Understanding Adaptogenic and Functional Mushrooms
Adaptogenic and functional mushrooms have a long history of providing health and wellness benefits to the body. But what exactly are they, and what do they do? Read on to learn everything you need to know about adaptogenic and functional mushrooms, their benefits, and how you can book a herbal consultation at Wellness on Whyte.
Adaptogens vs. functional mushrooms
While adaptogenic and functional mushrooms are similar, they have slight differences. Adaptogens can be found in any type of plant that helps to support the body and its stress response. Functional mushrooms, on the other hand, are only fungi (not other plants), and specifically fungi that have health-supporting benefits for the body. Not all adaptogens are functional mushrooms, and vice versa, but adaptogens and functional mushrooms are often found in blends together.
What do adaptogenic and functional mushrooms do?
Adaptogenic and functional mushrooms contain active biological compounds (polysaccharides, antioxidants, triterpens) that can help reduce stress and work to balance the body.
These aren’t hallucinogenic mushrooms, but they help to alleviate some of the negative effects stress can have on the body, and improve the way the body handles stress, whether that’s mentally or physically.
Other benefits adaptogenic and functional mushrooms may provide:
- Improved focus
- Better mood
- Mental clarity
- Reduced fatigue
- Regulate and lower cholesterol and blood sugar
These mushrooms are often used in Indigenous Medicine Practices, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other ancient healing systems.
Common types of adaptogenic and functional mushrooms
Chaga: Chaga is full of antioxidants, and it is effective in reducing inflammation, lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, and fortifying the immune system. It also contains plenty of nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals.
Lion’s Mane: Lion’s Mane possesses neuroprotective benefits. This means it has been shown to support nerve regeneration, maintain the health of neurons, and even promote growth of neurons in some cases (by stimulating Nerve Growth Factors). This can result in mental clarity, boosts in creativity and concentration, a reduction of anxiety and depression, and a more efficient stress response between neurons.
Turkey Tail: Turkey Tail mushrooms have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In other words, they are fantastic immune-boosters! Turkey Tail mushrooms are also full of antioxidants that the body needs, and they can reduce oxidative stress damage. Additionally, the mushrooms can reduce gut inflammation and help encourage a healthier gut.
Reishi: Reishi mushrooms are known to have adaptogenic properties that help to support your body’s adrenal glands and nervous system in general. Adrenal glands produce cortisol which is a hormone that helps your body respond to stress, particularly long-term stress. Reishi regulates cortisol levels. The mushroom also helps reduce anxiety, and it is full of antioxidants that can decrease inflammation and improve overall immune health.
You can often find these types of mushrooms in a variety of different forms such as capsules, teas, powders, coffee alternatives, and more. Wellness on Whyte carries a number of Harmonic Arts products to help you on your wellness journey.
It’s important to consult a wellness professional before incorporating adaptogenic and functional mushrooms into your diet and wellness routine. Book a herbal consultation with Michaela Gorman to determine which blends are best for your health and lifestyle.
