Continue Your Mushroom Education
Whether you’re new to the magic and mystery of mushrooms or consider yourself a seasoned mycophile, there’s always more to discover. For as long as we’ve been on the planet, fungi have been here. Both humans and plants owe our evolution to fungi (the kingdom to which mushrooms belong).
By bringing mushrooms into your routines and rituals, you can start to integrate the wisdom and teachings of nature into your everyday life. Learn about the benefits, history and traditional uses of some of the most revered mushrooms on the planet.
Turkey Tail
The most widely researched mushroom*
Turkey Tails are the most widely researched mushrooms due to their support of the immune system.* These striped mushrooms are used extensively in China and Japan. They get their name from the colorful fans their fruiting bodies form, which resemble the tails of turkeys. Turkey Tails offer antioxidant support and are native to North America, Europe and Asia.
Scientific Name
TRAMETES VERSICOLOR
Benefits
ANTIOXIDANT, IMMUNITY*
Tremella
Promotes healthy skin & beauty*
Tremella is a type of mushroom known as a jelly fungus. It can hold hundreds of times its weight in water. It was traditionally used to promote healthy skin (aka beauty!) and bones and to support a healthy memory and metabolism.* Tremella also offers support to the immune system.*
Scientific Name
TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS
Benefits
ANTIOXIDANT, IMMUNITY*
SHIITAKE
A culinary mushroom popular for immune support*
Shiitake mushroom has been used for millennia to support immune health in China and Japan.* Its name comes from the Japanese word for “oak,” since the tasty mushroom grows on fallen broadleaf trees. Widely studied for its immune-supporting qualities, Shiitake also offers antioxidant support and promotes skin, liver and cardiovascular health.*
Scientific Name
LENTINULA EDODES
Benefits
IMMUNITY*
MAITAKE
Hen of the woods
Maitake is known as hen of the woods or the dancing mushroom, which dates back to feudal Japan, where they were worth their weight in silver. Edible and native to Asia, Europe and North America, Maitake mushrooms support immune health, healthy blood sugar levels within normal ranges and some aspects of cardiovascular health.*
Scientific Name
GRIFOLA FRONDOSA
Benefits
CLARITY, FOCUS, COGNITION, MOOD, IMMUNITY*
LION'S MANE
A nootropic for brain health*
Lion’s Mane is a tasty nootropic mushroom that supports the brain – including memory, focus and nerve health.* Native to Europe, Asia and North America, Lion’s Mane is a large, shaggy white mushroom that somewhat resembles a brain (and a lion’s mane, of course). In addition to cognitive well-being, Lion’s Mane also supports gut and immune health.*
Scientific Name
HERICIUM ERINACEUS
Benefits
CLARITY, FOCUS, COGNITION, MOOD, IMMUNITY*
CORDYCEPS
An adaptogen for active lifestyles*
Cordyceps is an adaptogenic mushroom that promotes stamina, endurance and energy.* Popular among athletes and those who want to maintain an active lifestyle, Cordyceps’ use dates back to imperial China.* In the wild, these orange mushrooms grow on caterpillars, but we only offer products made with cultivated, vegan Cordyceps.
Scientific Name
CORDYCEPS SINENSIS (WILD), CORDYCEPS MILITARIS (CULTIVATED)
Benefits
ENERGY, PERFORMANCE, IMMUNITY*
CHAGA
The incognito immune mushroom*
Chaga mushrooms are among the highest sources of natural antioxidants — and they offer potent immune support.* Commonly found on birch trees in cold climates across Eastern Europe and North America, Chaga grows as a sclerotia (canker) on a host tree. It looks more like burned wood than a mushroom (what a clever “disguise”). Traditionally used in Russian herbalism, Chaga offers support against UV exposure.*
Scientific Name
INONOTUS OBLIQUUS
Benefits
ANTIOXIDANT, IMMUNITY*
REISHI
Queen of mushrooms
Reishi mushroom is known as the “mushroom of immortality” and the queen of mushrooms. It is an adaptogen that supports a healthy response to stress, as well as a tonic that promotes longevity and healthy aging.* Used for over 4,000 years, Reishi supports healthy sleep and rest, as well as immune health.*
Scientific Name
GANODERMA LUCIDUM
Benefits
IMMUNITY, MOOD, RELAX, SLEEP*
Supplement Formats
TINCTURES
Mushrooms extracted into a liquid
Tinctures are alcohol- or glycerin-based liquid extracts. Their strength depends on the ratio of mushroom fruiting bodies (or herbs) to the liquid. Some tinctures are “dual-extracted,” meaning both alcohol and hot water are used to unlock different beneficial compounds. Alcohol helps preserve the tincture and increase the absorption rate of the active ingredients in mushrooms, including beta-glucans. In glycerin-based tinctures (glycerites), the alcohol is evaporated, then glycerin is added.
