Word on the street is that if you eat mushrooms, you will turn into a really fun guy! 

But, can that be true? We know many people have questions about mushrooms, so we intend to educate you on the wonderful benefits of fungi!  Adding mushrooms to your health regimen can be effective for their adaptogenic and medicinal benefits.  If you are wanting to learn about how to incorporate mushrooms into your wellness routine then you have come to the right place. Let’s dive in. 

Common Questions about Medicinal Mushrooms by SOCIETY’s Plant

What Are Functional Mushrooms? 

Functional mushrooms are types of fungi that are heralded for health benefits beyond their nutritional compositions. There are two main groups of functional mushrooms: medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms. The specific benefits you gain from consuming one of these mushrooms depend on the species. 

A study published in International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms supports that medicinal mushrooms offer antioxidative and cytotoxic properties, meaning they may be able to inhibit the damaging process of oxidation as well as kill harmful cells. Even though these mushrooms offer amazing health benefits they fall under the category of “dietary supplements”. That means they’re regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food, not drugs.

Adaptogenic mushrooms are in the category of adaptogens, meaning they help our bodies adapt to and fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress. Adaptogens support our bodies in responding to internal and external stressors in a healthier way, rather than relieve a symptom.

These mushrooms are NOT the same fungi used as hallucinogens. Instead, these are a distinct group of edible fungi known for their unique health benefits and versatility in their potential uses.

What are Medicinal Mushrooms? 

When people hear that you are taking ‘shrooms for their health benefits, many people think of the mushroom, psilocybin, that produces psychedelic effects. However, even though these psychedelic mushrooms have grown in popularity in the last few years, that is not what we are referring to when we say medicinal mushrooms.  There are mushrooms that are legally cultivated for everyday health purposes that have been largely overshadowed, due to the boom of popularity of micro-dosing psilocybin. 

With over 14,000 species of mushrooms on this planet, we want to highlight the easily accessible medicinal mushrooms that can be consumed daily to support a healthy immune system, respiratory and nervous systems and aren’t overshadowed by the psychedelic medicinal mushrooms. You might have heard of some of these mushrooms found in our Mushroom Enhanced CBD Tinctures, such as Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, and Chaga. These mushrooms support the body in a myriad of ways such as boosting immunity, relaxing the nervous system, and increasing oxygen input.* We love these medicinal mushrooms so much that we’re adding another mushroom and CBD tincture to our collection to support cognitive health. We believe in the power of plant medicine and the combination of hemp flower, mushrooms, and adaptogenic herbs can be a great contributor to an individual’s wellness routine. If you have been looking for some natural tools to improve health and well-being, then getcha some “Shrooms & Blooms”! 

Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

As of this moment there are 700 edible mushrooms that have been reported to have medicinal properties; the use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been in practice by nearly every culture for centuries and is especially prominent in Traditional Chinese or Eastern Medicine. The benefits range from dietary to psychotropic, meaning they support the body in a nutritional sense as well as the state of mental health.* The beta-glucans present in mushrooms may protect the cardiovascular system, healthy blood sugar levels, fat metabolism, and blood pressure. Mushrooms are also rich in dietary fiber, essential amino acids, minerals, and many bioactive compounds, especially those related to human immune system functions. There are also terpenes in our fungi friends! Just like in the cannabis plant terpenes are present in medicinal mushrooms and this study presents a chart that includes evidence for their specific immunomodulatory activities.

Medicinal Mushrooms & Microdosing for Anxiety and Depression 

Microdosing psychedelic mushrooms or psilocybin for mental and emotional health is not anything new, however in the past few years there has been far more advocacy around it. Mom-lead Instagram accounts like @mushroomsandmotherhood and @microdosingmom, just as @highsocietymama advocates for cannabis, these moms share the best practices that have worked for them while using medicinal mushrooms and are open about the stigmatization they have experienced as moms that choose plant medicine over pharmaceuticals. Some who microdose psilocybin say they feel less anxious or depressed, and others say that their thoughts are clearer. 

As of 2021 Psilocybin is only legal in Oregon for mental health treatment in supervised settings and it is decriminalized in Seattle, Washington; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Oakland, California; Santa Cruz, California; Somerville and Cambridge, Massachusetts; Oregon and Washington D.C.  

Society’s Plant does not sell any hallucinogenic mushrooms; however, we have formulated a tincture we call “CHILL” that is a blend of traditionally used plants, mushrooms, and hemp to help ease anxiety and depression.*

Legal Mushrooms for Anxiety

Do you know what the most common mental illness is in the United States? If you are thinking ANXIETY then you are spot on! You should seek out the support of a mental health expert if you are experiencing high levels of anxiety, but if you are exploring other anxiety treatments, then functional mushrooms should be considered. There are a few mushrooms that leading the pack for the treatment of anxiety. Lion’s Mane and Reishi have shown the ability to foster mindset shifts that spark clarity and decision making during worry filled moments.  

