What are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms have medicinal, nootropic and adaptogenic properties, which can help with certain tasks or activities by improving things like cognitive function and our body's response to stress - allowing us to adapt and feel more comfortable in the world. Fungi such as chaga and turkey tail have been shown to benefit the immune system and reduce oxidative stress, but there are some others which can help with more of an immediate boost to our brains and bodies.Read on to find out what is meant by βnootropicβ and βadaptogenicβ - but first, letβs have a look at some of the most commonly used functional mushrooms: lionβs mane, reishi and cordyceps.
Lionβs Mane
This increasingly popular mushroom has been revered for centuries by the Yamabushi Buddhist monks of Japan, who use it for mental clarity during meditation.For centuries this mushroom has been studied for its cognitive enhancing abilities, with recent studies showing its ability to enhance the βnerve growth factorβ due to the active ingredients, known as erinacenes, which comes from its Latin name Hericium erinaceus (meaning βhedgehogβ).Erinacenes are a group of compounds which have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor, and could be a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinsonβs disease and Alzheimerβs.There are ways of consuming these compounds which render them more and less bioavailable, and conditions for which lionβs mane is more and less suitable. Book a consultation to find out if lionβs mane is right for you, and how to get the most out of it.For more of my perspective on this fascinating mushroom, take a look at this interview I gave on the subject.
Reishi
Known as the βmushroom of immortalityβ in ancient China and used for over 2,000 years, this powerful fungus has been revered by many to bring about balance and restore the bodyβs harmony.Some of the traditional benefits of reishi include anti-aging and enhancing memory, with more recent studies showing increased blood flow to the brain and effects on neurotransmitters, suggesting a positive nootropic effect.One compound in particular, ganoderic acid A (related to the Latin name for reishi, Ganoderma lucidum, meaning shining bright) has been shown to be responsible for improvement in brain function and metabolism, cell recycling, and prolonging the length of telomeres (which serve as a biological clock to determine the lifespan of cells).The beneficial compounds, known as triterpenes, can be made more bioavailable with certain methods of extraction. Book a consultation to find out how best to use this mushroom, and whether it can work as part of your regime.
Cordyceps
This is a genus of fungus which is uniquely weird, in that it grows on the larvae of insects.With over 350 different species of cordyceps currently known about, and a rich history of traditional use for at least 300 years in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, only one species - Cordyceps sinensis - has been officially recorded in the Chinese pharmacopoeia since 1964; but it is one of the most famous Chinese medicines, and medicinal mushrooms!Folk healers in the Himalayan region of Sikkim have used it as a tonic for βall illnessesβ, with claims that it improves appetite, stamina, libido, endurance, and sleeping patterns.Its contemporary use has gained popularity as an adaptogenic functional mushroom, particularly in regards to performance, as it stimulates the bodyβs cells to produce more of the molecule adenosine triphosphate - which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles and improving your bodyβs use of oxygen during exercise.The potential for this mushroom to improve exercise was famously noted in 1993, when the Chinese Olympics female running team broke records for 1,500, 3,000 and 10,000 metres, causing much suspicion and accusations of using performance-enhancing steroids - however, tests showed zero steroid use and their coach revealed that he had requested the team to take cordyceps after each training session.With numerous other uses, ranging from addressing lung and kidney problems to sexual dysfunction, it must be noted that again, some methods of application are more useful than others in allowing us to access beneficial compounds such as cordycepin. Get in touch to discuss whether cordyceps can help you, and how their benefits can be unlocked.
Now we know what functional mushrooms are, and a little about some of the most popular ones available - letβs look at the broader classes of supplements to which they belongβ¦
What are nootropics?
Nootropics (pronounced βno-eh-troh-piksβ) have been more commonly referred to as βsmart drugsβ over the past few years, and refer to substances which have gained popularity for their perceived benefits in enhancing cognitive function, memory, and learning - the name consists of two Greek words: nΓΆos, which means thinking, and tropein, which means to guide.Whilst many synthetic nootropics have been marketed to those who suffer with cognitive impairment, there has been growing popularity of naturally occurring substances which can enhance the cognitive abilities of healthy individuals, particularly when it comes to memory and learning.
The availability of synthetic nootropics is largely limited to prescription use, but the majority of natural nootropics are freely available in the form of food supplements and herbal extracts.Natural nootropics have been proven to improve cognitive function, whilst also maintaining the health of our brains by acting as a vasodilator inside the brain. This increases blood flow, which helps provide more energy, nutrients, and oxygen to the brain.Our brain depends on a larger percentage of oxygen and blood, relative to its size, to the rest of the body, and we can help support it through the introduction of natural nootropics into our daily regime, which can provide protection against inflammation and brain ageing.These substances also help to stimulate new neuron cells, which enhances brain activity and contributes to neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to re-organise its connections and functions.
Traditional useSince ancient times, natural medicines have been used to prevent and treat many ailments, as well as being used to promote overall well-being and longevity. However, the term βnootropicβ only came about in the early 1970s after Prof. Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea described a group of substances which activate cognitive functions involved in memory and learning.The popularity of natural nootropics is increasing, with many preparations available in herbal forms such as tea, pills, or capsules, with extractions being made to access the important active compounds within the plants or fungi.There are some species of herbs, shrubs, and also fungi which have gained popularity since being tested for their nootropic potential due to their long traditional use.
What are adaptogens?