CAPSULES
Liquid or powdered mushroom extracts in a capsule
Capsules contain either liquid or powdered extracts of functional mushrooms. (Powdered extracts start as a liquid and are then dried and ground.) For those accustomed to taking supplements in this form, capsules offer convenience and familiarity. The beneficial compounds in mushrooms are locked inside the cell walls, so they need to be extracted for your body to access them.
POWDERS
Dried and pulverized mushroom extracts
Powders are a type of mushroom extract. They are not the same as dried, ground mushrooms. Powders are first extracted using alcohol and/or water, then dried and pulverized, for optimal strength and health benefits.* The active compounds found in mushroom cell walls need to be extracted for your body to absorb them. eliver essential B vitamins, which are tasked with energy support.*
SUPERFOODS
Foods and beverages containing mushrooms
Superfoods deliver the benefits of functional mushrooms and other botanicals in a delicious food or drink form. In addition to liquid or powdered mushroom extracts, they often contain herbs and nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Superfoods are a tasty, easy way to integrate the health benefits of mushrooms into your daily meals and snacks.*
GUMMIES
A tasty, convenient & vegan delivery system
Gummies deliver a chewy, tasty way to experience the health benefits of functional mushrooms.* We only stock vegan gummies that use fruit pectin and other plant-based ingredients, combined with functional mushroom extracts and other botanicals.
Benefits Guide
ENERGY
ENERGY (ener•gy) Noun
Protecting the planet can take a lot out of you — but you have allies in the mushroom kingdom to help keep your batteries charged.* For sustainable energy, look to Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane and Shiitake for support.*
Favored by athletes, Cordyceps is an adaptogen that promotes stamina, endurance and energy.* Lion’s Mane is a nootropic that supports memory, focus and nerve health.* Shiitake mushrooms deliver essential B vitamins, which are tasked with energy support.*
IMMUNITY
IMMUNITY (i•mmun•ity) Noun
What’s at the top of our gratitude list? A healthy immune system, supported by some remarkable mushrooms.* For optimal immune health, reach for Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake and Turkey Tail.*
The beta-glucans and other compounds in mushrooms support the immune system’s function and responses.* Chaga and Turkey Tail possess potent antioxidant properties.* Reishi is a versatile tonic and adaptogen.* Turkey Tail and Shiitake have been extensively researched for immune support.*
FOCUS
FOCUS (foc•us) Noun
Protecting the planet can take a lot out of you — but you have allies in the mushroom kingdom to help keep your batteries charged.* For sustainable energy, look to Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane and Shiitake for support.*
Favored by athletes, Cordyceps is an adaptogen that promotes stamina, endurance and energy.* Lion’s Mane is a nootropic that supports memory, focus and nerve health.* Shiitake mushrooms deliver essential B vitamins, which are tasked with energy support.*
RELAX
RELAX (re•lax) Noun
If you want to change the world, you’re going to need to get a good night’s sleep first! Make Lion’s Mane and Reishi part of your evening routine to promote relaxation and help you let go of the day.*
Lion’s Mane is a nootropic that supports the brain and mood.* Reishi is a tonic and restorative adaptogenic mushroom that supports healthy rest and a healthy response to stress.*