Are medicinal mushroom products worth the hype?
The rise of cannabis and CBD products seemed promising, but navigating the complex rules and regulations made it difficult for founders to grow and scale. Medicinal mushrooms seem to be stepping in to fill the gap.
Medicinal mushrooms appear to be everywhere and are all the rage, tapping into those favoring natural, organic remedies. Rooted in centuries-old traditions like Chinese Medicine (TCM), these mushrooms appear to have a myriad of health benefits—from boosting the immune system and enhancing cognitive function to improving energy levels. There is even chatter about some mushrooms possessing anti-cancer properties. As we've become increasingly health-conscious, the demand for natural alternatives has propelled medicinal mushrooms into a booming market.
Ongoing scientific research sheds light on the therapeutic potential of mushrooms, raising consumer awareness and a deeper understanding of their advantages. Now, consumers are actively seeking out mushroom-infused products tailored to address specific health needs like ADHD, anxiety, depression and insomnia, over prescription drugs.
With all of the new products, figuring out which ones are actually worth trying can be a huge challenge. Curious about this trend myself, I've explored a bunch of them — some exceptional, others not so much. In this post, I'll share my firsthand experiences with products that appear to be making a positive impact on my health and well-being.
Shroomwell’s functional health products are created from the medicinal mushrooms they grow in Estonia. They have everything from drinks, tinctures, elixirs, and oral sprays.
I met the Innovation CEO and a partner at this year’s expo and I could have talked to them for hours. They were incredibly knowledgeable about all things mushrooms and immensely passionate about their products. I told them about my problems focusing (I’m pretty sure I have ADHD) and my struggle to fall and stay asleep (I am the absolute worst sleeper). They suggested I try two of their tinctures. Lion’s Mane (for focus) and Reishi (for restful sleep). I’ve only been taking them for a short time and have already noticed a difference in my concentration and focus. The jury is still out on whether I’m sleeping better.
The trick with these tinctures is to be consistent. Taking them once every couple of days doesn’t seem to be effective. I definitely recommend giving these a shot if you’re looking for more natural ways to deal with some of these issues.
This trendy brand is a fun one. Everyday Dose combines the classic coffee flavor with functional mushrooms as well as other wholesome supplements like collagen and nootropics. The coffee promotes focus, energy, immunity, and gut health - and the best part - there is no coffee crash.
If anyone knows the addiction to coffee, it’s me. I used to average 4 cups a day, which I recognize is not great for my nervous system. I have tried coffee supplements in the past but nothing compared - until this. It actually tastes like real coffee and so it satisfies my craving. Don’t get me wrong, I still drink coffee but I’m down to 1-2 cups. If you’re a coffee addict, give it a go.
Little Saints is one of my favorites and I may be a little biased since I interviewed the founder Megan Klein on my podcast, The Irresistible Factor and then subsequently fell in love with the brand. Little Saints is a non-alch drink that drinks like a traditional cocktail and has functional benefits that you get from mushroom extracts and other adaptogens. I can honestly say that I felt something after drinking their Ginger Mule. I felt a little happier and definitely more relaxed. The taste was really good - light and refreshing. If you’re looking to dabble in non-alcoholic drinks that have a little something extra, this is for you.
If you choose to try any of these awesome new discoveries, let me know what you think! Keep your eyes out for next week’s blog - all about gut health!
