Functional mushrooms may have gone mainstream, but that doesn’t make them any less intimidating.
If anything, the recent fungi frenzy has made working with these adaptogens even more confusing.
Where do we start?
Which mushroom is for what?
How do I know my ‘shrooms are high quality?
You have questions; this guide has answers.
What are functional mushrooms?
A “functional mushroom” is an edible mushroom that has adaptogenic properties (beyond its nutritional benefits).
As a refresher,adaptogens1are organic compounds that support how our nervous system responds to stress.
Functional mushrooms support our stress response, but that’s not all.
- No wonder we want more mushrooms in our livesbut not just any mushrooms.
Quality is just as important as knowing which mushroom to choose.
That’s because many mushroom supplements out there don’t actually contain mushrooms.
Instead, they utilize themyceliumof the mushroom (the roots).
That’s why we love a brand that uses organic, sustainably sourced fruiting bodies, likeGaia Herbs.
Which mushroom, for what?
The question is, which one’s right for you?
When you’re looking to feel mentally sharp and focused, consider these fungi your friends.
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you could eat lion’s mane, but Gaia Herbs’Lion’s Mane Mushroomcapsules are a lot easier.
Through a lengthy extraction process, they’re made from 100% mushroom extract.
- It has also been used for millenniums in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting the kidneys and lungs.
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Gaia Herbs sources its cordyceps organically and sustainably.
In theirEveryday Adaptogen, you’re getting organic cordyceps extract (no fillers).
- If you’re looking to harness the immune-supporting benefits of mushroomsforage no further.
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But as powerful as this mushroom is, some people don’t care for the taste.
Thankfully, Gaia Herbs’Turkey Tail Mushroomcapsules make it far more accessible to regularly consume this liver- and immune-supporting adaptogen.
Chaga is known for havinghigh antioxidant levels4, supporting both immune health and overall well-being.
- Consistent across their entire suite of mushrooms, Gaia Herbs sources their chaga responsibly.
Wildcrafted on organically managed land from Siberian birch, it doesn’t get closer to nature than that.
This edible mushroom is known for promoting cellular health and immune supportparticularly when combined with other mushrooms.
- That’s why you’ll find both organic maitake and chaga inGaia Herbs Immune Shinesupplement.
Formulated with other immune-supporting playerslike elderberry and gingerthis powder is a delicious ritual for feeling your best.
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Immune Shine
But why should you choose Gaia Herbs Mushrooms?
There are thousands of edible mushrooms out there, but we think of functional mushrooms as the elite.
So, why settle for anything less than pure extraction?
Here’s a glimpse at what sustainable sourcing really looks like.Gaia Herbsharvests their mushroom-fruiting bodies at their peak potency.
From there, each batch goes through stringent testing for integrity, purity, and potency.
Because of this process, Gaia Herbs mushrooms arepure, without fillers and unnecessary ingredients.
The bottom line
Mushrooms are living proof that nature is a powerful agent for our health.
Through functional mushrooms, we can connect to natureandourwell-being.
And in a modern world, where stress is a norm, we might even call these adaptogens invaluable.
That’s why we want our fungi as close to the source as possible.
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