Fall is one of the most rewarding seasons for mushroom foraging. Cooler nights, damp soil and falling leaves create the perfect conditions for fungi to flourish. Whether you are new to mushroom hunting or just curious about what grows in your region, learning to identify common species can help you feel more connected to the season. Before heading out, remember that some mushrooms have toxic look-alikes. Always forage with a guide or field book, and when in doubt, don’t eat it. If you prefer a safer way to bring mushrooms into your daily routine, check out Fantastic Fungi’s Elixirs and Gummies made from USDA certified organic mushrooms.* Oyster mushrooms Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are among the easiest to spot. They grow in clusters on fallen logs and decaying wood, often appearing after a rainy spell. Their soft caps range from gray to pale brown, and they have a delicate flavor that works well in stir-fries and soups. Oyster mushrooms are packed with nutrients and health benefits, too.* Lion’s Mane Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is unmistakable thanks to its cascading, white spines that resemble a shaggy pom-pom. Found on hardwood trees like oak or beech, Lion’s Mane is valued not only for its seafood-like flavor but also for its support of memory and focus.* If you’re not likely to come across Lion’s Mane in the wild, you can still enjoy its benefits with Fantastic Fungi’s Mindful Elixir or Memory Gummies, which feature organic Lion’s Mane extracts.* Maitake Known as “hen of the woods,” Maitake (Grifola frondosa) forms large, frilly clusters at the base of oak trees. This mushroom has been treasured in Japan for centuries and is delicious when sautéed or roasted. Maitake also supports immune health and helps maintain blood sugar levels already within a normal range.* Fantastic Fungi’s Immunity Elixir include Maitake alongside Turkey Tail, Chaga and Elderberry for well-rounded seasonal support. Turkey Tail Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) gets its name from its fan-shaped layers that look like the tail feathers of a turkey. You’ll see it growing on logs and stumps, adding a pop of color to fall forests. Turkey Tail is one of the most studied functional mushrooms, known for its immune-supporting polysaccharides.* Since it is too tough to eat fresh, it is best consumed as an extract. Try Protect Capsules, Immunity Elixir or Energy Elixir from Fantastic Fungi for an easy way to incorporate Turkey Tail into your routine.* Foraging Safety Tips For Beginners Use a reliable guidebook or app, and confirm your finds with multiple sources Learn from local mycology groups or join a guided foraging walk Avoid areas sprayed with pesticides or close to roadways Only harvest mushrooms you are 100% sure are safe Exploring the woods in fall can be a grounding experience, whether or not you bring home edible mushrooms. And thanks to Fantastic Fungi’s organic extracts, you can enjoy the wellness benefits of mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Maitake and Turkey Tail without ever leaving your kitchen. p.s. Want all the excitement of foraging without the disappointment of coming home empty-handed? Treat yourself to the Fall Forager Box — while you can!  Photo credit: Kim Leary

When we think of mushrooms for memory and energy, two stand out right away: Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps. Lion’s Mane supports clarity and memory, while Cordyceps fuels energy and endurance.* Together, this dynamic duo offers support for cognitive and physical vitality.* Lion’s Mane for the Brain* Lion’s Mane is celebrated as a nootropic mushroom. Its shaggy, brain-like fruiting body supports memory, nerve health and mental clarity.* It’s known for stimulating nerve growth factor, which encourages neuronal growth and resilience.* Research suggests that regular use may promote memory retention and learning, particularly in older adults.* Cordyceps as a Natural Power Source* Cordyceps delivers a lift without the jitters. This wormlike orange mushroom is used in herbalism to promote stamina and energy, as well as a healthy sex drive.* A top pick for athletes, Cordyceps may promote exercise performance, according to research.* (Hint: That’s why people like it in the bedroom, too!) Try Them in These Fantastic Fungi Formulas For focused clarity and vitality: Wake Capsules* Pure and potent, these capsules feature USDA‑certified organic Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Chaga - a beautiful blend to promote mental clarity, learning and lasting energy.* We think they’re perfect for focused work and all-day endurance.* Learn more. For brain fuel: Memory Gummies* These delicious gummies blend organic Lion’s Mane, clinically studied KSM‑66 Ashwagandha and Choline to support memory, learning speed and stress‑resilient recall.* Each serving delivers Lion’s Mane for memory and recall, Ashwagandha for stress-resilient memory and Choline for learning and cognitive processing.* Learn more. For energy without the buzz: Energy Elixir* Want to pair your mushrooms with herbs? This caffeine‑free adaptogenic elixir blends triple‑extracted Cordyceps and Turkey Tail with Ginseng and Rhodiola to uplift energy, boost stamina and support stress resilience.* The vegan formula is lab‑tested for potency and made to carry you through demanding days.* Learn more. Cultivate a Calm Yet Energized Mind–Body Rhythm Curious about how to integrate these two mushrooms into your day? Start the morning with Wake Capsules for clarity and endurance.* When you start to feel tugged in multiple directions by midday, shift into focus mode with Memory Gummies, helping you concentrate during creative or demanding tasks.* Later, a dropperful of Energy Elixir can give you that extra boost until it's time to rest and relax. There’s no wrong way to integrate mushrooms into your daily routine. Experiment with a ritual that works for you and your lifestyle. Maybe it’s keeping Memory Gummies in your desk drawer, adding Energy Elixir to your herbal iced tea or cooking up Lion’s Mane for dinner!

