From bright red spotted toadstools plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale to scalloped edge shrooms taking over the silver screen in the hit show The Last of Us, the fantastical world of fungi is one that has captured the hearts and minds of many across the globe.
In the last decade, there’s been a veritable shroom boom. Referred to by scientists and amateur foragers as ‘Pop Mycology’, the increasing obsession with fungi has reached strange new heights with the advent of adaptogenic and functional mushrooms within the health foods space.
But it hasn’t stopped there. Mushrooms are being increasingly touted in medicine too. The so-called ‘Psychedelic Renaissance’ has seen psychedelic medicine and micro-dosing discussed as a treatment for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, addiction and more. Are the magic mushrooms that are synonymous with the counter-culture era of the 60s going mainstream?
The development of medicinal, psychoactive mushrooms to treat a variety of mental and physical ailments is rooted in scientific studies and clinical trials which have been conducted across the US. This has resulted in the progressive legalisation of medical mushrooms on a federal basis. Yet adaptogenic and functional mushrooms remain a largely unproven – and most importantly - unregulated space.
Mushrooms are so strange and ephemeral and weird. Most people walk right by them. But when you start to become aware of their diversity, they reveal themselves and you feel like you've been led into this secret universe populated by these strange magical organisms. Who wouldn't want to be drawn into that?
What exactly are adaptogenic and functional mushrooms?
“They’re in this Wild West of nutritional supplements,” says David Hibbett, a celebrated Mycologist and Associate Professor in Biology at Clark University.
“They sound very promising, which makes them good for marketing purposes. But they're unregulated. Anybody can claim anything. In the United States, there's a mandated disclaimer that goes with all of these products that says, ‘these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA’”, Hibbett explains, making clear his scepticism.
These mushroom-based supplements are hailed by their manufacturers and paid influencers as almost miraculous substances which promise to harness the natural power of potent, ancient mushrooms in order to reduce stress and anxiety, help with weight loss, clear your skin, and a variety of other untold claims which promise a better, happier life.
However, that’s not to say that claims regarding the healing power of mushrooms aren’t derived from a long and storied history. “The longest record of the use of mushrooms as medicine is Chinese traditional medicine,” says Hibbett, referring to the thousands-year-old practice. Yet makes clear that this doesn’t validate their efficacy. He does, however, highlight that “There is quite a lot of research on the therapeutic benefits of fungal products.”
The mycologist goes on to explain how fungi produce diverse secondary metabolites – small molecules which are usually released in an effort to deter grazers or fight off other mushroom-killing microbes. “Many of these have turned out to be some of our most important drugs e.g., penicillin. This life-saving antibiotic as well as statins, which are the most widely prescribed class of drugs on the planet, were both discovered in fungi.”
“But it is a long way from saying that, oh, if you drink chaga tea, you know, it's going to boost your immune system,” tempers Hibbett. “The formal Western drug development process is long and arduous. It takes a long time and a lot of money before you can say this is a medicine.”
What are some examples of adaptogenic and functional mushrooms?
Shiitake – for weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, reducing inflammation and immune support
- Reishi – for overall health and longevity
- Lion’s Mane – for reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, supporting gut health and red blood cell formation
- Chaga – for gut health and cognitive function
- Cordyceps – for inflammation and fatigue
- Turkey Tail – for overall immune health, reducing inflammation and antioxidant properties
Have a look at Chinese Medicine of Idaho’s guide to medicinal mushrooms for further information.
What’s the deal with Turkey Tail mushrooms and cancer treatment?
Turkey Tail – otherwise known as Coriolus versicolor – is a wood-decaying fungus that has been used in Chinese traditional medicine as a tonic for centuries. The characteristically colourful mushroom has gained significant attention in recent decades due to its supposed cancer-treating properties.
According to the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre, Coriolus versicolor is used to improve general health, treat cancer and boost the immune system. Human and animal studies have suggested that Turkey Tail has immunostimulant and antitumor properties and back in 1977, Polysaccharide-K (PSK), a product derived from Turkey Tail mushrooms, was developed and approved for adjunct cancer treatment in Japan.
That being said, the cancer-treating derivative sourced from Turkey Tail fungi is far from the same as the over-the-counter dietary supplements you’ll find in health food shops – nor is it something you’re going to achieve by scoffing whole Turkey Tail mushrooms on the daily.
These over-the-counter products are not standardised, which not only makes it difficult to compare potency between brands, but it also remains entirely unclear if these supplements have even remotely comparable effects to the antitumor, immune booster known as PSK.
Hibbett warns that the next step when it comes to testing Turkey Tail as a cancer treatment is further clinical trials in humans – and it’s a long way before we can definitely consider the mushroom a cancer-curing substance, despite what early studies have shown. “Fungi are incredibly promising, we should be looking at lots of fungi for the next set of drugs,” says Hibbett.
