From forest to farmstand to…face.
By contributor, Allie White.
Mushrooms aren’t just pizza toppings anymore. These days, it’s easier than ever to harness the power of nature’s IT-thing – fungi – for a variety of health and wellness benefits. Read on for an introduction to some power players, what they can do for you, and where you might find them.
Turkey Tail
In the wild: With a Latin name like Trametes versicolor, which literally means “of several colors,” it’s no surprise that this 'shroom displays the same variety of colors you'd find on a — you guessed it — wild turkey, with the darkest color in the middle, lightening towards the edge. These turkeys grow in layers in groups or rows on logs and stumps, and are super common in North American forests.
Uses and benefits: Like many of the mushrooms you’ll find on this list, turkey tail is believed to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. It’s also said to increase athletic performance, improve gut health, and lower blood sugar. (What can’t this mushroom do?!)
In the wellness world: Turkey tail mushrooms have a chemical makeup that includes polysaccharides (moisture retention, thickening properties), antioxidants, beta-glucan (antibacterial), and fatty acids (support healthy cell structure), so its wellness uses are widespread. Supplements are the most common place you’ll find this fungus, but a more interesting avenue might be topical, like Briogeo’s Color Me Brilliant™ Shampoo & Conditioner, which takes full advantage of turkey tail’s cell health benefits to protect hair.
Lion’s Mane
In the wild: One of the more impressive mushroom structures, Lion’s mane is part of the “tooth fungus” group and grows into crowded, hanging, shaggy masses. Grouped together, this fungus looks like an impressive beard or...lion’s mane.
Uses and benefits: This king-of-the-forest fungus’ bioactive substances are believed to be anti-inflammatory and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, studies have found that lion's mane mushrooms contain two compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that can stimulate brain cell growth and possibly protect against degenerative brain disease and memory loss.
In the wellness world: One of the possible causes of anxiety and depression is chronic inflammation. One of lion’s mane’s greatest benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. Seems like a match made in fungi heaven, no? Just ask Super Mush, who’ve harnessed the power of this mushroom in their Daily Flow Focus Supplemints, which promote mental functioning and cognition while nourishing cerebral systems.
Reishi
In the wild: Also known as “lingzhi,” this East Asia native mushroom features a reddish-brown cap atop a stem and usually grows at the base and stumps of trees. (It’s especially keen on maples.) Interestingly, wild reishi is pretty rare — only 0.02% of trees are home to this fungus. (Much of what’s used these days is synthetic.)
Uses and benefits: Dubbed the “mushrooms of longevity,” reishi is anti-inflammatory, full of powerful antioxidant compounds, and packed with beta-glucans, which are ultra-hydrating. As a result, they’re a favorite ingredient in topical skincare, as well as for immunity and energy boosts.
In the wellness world: When you’ve got a name that translates to “ancient mushroom of immortality” and there’s evidence of its medicinal use going back 6,800 years, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to incorporate reishi into your daily wellness routine. These days, you can find reishi in everything from teas to brew, powders to add to coffee and smoothies, hiding in chocolate bars, and distilled into tinctures. But, you’ll also find it popping up in topical treatments like Moon Juice’s Plump Jelly Serum thanks to its anti-inflammatory and reparative benefits.
Cordyceps
In the wild: “Cordyceps” isn’t actually a single type of mushroom; rather, it’s the genus (or group) of mushrooms known as “sac fungi” that include about 600 species. That said, most Cordyceps species grow in long, spindly shapes with a small “club” at the top, and are typically brown or orange.
Uses and benefits: Cordyceps is favored in TCM to treat ailments related to the lungs, kidneys, and chronic fatigue since it’s known as an energizer, endurance supporter, immune booster, and improver of sexual energy (helloooo, aphrodisiac).
In the wellness world: If you’re after an adaptogen that promises to deliver on the energy front, chances are you’re getting cordyceps in the mix. Cordyceps capsules are easy enough to come by, but the stuff is also popping up in powders like Deon Libra’s Unbothered Elixir – COMING SOON! – that can be mixed into smoothies or coffee for some extra oomph.
Maitake
In the wild: Also known as “hen-of-the-woods” mushrooms (and with a name that translates to “dancing mushroom” — we love this!), maitakes grow at the base of old trees around China, Europe and North America and are perennial, coming back in the same spot year after year. They’re also some of the most widely-used 'shrooms in the culinary world. .