In forests all over the world, something remarkable is happening beneath the surface, all the time. A vast, intelligent network of fungi connects trees, plants and even entire ecosystems. These invisible threads act as nature’s communication grid, allowing organisms to share nutrients, warn of danger and support one another in times of stress. Scientists have called it the Wood Wide Web, but we see the magic underfoot as a reminder of something deeper. As humans, we were never meant to go it alone. Just like the mycelial network, humans thrive when we’re connected. Yet in today’s fast-paced, always-online world, many of us feel more isolated than ever. The constant noise can distract us from what truly matters – real relationships, deep conversations and the grounding support of community. That’s why, when things get tough, we look to fungi for inspiration. Mycelium doesn’t rush. It doesn’t compete. Instead, it connects and cooperates. We believe emotional well-being is just as important as mental clarity or physical vitality. Feeling grounded, supported and connected isn’t a luxury. It’s part of a life well-lived. And just like a forest, our inner ecosystem needs care, balance and connection to thrive. Building community doesn’t have to mean big gatherings or endless commitments. It can be small and meaningful: checking in on a friend, starting a book club, sharing a homemade meal or brewing up some mushroom-infused matcha and inviting a neighbor to join you. Creating daily rituals can also help foster a deeper connection – with yourself and with others. A few drops of Mindful Elixir before meditation. A daily dose of Gratitude Elixir as part of a journaling practice. These moments become reminders that you’re not alone. Just like mycelium, we all have something to give, whether it’s a kind word or helping hand. Connection grows when we reach out and listen. True wellness includes the ability to show up for others as well as yourself. That’s why we want to help you engage more fully with the world around you. Whether it’s our Mind Capsules for focus or Chill Elixir to support calm, our formulations are created to help you reconnect with what really matters.* That’s the real power of fungi. They don’t just support ecosystems, they model a way of life rooted in collaboration, care and resilience. Let’s take a cue from the mycelial network. Let’s slow down, stay present and keep showing up for one another, to create something truly fantastic.

There’s nothing like travel – or a staycation – especially in summer. Whether you're road-tripping down back roads, flying across time zones or rediscovering your hometown, stepping out of your daily routine is good for the mind, body and soul. But travel can also bring disrupted sleep, not-so-healthy food, packed schedules and constant motion. It can take a toll on your energy, focus and mood.  We’re big believers in staying connected to daily practices that nourish you, even when you’re away from home. After all, aren’t the best trips the ones where you feel just as good coming home as you did when you left? Here are a few simple ways to support your well-being on the move all summer long: 1. Start Your Day with Intention When your schedule’s packed or you’re in an unfamiliar environment, grounding rituals can remind you of what matters most. Begin each morning with a few deep breaths and a slow stretch. Take a moment to feel your feet on the floor. Sip something warm and nourishing, like Mighty Mushroom Matcha. Or bring along our Mind Capsules, a daily dose of Lion’s Mane that supports clarity and focus while you’re on the go.* 2. Stay Hydrated, Stay Balanced It sounds simple, but hydration is often overlooked while traveling. Dehydration can zap your energy and affect digestion, mood and sleep. Carry a reusable bottle, sip water throughout the day and skip the extra round of coffee and cocktails. Add a dropperful of Chill Elixir to your evening tea or a glass of sparkling water to support calm when you’re winding down from the day’s adventures.* 3. Pack with Presence Resist the urge to overpack. Instead, choose items that bring you comfort and ease. A journal, a favorite snack, your favorite mushroom elixir – anything that helps you stay centered. Small things can make unfamiliar places feel more like home. 4. Get Outside and Move Your Body No matter where you are, nature is usually nearby. Take a short walk between travel legs, sit under a tree at a rest stop or watch the sunset from a hotel balcony. Nature helps recalibrate your nervous system, especially after the hustle and bustle of transit. 