With regards to over-the-counter supplements, the professor adds, “You're probably not going to hurt yourself by taking a couple of Turkey Tail capsules every day. And if you like the idea of taking mushroom supplements, go ahead.” Let’s just say, Hibbett himself isn’t popping mushroom pills – despite his profession.
What are some other health benefits associated with edible mushrooms?
“Mushrooms are healthy. They are very low in sodium and high in protein. You have to be careful with them because there are plenty of toxic mushrooms including some things that are perfectly edible when cooked but are toxic when raw,” explains Hibbett.
“It's especially good for if you go and collect them yourself. If you're lucky enough to be in an environment where you have nice woods, you can go out and collect mushrooms and then bring them home and cook them. It's a wonderful experience,” the biology professor adds – just make sure you’re taking an expert along for the ride or have profusely studied a forager’s guide.
Why has there been a shroom boom?
We asked Hibbett for his thoughts on Pop Mycology and why there has been such a shift in perception when it comes to fungi in recent years. The mycologist responded, “I think that there's a real desire on the part of many people to connect with nature. Mushrooms are so strange and ephemeral and weird. Most people walk right by them. But when you start to become aware of their diversity, they start to reveal themselves before you and you feel like you've been led into this secret universe populated by these strange magical organisms. Who wouldn't want to be drawn into that?”
With Professor Hibbetts’ warnings headed, let’s dive into some of the most popular and tastiest mushroom-based products on the market.
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Wild Foraged Mushrooms
Merryhill Mushrooms - Dried Wild & Exotic Mushrooms (Porcini, Chanterelle, Shiitake, Oyster) (35g)
With over 50 years of experience in cultivating and harvesting mushrooms, West Sussex-based Merryhill Mushrooms is dedicated to putting innovative, healthy and unbelievably tasty mushroom products on the market. From mushroom seasonings and salts to their varied selection of dried mushrooms, Merryhill is a fan-favourite for foraging enthusiasts who can’t always get out and collect shrooms themselves. This umami-full selection of fungi consists of shiitake, chanterelle, oyster and porcini mushrooms – perfect for imbuing your homemade ramen or risotto with a superfood boost.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
Dried Turkey Tail Mushroom
If you’re interested in brewing your very own Turkey Tail tonic, look no further than this wild foraged dried Coriolus versicolor. Harvested at its peak in New England, this product is sold by weight rather than volume. The foragers over at Gathered Nature take an ethical approach to picking, leaving behind any Turkey Tail mushrooms that are not close to perfect so their spores can spread for the following year.
Buy now £20.63, Etsy
Cultjar Somerset Mushrooms
A true shroom chef’s go-to when cooking any meal is a jar of preserved mushrooms. Wildly foraged at their flavour-packed peak, these chestnut mushrooms have been preserved using the traditional Italian technique known as ‘Sott’Olio’ to preserve their delicious, nutty taste. The mushrooms are coated in extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of garlic, coriander and salt and set aside for a year. The leftover seasoned olive oil also works as a fantastic salad dressing.
Buy now £9.50, The Newt in Somerset
Powders and drinks
Rheal Coco Dream Superfood Blend 150g
Relatively new to the scene, Rheal was developed after its founder was diagnosed with coeliac disease and discovered the health-boosting benefits of superfoods. The brand’s certified organic products have been crafted to deliver delicious-tasting products which, as a bonus, can help to support the general health of your immune system. Coco Dream combines the power of reishi mushrooms and KSM-66 ashwagandha alongside raw cacao and cinnamon to help you relax and unwind.
Buy now £21.25, Rheal
Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao Mix Reishi
These easy-to-use hot chocolate sachets might not look like much at first, but each packet is filled to the brim with reishi mushrooms. What’s more, Four Sigmatic promises that this hot chocolate tastes just like you’re childhood favourite instant powder, with no gritty mushroom taste. At only 25 calories per packet, this is a true guilt-free, wellness-boosting beverage.
Buy now £9.90, Amazon
Naturya Organic Mushroom Superblend Power Powder
This is an immune-boosting blend of reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms each containing oodles of vitamin D, niacin and manganese. The Power Powder from Naturya can be popped into your daily protein shake or dusted atop your afternoon cappuccino for a tasty wellness boost.
Buy now £9.94, Amazon
Supplements
Puresport Mushroom Complex
Puresport’s Mushroom Complex is a cult-favourite supplement. Each capsule contains a blend of five different mushrooms cultivated to help support your long-term health goals. The fantastic fungi harnessed for each capsule include lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, maitake and shiitake to help support brain function and a healthy immune system.
Buy now £35.00, Oxygen Boutique
Mushroom Complex Capsules
The Mushroom Complex Capsules by Bulk contain a whopping 500mg of mushroom extract per capsule. Harnessing the power of seven different super mushrooms – Cordyceps sinensis, lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, shiitake, maitake and oyster – these supplements have been created to help support normal immune function. Bulk has also added 10 micrograms of vegan-friendly vitamin D3 to contribute to normal immune function and recommends taking 1-3 capsules per day.
Buy now £22.49, Bulk