Uses and benefits: As a powerful adaptogen — having the ability to adapt to an individual's specific needs — and superfood, maitakes are nutrient-rich and help the body regulate systems that may be unbalanced. Since maitakes are totally edible as-is, their benefits are easy to come by, whether you’re popping them on a pizza or popping a daily capsule.
In the wellness world: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins B, D, and C, copper, and amino acids, maitakes are all about helping our bodies achieve balance, a trait on full display when maitake mushrooms are used in skincare.
Oyster
In the wild: Another widely-used-in-cooking mushroom, oyster mushrooms are found around the world and are fairly easy to spot thanks to their unique, overlapping-sideways-cluster growth patterns. Oh, and they look a heck of a lot like oysters with their smooth white caps.
Uses and benefits: While there are several different types of oyster mushrooms — king, pink, blue, pearl to name a few — they’re all packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Some highlights include niacin, a requirement for metabolizing other nutrients; vitamin D for immunity, bone and organ health; iron, literally the lifeblood of red blood cells.
In the wellness world: Oyster mushrooms have some serious overachiever tendencies: they simultaneously have the ability to heal damage and inflammation, and neutralize free radical activity. Combined with the other benefits, this all means oyster mushrooms make for a wonderful — and powerful — topical treatment, as evidenced by Haoma’s Mycelium Deep Cream – COMING SOON! –, which promised to penetrate deeply into the skin's layers to encourage new cell growth and calm inflammation.
Chaga
In the wild: This fungus loves birch trees and cold weather, and is also known as “black mass” and “birch canker” thanks to its dark color and ability to literally take over its host tree from the inside out. Don’t let that scare you, though!
Uses and benefits: Used as a folk remedy in Russia and northern Europe for centuries, chaga is believed to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. It’s also a potent skincare ingredient when applied topically thanks to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost blood circulation.
In the wellness world: When chaga’s power isn’t being harnessed in topical forms for skincare, its bitter taste makes it a prime for powdered supplements and tea. Enter: Rainbo’s Chaga Antioxidant Super Mushroom Tincture , which can be taken daily as a source of antioxidants that work to balance and slow cellular aging by scavenging the body for unwanted cells and boosting the immune system.
* Please consult your healthcare provider before integrating mushrooms into your daily regimen.
Mushrooms aren’t just pizza toppings anymore. These days, it’s easier than ever to harness the power of nature’s IT-thing – fungi – for a variety of health and wellness benefits. Read on for an introduction to some power players, what they can do for you, and where you might find them.
Turkey Tail
In the wild: With a Latin name like Trametes versicolor, which literally means “of several colors,” it’s no surprise that this 'shroom displays the same variety of colors you'd find on a — you guessed it — wild turkey, with the darkest color in the middle, lightening towards the edge. These turkeys grow in layers in groups or rows on logs and stumps, and are super common in North American forests.
Uses and benefits: Like many of the mushrooms you’ll find on this list, turkey tail is believed to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. It’s also said to increase athletic performance, improve gut health, and lower blood sugar. (What can’t this mushroom do?!)
In the wellness world: Turkey tail mushrooms have a chemical makeup that includes polysaccharides (moisture retention, thickening properties), antioxidants, beta-glucan (antibacterial), and fatty acids (support healthy cell structure), so its wellness uses are widespread. Supplements are the most common place you’ll find this fungus, but a more interesting avenue might be topical, like Briogeo’s Color Me Brilliant™ Shampoo & Conditioner, which takes full advantage of turkey tail’s cell health benefits to protect hair.
Lion’s Mane
In the wild: One of the more impressive mushroom structures, Lion’s mane is part of the “tooth fungus” group and grows into crowded, hanging, shaggy masses. Grouped together, this fungus looks like an impressive beard or...lion’s mane.
Uses and benefits: This king-of-the-forest fungus’ bioactive substances are believed to be anti-inflammatory and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, studies have found that lion's mane mushrooms contain two compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that can stimulate brain cell growth and possibly protect against degenerative brain disease and memory loss.
In the wellness world: One of the possible causes of anxiety and depression is chronic inflammation. One of lion’s mane’s greatest benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. Seems like a match made in fungi heaven, no? Just ask Super Mush, who’ve harnessed the power of this mushroom in their Daily Flow Focus Supplemints, which promote mental functioning and cognition while nourishing cerebral systems.
