Stress-Busting Adaptogenic Mushrooms: 5 Varieties to Add to Your Diet

Terri Bentley
Jan 9, 2023
4 min read

Adaptogenic mushrooms are a type of mushroom used for centuries in traditional medicine to help the body adapt to stress, improve energy levels, and boost the immune system. These mushrooms have a unique set of compounds that can help the body better handle physical, mental, and emotional stress. They are a great natural supplement for people looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

There are many types of adaptogenic mushrooms, each with their own unique benefits. Here are the top five most powerful adaptogenic mushrooms, and why they are great for the human body:

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) - Reishi mushrooms are perhaps the most well-known adaptogenic mushroom, and for good reason. They are packed with nutrients and have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Reishi mushrooms are known to help boost the immune system, improve sleep, reduce anxiety and stress, and even have anti-cancer properties.

Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) - Chaga mushrooms are a type of mushroom that grows on the bark of birch trees in cold climates. They are known for their high antioxidant content and have been used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system and improve overall health. Chaga mushrooms are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Cordyceps Mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) - Cordyceps mushrooms are a type of mushroom that grows on the larva of insects in the mountains of China. They are known for their ability to boost energy levels and improve athletic performance. Cordyceps mushrooms are also believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help improve respiratory health.

Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) - Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of mushroom that grows on dead wood in the forest. They are known for their high antioxidant content and have been used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system and improve overall health. Turkey tail mushrooms are also believed to have anti-cancer properties and may help improve gut health.

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) - Shiitake mushrooms are a type of mushroom native to East Asia and widely cultivated around the world. They are known for their rich, savory flavor, and have been used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system and improve overall health. Shiitake mushrooms are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Overall, adaptogenic mushrooms are a great natural supplement for people looking to improve their overall health and well-being. They can help boost the immune system, improve energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and even have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. If you are interested in incorporating adaptogenic mushrooms into your diet, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and best way to incorporate them into your routine.

Here are two recipes we love that feature adaptogenic mushrooms, which are a type of mushroom known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and improve overall health. The first recipe is a creamy and nourishing reishi mushroom latte, which is made with unsweetened alternative milk and flavored with ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogenic herb. The second recipe is a hearty and flavorful shiitake mushroom soup, which is made with coconut milk and fresh ginger for added depth of flavor. Both of these recipes are delicious and nourishing, making them a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate adaptogenic mushrooms into their diet.

Reishi & Lions Mane Mushroom Latte

Any of your favorite mushroom blends can replace those stated here by the following ratio here or recommended by the type of mushroom.

12-16oz unsweetened alternative milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk)

1 tsp Reishi mushroom powder

1 tsp Lions mane

1 tsp Ashwagandha powder

1 tsp Honey (or to taste)

Pinch of Cinnamon

Pinch of ground Nutmeg

Pinch of Sea Salt

1/4-1/2 tsp of Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

Heat the alternative milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steamy, but not boiling.

Add the reishi mushroom powder, ashwagandha powder, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the saucepan and stir to combine.

Use an immersion blender to froth the mixture, or transfer it to a blender and blend until frothy.

Pour the latte into a mug and enjoy!

Shiitake Mushroom Soup

Any of your favorite mushroom blends can replace those stated here by following the ratio here.

You're going to need:

1 tbsp olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup coconut milk

1 Tbsp Honey

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp turmeric powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until they are tender, about 5 more minutes.

Add the vegetable broth, coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20 minutes.

Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Adaptogenic mushrooms are a powerful and natural way to improve overall health and well-being. These unique mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and are known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress, boost the immune system, and improve energy levels.

We hope you enjoyed this article and leave a comment if you've tried the recipe!

With gratitude,

Jaida <3