The Grass & Co. Guide to Using Functional Mushroom Supplements (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to see results from mushroom supplements? ›

Q: How long does it take for mushroom supplements to work? This varies depending on the mushroom used and the person taking it. But as a rule, it can take 4-12 weeks of use before seeing discernible differences.

Higher doses of reishi mushroom might make bleeding more likely in people who have a very low platelet count. Also, avoid using reishi mushroom if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because there hasn't been enough study on their safety in these circ*mstances.

Nootrum Mushrooms – Best Mushroom Extract Supplement Overall

Nootrum Mushrooms is a supplement packed with optimal doses of 20:1 extracts of the ten most potent medicinal mushrooms.

Functional mushrooms can be consumed at any time of day, though their effects may be magnified when timed with certain activities. For example, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane are known for supporting cognitive health and energy, respectively, which means they may be most beneficial when taken at the start of your day.

There's not much research on whether it's safe to eat or take supplements of lion's mane for a prolonged period or about their side effects. Possible allergic reactions to lion's mane mushrooms have been reported. In one case, a man developed breathing problems.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases.

May Help Protect Against Cancer

Other research has shown mushrooms may also be protective against cancers of the liver, uterus, pancreas, and stomach, as well as acute leukemia.

Komen Foundation note that reishi mushroom extract is possibly safe for up to 1 year when a person takes it orally. However, they also note that taking powdered reishi mushroom for longer than 1 month may be toxic to the liver. Other potential side effects include: nausea.

Are mushroom supplements worth it? ›

Mushroom Supplements

Preliminary research suggests that some varieties may complement the treatment of certain types of cancers. But claims that mushrooms boost immunity (turkey tail), help with anxiety and mood (reishi), or improve concentration (Lion's mane) have only lab or animal studies to support them.

According to research, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga mushrooms have been found to inhibit inflammation in the human body.

Taking reishi mushroom along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely. Reishi mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking reishi mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Finally, keep in mind that taking medicinal mushrooms requires patience and you won't see immediate benefits. "It takes at least two weeks to notice the effects of functional mushrooms, and it is recommended to take a week off every four to six months," says Kessler.

Different mushrooms will have different levels of active compounds. What you want to be able to do is compare different versions of the same species to see what product might be most effective for you. You should also make sure that the beta-glucan comes from mushrooms, and not from something else.

The amount of time it takes for Lion's Mane to start working varies from person to person, but most people begin to feel benefits after a few weeks of regular use. However, for the best results, it is advised that you take a regular Lion's Mane supplement for at least 2 to 3 months.

Onset of symptoms is anywhere from 6 to 24 hours after ingestion. Death may occur from liver and kidney damage. One mushroom can contain enough poison to kill an average-sized adult.

The healing power of functional mushrooms

Benefit: Traditionally known to boost energy and stamina. Science: Preliminary studies indicate Cordyceps may have potential cognitive-enhancing effects and support cellular energy production.

Mushrooms are adaptogenic, meaning their effects are gradual and cumulative - and may take two to four weeks to take effect. Taking extracts regularly is the best way to gain the benefits the mushrooms have to offer.