Reishi
In the wild: Also known as “lingzhi,” this East Asia native mushroom features a reddish-brown cap atop a stem and usually grows at the base and stumps of trees. (It’s especially keen on maples.) Interestingly, wild reishi is pretty rare — only 0.02% of trees are home to this fungus. (Much of what’s used these days is synthetic.)
Uses and benefits: Dubbed the “mushrooms of longevity,” reishi is anti-inflammatory, full of powerful antioxidant compounds, and packed with beta-glucans, which are ultra-hydrating. As a result, they’re a favorite ingredient in topical skincare, as well as for immunity and energy boosts.
In the wellness world: When you’ve got a name that translates to “ancient mushroom of immortality” and there’s evidence of its medicinal use going back 6,800 years, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to incorporate reishi into your daily wellness routine. These days, you can find reishi in everything from teas to brew, powders to add to coffee and smoothies, hiding in chocolate bars, and distilled into tinctures. But, you’ll also find it popping up in topical treatments like Moon Juice’s Plump Jelly Serum thanks to its anti-inflammatory and reparative benefits.
Cordyceps
In the wild: “Cordyceps” isn’t actually a single type of mushroom; rather, it’s the genus (or group) of mushrooms known as “sac fungi” that include about 600 species. That said, most Cordyceps species grow in long, spindly shapes with a small “club” at the top, and are typically brown or orange.
Uses and benefits: Cordyceps is favored in TCM to treat ailments related to the lungs, kidneys, and chronic fatigue since it’s known as an energizer, endurance supporter, immune booster, and improver of sexual energy (helloooo, aphrodisiac).
In the wellness world: If you’re after an adaptogen that promises to deliver on the energy front, chances are you’re getting cordyceps in the mix. Cordyceps capsules are easy enough to come by, but the stuff is also popping up in powders like Deon Libra’s Unbothered Elixir – COMING SOON! – that can be mixed into smoothies or coffee for some extra oomph.
Maitake
In the wild: Also known as “hen-of-the-woods” mushrooms (and with a name that translates to “dancing mushroom” — we love this!), maitakes grow at the base of old trees around China, Europe and North America and are perennial, coming back in the same spot year after year. They’re also some of the most widely-used 'shrooms in the culinary world. .
Uses and benefits: As a powerful adaptogen — having the ability to adapt to an individual's specific needs — and superfood, maitakes are nutrient-rich and help the body regulate systems that may be unbalanced. Since maitakes are totally edible as-is, their benefits are easy to come by, whether you’re popping them on a pizza or popping a daily capsule.
In the wellness world: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins B, D, and C, copper, and amino acids, maitakes are all about helping our bodies achieve balance, a trait on full display when maitake mushrooms are used in skincare.
Oyster
In the wild: Another widely-used-in-cooking mushroom, oyster mushrooms are found around the world and are fairly easy to spot thanks to their unique, overlapping-sideways-cluster growth patterns. Oh, and they look a heck of a lot like oysters with their smooth white caps.
Uses and benefits: While there are several different types of oyster mushrooms — king, pink, blue, pearl to name a few — they’re all packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Some highlights include niacin, a requirement for metabolizing other nutrients; vitamin D for immunity, bone and organ health; iron, literally the lifeblood of red blood cells.
In the wellness world: Oyster mushrooms have some serious overachiever tendencies: they simultaneously have the ability to heal damage and inflammation, and neutralize free radical activity. Combined with the other benefits, this all means oyster mushrooms make for a wonderful — and powerful — topical treatment, as evidenced by Haoma’s Mycelium Deep Cream – COMING SOON! –, which promised to penetrate deeply into the skin's layers to encourage new cell growth and calm inflammation.
Chaga
In the wild: This fungus loves birch trees and cold weather, and is also known as “black mass” and “birch canker” thanks to its dark color and ability to literally take over its host tree from the inside out. Don’t let that scare you, though!
Uses and benefits: Used as a folk remedy in Russia and northern Europe for centuries, chaga is believed to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. It’s also a potent skincare ingredient when applied topically thanks to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost blood circulation.
In the wellness world: When chaga’s power isn’t being harnessed in topical forms for skincare, its bitter taste makes it a prime for powdered supplements and tea. Enter: Rainbo’s Chaga Antioxidant Super Mushroom Tincture , which can be taken daily as a source of antioxidants that work to balance and slow cellular aging by scavenging the body for unwanted cells and boosting the immune system.
* Please consult your healthcare provider before integrating mushrooms into your daily regimen.
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