A Mushroom Farmers Guide On How To Take Medicinal Mushrooms

July 28, 2021

Here at Natura Mushrooms, it’s no secret that we live and breathe fungi. Mushrooms have the power to heal, restore and transform the planet and our health. Which is why we’re dedicated to bringing their healing properties to you.

Over the years, we’ve shared a lot about the benefits and science surrounding medicinal mushrooms. But two of the most common questions we still get asked are how do I take medicinal mushrooms? And when is the best time to take them?

Truth be told, our bodies all respond in their own unique way. What works for one person may not work for the other. So, I encourage you to experiment with the types of mushrooms you take and when you take them, and find the stacking order that helps you thrive.

But in saying that, it helps to know where to start, right?

In this article, I’m going to share my medicinal mushroom routine with you, in the hope that it will inspire you on your health and wellness journey.

Let’s Jump In…

When to take Lion’s Mane: Before bed or creative work

Lion’s Mane is good for: Cognition, memory and mood

Lions mane under a tree

Lion’s Mane is one of my all-time favourite mushrooms. We grow it right here on our farm in Gippsland, Victoria, and I instantly fell in love with its quirky appearance.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests Lion’s Mane helps with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. REM sleep is incredibly important, as it’s a period of deep sleep that helps to stimulate our learning and consolidate experiences. It’s also the stage of sleep where we dream.

I take Lion’s Mane at night to encourage dreaming and good quality sleep. I know when it’s done its job when I wake up with vivid memories of my dreams.

I also take Lion’s Mane before I need to do a task that involves creativity and brainpower. It’s a natural nootropic, which refers to “smart drugs” that enhance the cognitive power of the brain.

Find out more about Lion’s Mane here.

When to take Cordyceps: First thing in the morning or before a workout

Cordyceps is good for: Clarity and energy

A bag of cordyceps on a wooden table

When you think of Cordyceps, think of physical performance. It helps boost athletic ability, VO2 max, recovery, production of ATP and even bedroom performance.

That’s why I love to take Cordyceps first thing in the morning to kickstart my day. I find when combined with Lion’s Mane, it gives me the physical and mental energy to get going. I also like to take Cordyceps before I do any rigorous exercise, as it helps to boost my endurance and assist recovery.

Find out more about Cordyceps here.

When to take Harmony 6: Morning and night

Harmony 6 is good for: Well-being, longevity and vitality – a great all-rounder!

Our Harmony 6 blend is a combination of all our medicinal mushrooms. I love taking this one morning and night, as it ticks all the medicinal mushroom boxes.

If you have any specific areas you’d like to improve (i.e. Lion’s Mane for brain power) – I recommend you stack your chosen mushroom with Harmony 6. That way, you’ll get a higher concentration of your preferred mushy, while still receiving the benefits of all the others!

Find out more about our Harmony 6 blend here.

When to take Reishi and Turkey Tail: During the winter months and cold and flu season

Reishi is good for: Immunity, relaxation and sleep

Turkey Tail is good for: Immunity and gut health

I’ve paired these two together, as they’re my go-to stack for winter cold and flu season.

I usually take them both throughout winter, or when I feel the first sign of a cold coming on.

On its own, Reishi is touted for releasing your inner calm and promoting a good night’s sleep. It also helps to enhance your physical energy, so it’s a great one to take before a yoga class.

Turkey Tail mushroom in the forest, against some green folliage

And when I think of Turkey Tail, I think of immunity. Research suggests it helps to reduce inflammation and aid digestion, which has flow on effects for overall wellbeing.

Whether you take them together or separately, your body will love the antioxidants and bioactive compounds.

Find out more about Reishi here.

Find out more about Turkey Tail here.

When to take Chaga: In your morning coffee

Chaga is good for: Immunity and glowing skin

Chaga mushroom cut open to reveal its bright orange colour. It's a birds eye view with a spoon holding Chaga powder, too.

Benefits aside, I love to take Chaga in my morning coffee 2 – 3 times a week, as it has a beautiful earthy flavour that complements the flavour of coffee.

Chaga is packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients (I mean, just look at its bright orange colour!) It’s one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants, which help to prevent disease and promote overall wellbeing. For this reason, Chaga is a great one to take regularly… I feel it just keeps everything in check, you know?

Find out more about Chaga here.

How To Take Medicinal Mushrooms…

So now you know my medicinal mushroom routine, I encourage you to try this out or find what works for you. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way. Here are some of the ways you can incorporate them into your diet…

Add them straight into your mouth
In your morning coffee or tea
Add them to smoothie or juices
Add them to soups or main meals

If you can’t decide whether to go with our liquid extracts or powders, take a read through this article on mushroom powders vs extracts.

Oh, and one last thing! At Natura Mushrooms, we’re enthusiastic mushroom farmers, but we’re not doctors. It’s always important to seek advice from a health professional, too.

Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions or mushroom success stories, I’d love to hear them. Send us an email at info@naturamushrooms.com

The Natura Mushrooms dual extract range