Functional mushrooms are a distinct category of mushrooms that are sought after for their health-promoting properties.
Some mushrooms are edible, others are psychoactive, and functional mushrooms are at the forefront of wellness trends for their impact on our overall well-being.
Functional mushrooms are loaded with active compounds like polysaccharides, triterpenes, and antioxidants
These important compounds have made functional mushrooms a focal point of contemporary research in natural health sciences.
So naturally, the question is how and when to use them.
In this article, I will unpack everything you need to know about Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail.
When to Take Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is the first powerhouse feature here, known for its ability to boost cognition and mood.
The ideal time to consume Lion’s Mane is in the morning or early afternoon.
The cognitive-enhancing properties of Lion’s Mane can help to boost focus and creativity throughout the day.
For cognitive benefits, consuming Lion’s Mane in the morning can set the tone for a mentally productive day.
This timing allows the bioactive compounds in Lion’s Mane to support brain function during active hours.
When to Take Chaga
The Chaga mushroom is a nutrient-dense superfood and is known for its high antioxidant content.
Chaga is best taken in the morning or early afternoon with immune-boosting effects that are beneficial throughout the day and the year.
Since Chaga may have a mild energizing effect, avoid it late in the evening.
Morning consumption of Chaga is ideal so that you can leverage its immune-boosting and energizing effects throughout the day.
Chaga is so nutritionally dense that it is great to take during the long winter months.
When to Take Reishi
Reishi should ideally be taken in the evening.
The calming effects of supplementing with Reishi are conducive to relaxation and sleep it’s a perfect supplement to wind down after a busy day.
Reishi’s relaxing properties make it ideal as part of a nightly routine.
Reishi is like a lullaby for the nervous system, promoting calmness and improved sleep quality.
If using Reishi for immune support, consistent timing is key to harnessing its full potential, regardless of the time of day.
The compounding effects of taking Reishi are enjoyed the longer we supplement.
When to Take Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms are believed and typically used to improve physical performance, endurance, and physical recovery.
Supplementing with Cordyceps before a workout will boost energy and performance enhancement.
Alternatively, taking Cordyceps after a workout is believed to help with post-workout recovery.
Timing is key when taking Cordyceps.
Cordyceps is likely to boost energy levels, activating a natural uplift in stamina and endurance throughout the day.
To maximize the benefits of Cordyceps, by supplementing in the morning or before exercise, is ideal.
You may also supplement with Cordyceps after the workout to help with post-workout recovery.
Remember to avoid Cordyceps late in the evening as it may boost alertness and therefore disrupt access to deep restorative sleep.
When to Take Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail mushrooms have been shown to contain some of the highest levels of beta-glucans of all functional mushrooms.
The soluble fiber found within Turkey Tail mushrooms supports the body’s natural defenses.
As for the best time to take Turkey Tail, it is entirely flexible and dependent on your routine and lifestyle.
When it does matter is to supplement Turkey Tail during times of high immune stress or when you need an extra boost in your body’s defense mechanism.
Including Turkey Tail consistently into your daily supplementation routine can boost overall wellness.
Its properties make it suitable for any time of the day.
If you want to get the best out of Turkey Tail, regular and consistent use is key.
The longer and more consistently we supplement with Turkey Tail, the more potent the benefits.
In short, like with Chaga, the longer we take Turkey Tail, the better and more robust we will feel overall.
Benefits of Combining Functional Mushrooms
Stacking any of these functional mushrooms can offer a synergistic effect, enhancing their benefits, kind of like when 1+1 = 3
Any combination of Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail can potentially support the immune system, cognitive function, energy levels, and stress management in ways that you might not have previously considered.
Combining functional mushrooms is also known as stacking, and any or all of the above-mentioned functional mushrooms can potentially boost your well-being to the next level.
Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail each offer their very own unique health benefits.
Now that you understand each of these functional mushrooms better, you can pick and choose which is ideal for you at this time of your life.
Combining these functional mushrooms is a truly holistic approach to wellness.
Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail each have their unique way of supporting cognitive function, immune health, energy levels, and stress management.
Alternatively, you can try our very own functional mushroom blend Mushroom Essentials Complex, combining Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps.
Morning Routine
If you are aiming to enhance cognitive function, energy levels, and immune system throughout the day.
A routine including Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps in the morning can provide a mental clarity boost and an increase in energy levels, respectively.
Adding Chaga to this morning stack contributes to immune system support, preparing the body to tackle environmental stressors from the outset of the day.
Evening Routine
For those focusing on stress management and sleep quality, incorporating Reishi and Turkey Tail in the evening routine is ideal.
Reishi’s calming properties can help unwind and prepare the body for restful sleep.
Turkey Tail and/or Chaga will work overnight to make sure that we wake up feeling refreshed, strong, and ready for the day ahead.
Consistency and Adaptation
If you want to see and feel a change, then consistency and diligence are key when supplementing with any of these functional mushrooms!
Each of our bodies is different, and it may take some time to notice the effects.
Regularly consuming any or all of these functional mushrooms at the same time each day establishes a routine that the body can adapt to, this will maximize and compound the potential benefits.
Listening to Your Body
Your body knows best.
As with any supplementing regimen, please notice how you are feeling and adjust accordingly.
You are your expert with a unique medical history.
Factors such as metabolism and lifestyle can potentially impact the supplementation of these functional mushrooms.
Functional mushrooms are non-psychoactive and considered to be relatively safe to use.
However, if you are undergoing health challenges at the moment, please only proceed with the guidance of your doctor or healthcare provider.
Here’s to a robust health, sharp mind, and pretty face! 🤩