Naturally occurring adaptogens are plants and fungi which can help benefit the bodyβs nonspecific resistance to stress by increasing the ability to adapt and survive.The nonspecific mechanism of action can make them a bit tricky to fit into a traditional model of reductionist pharmacology, as they interact with different networks in the body, particularly as mediators of stress hormones to bring the body back into a state of balance, also known as homeostasis.We can look at adaptogens as being beneficial in times of protecting us against stress, and helping our body as an organism adapt to the situation. They also have a wider benefit in protecting against chronic inflammation, hardening of arteries, neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive impairment, metabolic disorders, cancer, and age-related diseases.The popular use of adaptogens has risen significantly in recent years, as people look for different options to manage increasing demands and stressful situations, particularly when it comes to fatigue, cognitive function, and behavioural disorders, as well as preventative use to combat the effects of ageing and stress.Regardless of the stimulus (also referred to as a stressor), adaptogens increase adaptability and resilience by activating the defence systems of our cells and organs; combined with multi-target mechanisms of action, which could also provide benefit for the prevention and treatment of stress-induced disorders, such as chronic fatigue, memory impairment, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cold and flu, infections, skin diseases, liver diseases, and cancer.
Traditional useAdaptogenic plants have been used in a variety of healthcare systems, such as Russian and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic medicine, Kampo (the study of TCM in Japan after being introduced in the 7th century) and other alternative medical systems.The term adaptogen first appeared in scientific literature in the middle of the 20th century in the Soviet Union, with the aim of understanding how these plant compounds work in helping the body maintain its resilience against harmful challenges.The definition of adaptogens is, however, being continuously updated, to fit the ever-changing understanding of how these plants work, as they gain more popularity. Itβs important to remember that it comes down to how our physiological processes are adapting to challenges, both inside and outside our cells.
taken from the guide to nootropics and adaptogens, which I wrote for Product Earth.
ππΌπ The Fungi Consultant β 2024 π
Oli Genn-Bash, founder of The Fungi Consultant
The Mission
With so many choices out there, it can be difficult to know what the right option is for our personal health. A calm and informed approach can allow us to identify our needs and the fungi which can support them, and then put these to use in the best way possible.Whether itβs improving cognitive function, allowing us to adapt to stress and feel calmer, and supplying energy for the things we need to do in life; or providing longevity and increased immunity to disease - these fungal allies can support us in elevating our health and wellness, and in overcoming many different challenges.Having gained extensive knowledge of functional mushrooms, through independent research alongside professional collaboration with individuals and organisations within the fungi world - such as Darren Le Baron, All Things Fungi and Product Earth - I offer guidance to those looking to make these natural remedies a part of their daily regime.
My StoryFrom co-founding the University of Kent Canterbury Psych-d*lic Society in 2009, where I helped facilitate talks on a wide variety of topics including mycology and herbalism to, in more recent years, co-organising multiple cultivation workshops with expert Darren Le Baron, giving talks on the topic of the benefits of mushrooms for All Things Fungi Festival and Sunflower Studio CIC, giving consultations as Head of Mycology at Product Earth, and founding The Fungi Consultant - working with fungi and spreading awareness of these integral sources of wellbeing has been the latest stage in a long journey with functional mushrooms.
My exploration into the world of fungi began as a result of facing various challenges to my health.
As a child and teenager I coped with a lot of injuries, resulting in a few stints in hospital β one of which involved having surgery on my hip at the age of 14. The recovery from surgery made exercise a challenge, and throughout my teenage years I struggled with weight gain due to inactivity, and didn't feel particularly in control of my health.
It wasn't until university, and the discovery of locally growing mushrooms near to my campus, that my mind was opened up to the natural world, allowing me to enjoy being active again in nature. This led me to explore the world of fungi in greater detail, where I gained first hand knowledge surrounding the benefits of a range of functional mushrooms.
In 2016 I received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Since then I have tried many different herbal supplements, as well as prescribed pharmaceutical medication. Functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, reishi, and cordyceps became a solid part of my regime, providing benefits that other treatments could not.
As I have dived deeper into studying these mushrooms, sharing my insights has allowed me to appreciate the improvements they can make to other peopleβs lives, conditions and challenges. Particularly given the huge number of products available, which can often make things overwhelming when we're deciding what to buy, I feel that my wealth of experience needs to be shared, empowering others to benefit from the best possible application of functional mushrooms to their lives.
ππΌπ The Fungi Consultant β 2024 π
Book a Consultation
Whether you're new to functional mushrooms or looking to enhance your health routine, our one-on-one consultation will provide tailored advice to suit your specific needs.During our session, we will:
π± Discuss your health goals and any supplements already being takenπ± Explore the potential benefits of various functional mushrooms based on your individual needsπ± Offer guidance on how to incorporate functional mushrooms into your lifestyle, including dosage, product recommendations, and preparation methodsπ± Provide practical advice on reputable brands and products, ensuring quality and effectiveness
Limited-time offer: Start your functional mushroom journey with an introductory rate of Β£30/hour for individual online consultations. Book now to secure this special price!If you are a business or organisation and interested in finding out how functional mushrooms can best support your team please get in touch.Email [email protected] or use the form below
to arrange a consultation - or a free 15-minute discovery call to answer any preliminary questions and outline how a full consultation can benefit you.
ππΌπ The Fungi Consultant β 2024 π