lion’s mane to our morning coffee. However, the world of these special mushrooms can seem a bit intimidating when you’re first looking into it.
In essence, they are simply specific fungi with health-supporting properties which extend beyond their nutritional value. For example, they contain beta-glucans, a special type of polysaccharide linked with immunity support.
How to choose the right mushroom for you
Each mushroom has its own individual strengths to bring to the table. Lion’s mane is associated with focus, calm and a balanced mood, while cordyceps is energising and revitalising.
We have lots more information on these mushrooms and others in our Editorial, or you can check out our Erbology Guide below.
Functional mushrooms or medicinal mushrooms: what’s the difference?
‘Functional mushrooms’ is simply another term for medicinal mushrooms. You may also hear them referred to as ‘adaptogenic mushrooms’. All these terms mean the same thing, which is that these particular mushrooms have a ‘functional’ health use.
The term ‘adaptogenic mushrooms’ recognises the fact that these fungi are classed as part of a family of plants and fungi called ‘adaptogens’. These plants and fungi have a modulatory effect on the body. As a result, they can help you cope during times of physical and mental stress.