5. Stick to Your Routines We tend to abandon our routines on vacation, but a few consistent habits can make a big difference. Even one daily ritual – taking your daily supplements, going for your usual run or unplugging a couple of hours before bed – can help you feel more balanced. 6. Practice Gratitude on the Go Long lines, delays and detours are all part of travel. But so are moments of awe and unexpected connection. Keep a short gratitude list on your phone or take a few minutes each night to reflect. This shift in perspective supports emotional well-being and can deepen your travel experience. Need suggestions? Browse this list of 26 ways to practice gratitude every day. Wherever this summer takes you, remember to take care of yourself. A vacation or trip should be about connection and experiencing new things, but try not to deplete your energy and vitality along the way! Remember: You deserve to rest. (Need help slowing down? Turn to mushrooms.) Image credit: Fellipe Ditadi

When it comes to healthy sleep, only about 65% of adults are getting enough. The other 35% of us are tossing and turning — and clocking less than the recommended seven hours of shuteye per night.  To get the rest you deserve, rewind from the moment your head hits the pillow. What’s happening in the hours leading up to your bedtime? In nature, routines are all around us, offering subtle yet strong cues that it’s time to wind down. The sun sets, flowers close up for the day and the forests quiet down.  In today’s busy world, we often ignore those cues, continuing to work, text and scroll well after dark. If you’re working to prioritize sleep, let the natural world be your guide. If nature can move with intention into rest, so can we. A calming nighttime routine can help you shift from the stimulation of the day to the restoration of night. And when that routine is rooted in natural rhythms, it becomes more than a habit. It becomes a ritual. Here’s how to build an evening routine that supports relaxation and sets the stage for deep rest, with the help of Reishi, a mushroom revered for centuries for its calming properties.* Use the steps below to create your own routine, remembering it’s about finding peace not perfection.  Your Step-by-Step, Nature-Inspired Evening Routine Turn Down the Lights As the sun goes down, dim the lights in your home. Warm, soft lighting tells your body it’s time to slow down. Whenever possible, watch the sun set, since that’s nature’s signal that rest is near. Tune Out the Noise Step away from your screens at least an hour before bed. While scrolling or watching TV might feel relaxing, the blue light emitted by devices can interfere with your circadian rhythm and make it harder to honor your natural sleep-wake cycle.  Sip Something Soothing Mix a dropperful of the Chill Elixir into warm water or your favorite tea. This calming botanical blend includes Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms with Vervain and Holy Basil, an adaptogen that can help you cope with the day’s stresses.* Let this be your first “exhale” of the evening. Move Gently Take five to 10 minutes to gently stretch or do restorative yoga. Moving with intention can help release tension stored in the body and prepare you for stillness. You might even try taking a silent stroll around your neighborhood to listen to the soothing sounds of nature at rest.  Reflect and Release Use the time before bed to reflect on the day and clear some mental clutter. In your journal, write a few lines about what you’re grateful for today or what you’re ready to let go of.  You could also try writing a mantra or coloring for a more meditative practice.  Lean on the Queen  Looking for a melatonin-free way to support restful sleep?* Our gentle Fantastic Fungi Sleep Capsules blend the Queen of Mushrooms herself (Reishi) with Passionflower and Hops. This herbal duo has traditionally been used to support restful sleep and nightly renewal, and Reishi is revered for its relaxing qualities.* Keep a jar on your bedside table as a nightly reminder to invite calm into your P.M. routine. Practice Stillness Lie down and simply breathe. Inhale through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Envision yourself getting heavier physically and lighter mentally with each breath. Let your thoughts drift like clouds instead of letting them take root. Rest with Intention As your body sinks into your bed, feel yourself growing rooted, like mycelium into the soil. Sleep is the time your body will restore and renew itself, to prepare for tomorrow. Give thanks for the day and give yourself over to rest. 

