The Best Mushroom Supplements

Mushroom supplements are taking over the wellness space, with more and more people turning to fungi for their therapeutic effects. There are thousands of types of mushrooms, and many can be very beneficial for improving the health of the body and mind.

Each type of mushroom can provide different benefits and a unique flavor and texture. But since consuming mushrooms in their natural form, cooked or raw, isn’t always convenient and often doesn’t taste good, mushroom supplements have become very sought-after.

Different species of mushrooms are available as supplements in powder, extract, or capsule form. Choosing the right fungus supplements to meet your needs with so many different species is often overwhelming. In the following best supplement reviews, we explore which mushroom species may be suitable for specific conditions.

What are Mushroom Supplements?

Mushroom supplements are natural health products infused with dried mushroom extract, typically in capsule or powdered form. Other mushroom supplements include tinctures, gummies, teas, and lattes.

These supplements aim to provide a healthy dose of functional mushrooms in a highly concentrated form. Moreover, the idea is to give users a way to incorporate mushrooms into their daily health regime easily. Mushroom extracts are most effective when used consistently over time.

Here at VidaCap, our most popular offering is the Pure Mushroom Capsules. There are five varieties to choose from; lion’s mane, turkey tail, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga. Capsules are straightforward to use and very convenient to take while on the go.

We also recently added powders and gummies to our collection. Powders can be blended into hot water or added to smoothies, coffee, soups, and other foods, in the same way you would use plant-based protein powder. Our gummies are tasty and can be consumed the same way you eat regular gummies.

Unlike mushrooms found in the supermarket, mushroom supplements boast additional health-boosting properties. Some are believed to reduce stress, while others may increase energy levels, support immune function, boost brain health, and more.

The History of Medicinal Mushroom Supplements

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine around the world for centuries. They were especially popular in China, Japan, and Egypt, and records show they were used for both food and medicine.

In Chinese medicine, the use of medicinal mushrooms dates back thousands of years, when traditional health practitioners touted mushrooms for their vast array of uses. According to ancient medical texts, mushroom extract was used for everything from increasing vitality to fighting off infection, depending on the mushroom.

Additionally, researchers found evidence written in hieroglyphics that Egyptians believed medicinal mushrooms to be the plant of immortality. Called the “sons of the gods,” the theory was that mushrooms were sent to Earth on lightning bolts and eaten only by pharaohs and nobles. Similarly, in ancient China, reishi was known as “the mushroom of immortality” and served only to the Emperor.

There is also evidence of ancient Romans and Greeks using several medicinal mushrooms - specifically, Lycoperdon perlatum, the common puffball, beneficial for healing wounds. During the rise of modern medicine in Rome and Greece, Hippocrates, Pliny, and Seneca documented the medicinal power and uses of mushroom supplements.

The Western world is only just beginning to understand what ancient civilizations instinctively knew about the power of mushrooms. Research is ongoing, but there is already significant evidence to suggest that certain functional mushrooms promote different aspects of well-being.

Best Mushroom Supplements

There are tons of mushroom species, each with its own distinct benefits. VidaCap has carefully crafted a line of mushroom supplements incorporating certain species for various potential health benefits.

The best mushrooms for health will depend on your reason for using the fungi. Below, we look at certain mushroom powders, mushroom pills, and mushroom gummies that may be useful for particular health needs.

Best Mushroom Supplements for Brain Health

When it comes to mushroom supplements for brain health, lion’s mane comes out on top. Lion’s mane is coveted for its nootropic effects, meaning it may improve cognitive function and mental performance. Moreover, supplementing with lion’s mane may also improve focus and boost memory and concentration levels.

While more research is necessary, it’s said that lion’s mane is a “thousand-year-old brain tonic” used by Buddhist monks to enhance focus during meditation. The mushroom is said to be very effective at stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), helping the brain perform at optimal levels.

At VidaCap, we sell lion’s mane in capsule and powdered form. Each capsule contains 750mg of lion’s mane extract, and there are 60 capsules per bottle. As for the powder, there are 60 grams of premium-grade lion’s mane powder per container.

Best Mushroom Supplements for the Immune System

In general, functional mushrooms are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients that boost the immune system. Therefore, mushroom blends are often an excellent choice for immunity.

VidaCap sells Immunity Blend Gummies, incorporating five mushroom species into delicious apple cider vinegar-flavored gummies. They include a mycomatrix blend of reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, lion’s mane, and maitake. Each gummy contains 500mg of the mushroom blend and 500mg of apple cider vinegar.

If you prefer a single mushroom dose over a blend, turkey tail is known for its immune-boosting properties. It’s packed with antioxidants and contains two potent immune-boosting compounds, Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP). VidaCap’s Turkey Tail Capsules are designed to support the immune system, and each capsule is loaded with 750mg of mushroom extract.

Best Mushroom Supplements for Treating Respiratory Infection

Cordyceps are known for having antifungal and antibacterial properties. Traditional Chinese medicine has promoted cordyceps for respiratory health, with the mushroom showing promise for certain respiratory illnesses like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

Research suggests that cordyceps extract can dilate bronchi, enhance the effect of adrenaline to relax the bronchi, and increase secretion in the trachea, thereby aiding in the treatment of various respiratory diseases.

At VidaCap, we sell Cordyceps capsules, which in addition to supporting respiratory health, may also support cardiovascular health, enhance athletic performance, and more.

Best Mushroom Supplements for Anxiety

Reishi has been a coveted tonic herb and a highly regarded adaptogen in Asia for thousands of years. Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi is also revered for its ability to support a sense of calm. By helping to manage stress levels by calming the nervous system, reishi promotes feelings of relaxation. At VidaCap, you will find reishi in the form of capsules and powder.

Chaga is another mushroom that may combat stress. It’s also a popular adaptogen - a class of herbs that helps the body adapt to stress. The theory is that by improving the health of the adrenal system and fighting fatigue, adaptogens reduce some symptoms associated with elevated stress levels. You can find Chaga capsules here at VidaCap.

What Is the Best Time to Take Mushroom Supplements?

There is no wrong time to take mushroom supplements, but consistency is key. For optimal results, you should consume the supplement daily and preferably at the same time each day.

Generally, though, timing depends on the person and what goals you have in mind. For instance, if you’re looking to support rest and relaxation, consuming your supplement in the evening before bed may be preferable. However, if you intend to support cognitive function or boost the immune system, you could take it every morning.

The type of supplement you use may also affect when is the best time to take it. For instance, if you choose a mushroom powder and want to blend it into your daily smoothie or coffee, morning use may be best. Ultimately, the aim is to find a way to incorporate it into your daily routine that is convenient and easy to remember.

Final Thoughts: Best Medicinal Mushroom Supplements

All in all, the best medicinal mushroom supplement depends on your reason for using it. If you’re looking to boost immune health, mushroom blends or turkey tail are excellent choices, while reishi is ideal for relieving anxiety.

Additionally, you can choose between mushroom supplements in various forms, including capsules, powders, and gummies. Some of the best reishi mushroom supplements are capsules, like those you will find here at VidaCap. We also sell some of the best lion’s mane mushroom supplements, available as capsules or powder.

Finally, it’s important to remember that consistency is important when using mushroom supplements. Be sure to consume your chosen product daily, preferably at the same time each day.