CHILL Mushroom Enhanced CBD Tincture for Stress & Anxiety 

CHILL is a blend of adaptogenic and anxiety-reducing herbs that will help you get through bouts of social anxiety or those days of parenting hell. It includes herbs such as passionflower and lavender which calms the system & quiets circular thoughts. The mushrooms in CHILL include Lion’s Mane for nervous system support and memory and Shiitake which fights the oxidative stress caused by stress.

Medicinal Mushrooms with CBD for Immune Health

Fungi can have some pretty amazing healing benefits. We know that eating vegetables is good for our overall health and wellbeing, but is the same true of mushrooms? The answer is a resounding YES! Mushrooms can be an excellent way to boost the immune system and overall well-being of the body. 

Thrive Mushroom and Vitamin C CBD Tincture for Immunity 

Our tincture created to boost the immune system is called THRIVE. This is a mushroom enhanced CBD tincture that blends the CBD hemp extract with 12 different mushrooms, which are all listed below in the glossary of mushrooms along with information on the known benefits of that mushroom. We like to think of THRIVE as the multivitamin of mushrooms because it covers the most popular 12 mushrooms along with a daily dose of CBD hemp.  

Mushrooms, Herbs & CBD for Sleep 

One of the most common issues that people have is with sleep and plant medicine can be an excellent remedy for these issues. There are certain mushrooms, herbs, and of course CBD, that can aid in getting a restful night’s sleep. 

Dream Mushroom Enhanced CBD Tincture for Sleep 

Your nighttime pal, "DREAM" which includes chamomile to take you to dreamland, and red reishi extract which helps you to wake up fully rested while supporting your immune system. With a beautiful blend of Chinese herbs, this lavender & lemon essence tincture will aid in your nightly bliss & bring balance to your nervous system with the adaptogenic power of reishi.

Essential Medicinal Mushrooms for Health & Wellness

There are many mushrooms to choose from for their medicinal benefits, but there are a few that stand out amongst the crowd.

Chaga Medicinal Mushrooms

Chaga’s history dates back thousands of years and has a symbiotic relationship with the birch tree; while Chaga appears to be an extension of the birch tree, it is actually a fungus packed with antioxidants. Chaga is firm and has a bitter flavor so they aren’t cooked and eaten, however, they can be decocted and drunk in a beverage that is reminiscent of coffee or blended in with coffee for greater health benefits. 

Chaga was traditionally used to treat gastric ulcers and gastritis and remains especially popular for hunters and forestry workers because it alleviates hunger and boosts energy. Chaga has also been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and to boost the immune system.*  Chaga seems to have an affinity for the liver and kidneys, reducing inflammation; it also supports a healthy cardiovascular system, improves metabolism and blood sugar management as well as reduces histamine response.*  

Due to its high antioxidant content many websites discuss its ability to possibly prevent cancer; while we cannot confirm this, research does show that a high presence of antioxidants reduces oxidative stress in the body and this leads to better health outcomes.*

Cordyceps Medicinal Mushroom 

Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles and improves the way your body uses oxygen. Some medicinal mushrooms, like cordyceps, have anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) cordyceps are valued as a tonic herb and are used to treat a wide range of disorders including: respiratory, kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases, low libido and impotence and to support stamina and energy levels. Two active constituents in cordyceps, d-mannitol cordycepin, and 3’-deoxyadenosine, are partially responsible for various physiological actions that help control insulin and blood sugar levels. In animal models, cordyceps supplements have helped combat high blood sugar levels while also reducing insulin levels to protect against insulin resistance.* 

Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom

An absolutely stunning mushroom found in hardwood forests and woodlands; they are usually found up high, sometimes 40 feet up. This fungi gained its name due to the fact that it resembles a lion’s flowing mane, only it is white in color. The mushroom is sometimes referred to as the lobster of the woods and is a vegan favorite to substitute the subtle seafood flavors & texture of lobster and crab. Lion’s Mane is best known for its potential benefits on brain health. According to Healthline.com, this mushroom could be helpful in preventing dementia, decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as regenerating the nervous system.* Additionally, it boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps to manage diabetes symptoms.*

Reishi Medicinal Mushroom 

Reishi is the oldest mushroom on record for its potent health benefits. It’s revered by Eastern medicine as the "plant of immortality" or the "queen of mushrooms." Benefits include immune support, increased antioxidant activity, decreased fatigue, healthier gut flora, and overall increased vitality of all organs.*  Additionally, reishi mushrooms are considered an “adaptogen” meaning rather than stimulating the immune system or nervous system, adaptogen herbs modulate the body helping it achieve balance and well-being. 

Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom 

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years it is commonly used to protect the liver from damage and stimulate the immune system. Turkey tail is also considered a natural antidepressant that helps with mood regulation by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.*  It also increases the production of GABA in the brain which decreases restlessness, irritability, and anxiety disorders. Turkey tail has also been shown to be effective at reducing pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness. 

Medicinal Mushrooms during Pregnancy 

Most mushrooms that are easily bought and sold are actually super nutritious food sources with tonic capabilities that modulate our systems rather than transform them one way or another. Common tonic medicinal mushrooms and the systems they modulate include: Reishi (immune system), Lion’s mane (nervous system), Chaga (cellular health), and Cordyceps (respiratory system). 

A tonic herb is an herb that builds, strengthens, and nourishes the tissues of the body helping to restore tone, function and overall health. One common example of a tonic herb is red raspberry leaf which is found in our Mama’s Abundance Tea and is said to have an affinity for toning and strengthening the uterus. Midwives usually recommend using this herb in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and it can also be used before conception and around menstruation. 

We suggest speaking with a trained professional when starting a new medicinal mushroom or herbal regimen during pregnancy and we cannot safely say that using alternative mushroom therapies such as psilocybin is ideal. 

Mycelium Vs. Fruiting Body of the Mushroom

The answer to this is actually both, BUT with caveats. The fruiting body offers more minerals, including phosphorus, copper, zinc, and potassium. Fruiting body extracts also contain higher concentrations of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin D, beta-carotene, and various B vitamins than mycelium on its own. Mycelium acts as an immune system to the growing fruiting body, protecting it from harmful pathogens so it can grow & proliferate. It is thought that the mycelium supports our immune system in a similar way, however, the research on this is still unclear. 

Why is the Fruiting Body of the Mushroom Best? 

Simply put, what is called the “fruiting body” is the stem and the cap of the 'shroom. This is the part of the organism that contains the reproductive structure and it also contains all of the health-improving nutrients. 

All mushrooms used in Society's CBD and Mushroom Enhanced Tinctures use certified organic and grown in the USA, fruiting body mushrooms. All ingredients in the tinctures are sourced from clean & trustworthy sources and we cannot wait to go into detail about ALL the incredible herbs. However, today we're focusing on YOUR questions about the mushrooms. 

The fruiting body aspect is a major differentiator because it's believed that the alternative which is mycelium is a cheaper, less effective option.

Society’s Plant Mushroom and Herb Glossary:

Our tinctures comprise a combination of herbs & mushrooms that work synergistically to bring you the results you are desiring. The following is a quick glance at the fungi and how they are helpful. 

• Agaricus Blazei Mushroom: Immune support. Anti-viral. IBS and other intestinal disorders. 
• Agarikon Mushroom: Respiratory support, antiviral and Anti yeast. It is called the “elixir of long life”.
• Chaga Mushroom: Antioxidant for cellular health. Anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve pain. 
• Cordyceps: Oxygen uptake. Respiratory support. Athletic Endurance. 
• Mishima Mushroom: Powerful anti-inflammatory. Arthritis, inflammatory diseases. Antibacterial & Anti Aging. 
• Lions Mane: Supports the nervous system. Potentially rehabilitates nerve cells. Supports memory and mood. 
• Maitake Mushroom: Boosts immunity, and supports healthy blood sugar. Packed with antioxidants. 
• Poria Mushroom: Immune modulator. Calms inflammation. Reduces age-related disease. 
• Red Reishi: Reduce fatigue, and improve endurance. Adapt to stress. Support liver function, metabolism, digestion, and heart health. 
• Shiitake: Heart health, anti-cancer and supports bone health because of the high amount of vitamin D.
• True Tinder Polypore: Lowering of blood pressure and blood sugar. Boosts metabolism and increases circulation. 
• Turkey Tail: Immune, gut, and liver health. Detoxification, depression, and diabetes. 

Mushrooms & CBD for Health & Wellness

There are a myriad of choices when looking at what supplements to utilize for your health. These fantastic fungi that we described above are a natural source of adaptogens and have a vast reach of other health benefits that can be valuable to add to your health toolkit! We believe our Mushroom Enhanced Tinctures cover a lot of the bases by providing a foundation for fungi health and the perks of additional herbs and CBD all into one (great tasting) tincture. Depending on your needs, we would love to help you find a solution! Email us with any questions at contact@societysplant.com 

Shrooms and Blooms: Buy Mushrooms, Get Hemp Flower!

Mushrooms and Hemp are a wonderful combination to enhance wellbeing. We have a special offer for you to get your hands on some shrooms and blooms STAT! 

Use code: shroomsandblooms to buy any of our Mushroom Tinctures and get a FREE 1/4oz of any Artisanal Hemp Flower.  Be sure to add both items into your cart and use the code at checkout.

Let us know if you enjoy the effects of shrooms and blooms!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.