In today’s hustle culture, we’re praised for productivity and told sleep is something to be earned. So when we prioritize rest, it can feel downright rebellious. But what if we told you that stillness isn’t just restorative? It’s also resilient. And fungi, nature’s humblest teachers, can show us how to pause, reflect and recharge. At Fantastic Fungi, we believe that rest is not a reward for hard work, but a vital ingredient in living a fantastic life. Just as mushrooms thrive in the unseen corners, quietly supporting nature in ways we’ve only begun to understand, we can also benefit from stepping back and taking care of ourselves by seemingly doing nothing. Read on to learn how stillness is a form of resilience, why rest truly matters and how fungi can help us learn to pause.  The Wisdom of the Mycelial Network Beneath our feet lies a vast and intelligent network that operates through connection and patience. Mycelium spreads slowly and deliberately, pausing when needed, conserving energy and waiting for the exact right conditions to grow. It reminds us that thriving doesn’t require constant motion. Mushrooms aren’t in a rush. And maybe we don’t need to be either. Next time you feel pressured to push when you want to be still, consider how mycelium would react in that situation.  Stillness is Strength Were you raised to believe that doing nothing is wasting time? A lot of us were. But research shows that intentional rest can boost mental clarity, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. When we slow down and breathe deeply, our nervous system gets a chance to reset. Rest is when our body begins to repair, our mind starts to settle and creativity has room to blossom. Our culture may not always celebrate rest, but nature does. Mushrooms grow in cycles after periods of dormancy. Their stillness is strategic, not stagnant. It's how they survive, adapt and support life around them.  Struggling to find your chill? Carve out a few minutes to make taking your favorite mushroom Elixir into a daily ritual. Fantastic Fungi Chill Elixir harnesses the peaceful power of Reishi, plus Shiitake and the herbs Holy Basil and Vervain to help you unwind naturally.*  Set a timer for five to 15 minutes, turn off notifications, put your feet up and savor every drop of this serene, restful formula. Our mushroom products support a balanced life — one that’s truly fantastic and honors both energy and ease. Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps have been studied for their ability to support the body's response to occasional stress and fatigue.* While nothing can replace rest, these mushrooms can be part of a toolkit that supports your body and mind during demanding times.* Our Chill Elixir and Sleep Capsules are crafted with this in mind. Backed by science and inspired by nature, they’re designed to help you create space for restoration.  Reconsider How You Define Rest  Rest isn’t just about sleep — it’s about how we show up for ourselves in quiet moments. Whether it’s 10 minutes of breathwork, an afternoon walk in the woods or simply sitting with your thoughts, choosing to do less can help you become more present and grounded. By promoting focus and mental clarity, Lion’s Mane (a key ingredient in our Memory Gummies) can help you stay in the moment.* This resistance to multitasking and rushing is its own form of “rest.”  So next time you feel pulled to do more, consider doing nothing instead. Let fungi be your role models. They’ve been resting, growing and changing the world for millions of years. Photo Credit: Fahmi Ramadhan

Spring is a time of renewal, a chance to reset, refresh and embrace habits that help you feel your best. By making small, intentional changes, you can support your well-being and bring out your natural glow — literally and metaphorically. Shake off those winter doldrums and feel your best with nine simple ways to revitalize yourself this season: 1. Start with Mushrooms Since spring is the season to start fresh, consider a new-to-you mushroom. Already a pro when it comes to Reishi, Chaga and Lion’s Mane? Head to our Fungi Field Guide to find another mushroom to learn about and integrate into your daily routines.  2. Practice Mindful Eating Spring is a great time to slow down and be more intentional with your meals. Chewing food thoroughly and savoring each bite can help support digestion and encourage a greater connection to the nourishment you receive from whole foods. Keep things simple, like soups made with slow-simmered mushroom broth and salads or stir-fries with the season’s greens.  3. Spend More Time in Nature. Getting outside — whether for a short walk, foraging adventure or simply breathing fresh air — is never a bad idea. Spending time in nature is the perfect antidote to doom scrolling. 4. Embrace a Growth Mindset. Spring symbolizes growth, making it a great time to set new intentions. Taking small, consistent steps toward your goals and being kind to yourself along the way can help create positive momentum in your life. As a reminder, your growth mindset can be a slower one.  5. Deepen Your Gratitude Practice. Writing down a few things you appreciate each day can help shift focus toward positivity. This simple habit may help cultivate a sense of contentment and inner balance. Already have a practice in gratitude? Browse our list of 24 ways to give thanks.  6. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation. Good sleep is an essential part of feeling your best. Creating a calming evening routine — such as limiting screen time, sipping herbal tea or reading a book — can help you unwind and support overall wellness. You might also consider adding our Sleep Capsules to your P.M. routine. They contain a blend of organic Reishi fruiting body extract, Passionflower and Hops extracts. Sleep is formulated to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.*  7. Level-Up Your Hydration.  Staying hydrated is key to feeling refreshed. Try adding natural ingredients like cucumber, citrus or berries to your water for a flavorful twist that encourages hydration. Craving something beyond water? Brew up a cup of our new Mighty Mushroom Matcha made in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil.  8. Express Yourself.  Whether it's painting, writing, music or movement, creative activities offer a fun way to express yourself — and let go of what you’re carrying over from seasons past. Creative pursuits help bring joy and a renewed sense of energy. 9. Glow from the Inside-Out.  We love changing up our Elixirs rituals with the seasons. In spring, consider reaching for our great-tasting, vegan Beauty Elixir. It blends Tremella and Chaga organic mushroom extracts with Horsetail and Acerola Berry to give you a glow from the inside-out.* Try it in your morning smoothie or afternoon herbal tea.  By making small, intentional shifts this spring, you can refresh your mind, nourish your body, and cultivate a natural glow that radiates from within. Which of these practices will you try first?