Edible mushrooms have been a staple in many cuisines from time immemorial. These fungi are mostly beloved for their nutritional value and diverse flavors.
Besides their culinary significance, mushrooms have also been a part of folk medicine for millennia.
Ancient Egyptians associated mushrooms with immortality. The herbs were also considered sacred, often reserved for high-ranking members of society.
In Greek, mushrooms were believed to open up portals to the spiritual dimension. Some people reported seeing visions and ghosts upon drinking ergot mushrooms on certain occasions.
While the authenticity of these claims is a subject of intense debate, recent studies have shown that mushrooms contain undeniable therapeutic properties. Some of these fungi are categorized into a special group of healing compounds known as adaptogens.
Here’s a definitive guide to adaptogenic mushrooms and why they’re all the rage.
What Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?
Adaptogens are substances that help the body cope with stressful feelings. They’re typically natural extracts obtained from some of nature’s most therapeutic herbs.
Taking adaptogens can make anxiety more manageable, primarily by stabilizing various physiological processes and restoring the body’s homeostatic balance.
Mushrooms are one of the most popular adaptogens ever discovered.
Administering adaptogenic mushrooms after an eventful day can help soothe your nerves, potentially boosting your sleep quality. You could also consume herbs during the day to enhance your resistance to physical and mental stressors.
How Do Adaptogenic Mushrooms Work?
Each mushroom contains unique compounds responsible for its adaptogenic properties. However, most of those substances exhibit a similar biological mechanism.
One study found that adaptogenic mushrooms may enhance stress resistance by impacting various central nervous system (CNS) activities. The active compounds in these herbs act as “stress vaccines,” mildly activating the body’s stress system so it can respond better to severe stress.
While adaptogenic mushrooms can exert their influence throughout the CNS, they notably interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is the region of the brain responsible for stress modulation.
Examples of Adaptogenic Mushrooms
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga is an edible adaptogenic mushroom noted for its powerful anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb also stimulates energy synthesis, helping you adapt to physical stressors.
Several natural compounds in chaga are responsible for their adaptogenic properties. Those include polysaccharides, phenols, beta-glucans, triterpenes, and even melanin.
Some research also suggests that chaga is a nootropic, thanks to its ability to inhibit AChE activity.
- Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Like chaga, reishi is loaded with polysaccharides and triterpenes.
These compounds increase stress tolerance by restoring hormonal balance and combating fatigue, achieving the latter role by regulating testosterone levels.
According to a 2014 study investigating reishi’s adaptogenic properties in cancer patients, researchers observed a marked reduction in lethargy, irritability, and depression among the study subjects.
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Cordyceps has long been administered to treat chronic fatigue.
Experiments have found that cordyceps can increase overall energy levels by stimulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The mushroom also boosts the body’s maximal oxygen consumption (VO2), empowering you to better manage physical stressors.
Cordyceps are nootropic, too. Several animal studies have shown that the mushroom may decelerate neurodegeneration, thereby supporting various cognitive functions.
- Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s mane is chock-full of beta-glucans, which are renowned for their energizing effects.
Beta-glucans stimulate mitochondrial activity. This results in a rush of energy throughout the body, helping to relieve physical and mental lethargy.
Other active compounds in lion’s mane – hericenones and erinacines – have been shown to activate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). According to research, a stimulated NGF may guard against chronic stress caused by neurodegeneration.
- Mesima (Phellinus linteus)
While mesima is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects, this mushroom may also elevate your stress resistance.
Consuming mesima stimulates MCT1 expression, which helps with fatigue and stress management. The mushroom also contains antioxidant compounds. As such, it may avert stress triggered by chronic diseases.
And like most adaptogenic mushrooms, mesima may support cognitive function.
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake’s adaptogenic properties are rooted in its abundance of antioxidant compounds like beta-glucans.
Note that stress may compromise your immune system, predisposing you to several infections.
By boosting your immunity, shiitake directly supports your body’s internal stress-coping mechanisms.
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Maitake is yet another adaptogenic mushroom worth incorporating into your wellness routine. The shroom is loaded with β-(1,3)-glucans, which studies have shown can mitigate oxidative stress on skin cells.
Maitake is also rich in dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Collectively, these compounds can guard against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues like anxiety.
- Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Oyster is an excellent source of potent antioxidants, including ergothioneine and vitamins C and E.
Like most adaptogenic mushrooms, oysters support the body’s response to stressors by boosting the immune system.
Certain compounds in oyster also regulate hormonal balance, particularly inhibiting stress-signaling hormones like cortisol.
Kicking Stress in the Butt With Natural Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Adaptogenic mushrooms have garnered tremendous popularity in the wellness industry for their science-backed anxiolytic properties. While they’re not a magic pill for stress and anxiety, these shrooms can trigger specific biological responses to help you cope with stress.
However, note that research on the full capabilities of adaptogenic mushrooms is still a work in progress. It’s important to administer these herbs with an open mind.
Besides, strive to understand the full effects of an adaptogenic shroom before consuming it. That will enable you to better understand the herb’s therapeutic potential while also watching out for any adverse events.
