Adaptogenic Mushrooms: What They Are and How They Work
Mushrooms are much more than simple pizza toppings or forest decor. From lion’s mane to reishi, some mushrooms can function like adaptogens, helping the body handle stress, supporting the immune system, and keeping your brain at 100% capacity.
But what exactly are adaptogenic mushrooms, and how do they actually work? Let’s break it down.
What Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?
Adaptogenic mushrooms are a special group of fungi that help your body adapt to stress. The term "adaptogen" refers to plants (or mushrooms) that help the body maintain balance in response to physical, emotional, or environmental stressors. These mushrooms don’t eliminate stress, but they can support systems like your nervous and endocrine systems to help your body adapt.
Reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and chaga are among the most researched adaptogenic mushrooms. These fungi contain bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, which interact with everything from your brain to your immune system.
How Do Adaptogenic Mushrooms Work?
You can’t just eat any old mushroom and expect adaptogenic benefits. Functional mushrooms have specific compounds that affect the body to work their magic. Here’s what they do behind the scenes.
Support the HPA Axis
The HPA axis stands for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and it’s like your body’s stress-response command center. When you're freaking out, this group kicks into gear to pump out cortisol (your main stress hormone).
Adaptogenic mushrooms can help support balance within that stress response. In one study, lion’s mane mushroom lowered self-reported stress levels in participants after 28 days of supplementation. This is huge news for anyone struggling with burnout, long-term stress, or even short-term stress.
Encourage Immunity
Adaptogenic mushrooms aren’t just about stress — they can also help keep you healthy. And let’s be real, catching a cold comes with its own special kind of stress.
Many of these mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that essentially primes your immune cells so they respond quickly and efficiently when a real threat comes along. For example, studies on turkey tail and maitake mushrooms show they may enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, your body’s first responders against viruses and abnormal cells.
These fungi may also help soothe systemic irritation and encourage a balanced immune response. This means that they can help keep your immune system from kicking into overdrive, which is the last thing you need when you’re already feeling sick.
Provide Antioxidants
You’ve probably heard of antioxidants. These little molecules neutralize free radicals, unstable atoms that contribute to aging and disease.
Well, adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga and shiitake are chock-full of antioxidants. Chaga, for instance, is so rich in melanin and polyphenols that it’s been studied for its ability to fight oxidative stress at the cellular level. Its antioxidant content is even higher than blueberries and acai berries!
That’s huge, considering chronic oxidative stress is linked to everything from heart disease to wrinkles. So while mushrooms won’t replace sunscreen when it comes to wrinkle protection, they definitely add another layer to your routine that you’ll be thankful for in 20 years.
Support the Brain
Lion’s mane in particular is famous for its cognitive benefits, thanks to compounds called hericenones and erinacines. These compounds may support nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that helps brain cells grow, repair, and survive.
Other research has even linked lion’s mane to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is likely tied to its effects on neuroplasticity and irritation in the brain.
4 of the Best Adaptogenic Mushrooms
If you want to start taking adaptogenic mushrooms, you probably want to know which one you should start with. Read on for four of the most common adaptogenic mushrooms and what they do.
1. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is best known for its potential to support cognitive function and mental clarity, thanks to its ability to support the production of NGF. Lion’s mane can also support activation pathways for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which can support a healthy circadian rhythm and emotional regulation.
Lion’s mane can support brainpower, but it can also support the nervous system’s ability to adapt to stress. This makes it a great starting place for anyone juggling a busy schedule, tight deadlines, or the general chaos of modern life.
With all of these benefits, is it any wonder that lion’s mane is one of the starring ingredients in our Mushroom Coffee+? It works alongside L-theanine, collagen, and Arabica coffee extract to help you feel more focused, support gut and skin health, and help you get a good night’s sleep.
2. Chaga
Chaga might look like a burnt lump of charcoal on the outside, but it’s brimming with adaptogenic power beneath the surface. This mushroom is rich in antioxidants — particularly polyphenols and melanin — that can help reduce oxidative stress and support immune function.
Research has found that chaga extracts can protect against DNA damage and may help support immune pathways, which are both important in managing long-term stress responses. While not as stimulating as lion’s mane or cordyceps, chaga plays a steadying role in adaptogenic blends by promoting immune balance and protecting cells from burnout.
This mushroom is the final ingredient in all of our mushroom blends. And, while chaga can be hard to take due to its bitter, earthy taste, our Mushroom Coffee+ tastes like nothing but smooth, robust coffee.
3. Reishi
Reishi is often called the “mushroom of immortality,” and honestly, it’s not just hype. This adaptogenic mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to promote calm, resilience, and longevity.
Research shows that reishi can help regulate cortisol levels (especially when combined with cordyceps), support the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It contains triterpenoids and polysaccharides that interact with the body’s stress response and immune modulation systems, helping you stay balanced even when life is chaotic. Clinical studies have also linked reishi with improved sleep and reduced fatigue, thanks to its helpful effects on the gut.
4. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is known for boosting energy, stamina, and physical performance. This mushroom supports the body’s production of ATP (cellular energy) and may also improve oxygen utilization. That makes it especially popular among athletes, early risers, and people looking to shake off the afternoon slump without pounding an energy drink.
On the adaptogenic front, studies show cordyceps can help fight fatigue during exercise, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest it may also help balance blood sugar and reduce autoimmune reactions in transplant patients.
Can You Eat Adaptogenic Mushrooms? How To Take Them
Adaptogenic mushrooms are incredibly versatile. You can take them as capsules, powders, teas, or drink mixes. However, our favorite way to get them in is with a steaming, delicious cup of our Mushroom Coffee+.
Available in both mild and medium roasts, our mushroom coffee contains lion’s mane and chaga for mental clarity and antioxidant support, plus a smooth Arabica coffee extract that gives you the energy boost without the jitters. To sweeten the deal, it also includes L-theanine (to calm your nervous system) and collagen protein (for skin, gut, and joint health).
Just mix a scoop with hot water or milk of choice, and boom — you’ve got a functional morning ritual that supports focus, immunity, stress resilience, and more. And while we love to drink a plain cup of mushroom magic, you can easily turn it into a latte, mocha, smoothie, or even a breakfast dish.
The Bottom Line
Adaptogenic mushrooms might seem like a modern health trend, but they’re more like ancient tools backed by modern science. From lion’s mane to chaga, these fungi can help your body stay balanced in the face of stress, fatigue, and brain fog.
And with convenient (and super delicious) options like our Mushroom Coffee+, it’s easier than ever to reap the benefits without feeling like you’re licking a forest floor. And hey, if coffee isn’t your cup of tea (get it?), you can also reap these mushroom benefits with a refreshing cup of our Mushroom Matcha+.
Sources:
Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder | PMC
Studies on the Antifatigue Activities of Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract in Mouse Model | PMC
Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug - Herbal Medicine | NCBI Bookshelf
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