The Best Mushroom for Anxiety

If you have been dealing with anxiety, it might help to know that you are not alone. According to the WHO, hundreds of millions of people suffer from anxiety all over the world. This is often due to various factors, including biological factors, life experiences, and social and economic factors.

Luckily, there are many treatments and ways to cope with anxiety, from therapy and exercise to medications and even natural remedies. Some of these treatments are common, some are not, but that doesn't mean that they are not effective.

For example, you might think that mushrooms are just a simple ingredient in your kitchen, but they are not. For years, different types of mushrooms have been known and used for their various medicinal properties, and today, we are taking a look at some of the best mushrooms for anxiety, and why and how they work.

Why Mushrooms for Anxiety?

First of all, note that there are many different types of mushrooms, research says at least 14000 species. Secondly, it is important to know that not all of them have medicinal value. While most have various nutrients and even functional benefits, not all of them will help ease your anxiety.

Why not also read: When to take Ashwagandha?

Medicinal mushrooms are adaptogenic. This simply means that they can help the body and mind relax and ease stress, tension, and anxiety. Adoptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stressors. They enhance resilience and bring balance when the body and mind are under stress.

How They Work

Mushrooms don't work like medicines. They don't provide an instant fix. Instead, they work gradually, over time, supporting your nervous system, balancing hormones, supporting your brain functions, and improving your physical strength and health. Instead of masking the problem to make you feel relieved in the moment, they strengthen your body’s natural systems so you can handle stress better.

The Best Mushrooms for Anxiety

Lion’s Mane

This is one of the most popular functional or medicinal mushrooms, especially known for its cognitive benefits. Physically, it looks a bit like a white shaggy ball, almost like a puff of cotton, hence its name. But what makes it special are the benefits it carries.

Lion’s Mane contains bioactive compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which can help stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). This protein helps your brain cells grow, repair, and stay healthy, helping you to feel mentally sharp, balanced, and calm.

Anxiety also often overstimulates the nervous system, which is why you might feel on edge. Lion’s mane can help protect and repair the nerve cells, balance brain chemicals, and reduce inflammation in the brain, helping to keep you steady.

With regular use, in the long run, you will start feeling clear-headed and grounded, making it easier to handle daily stress.

Reishi

Another popular functional mushroom is Reishi. It has especially long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Back then, it was known to help promote calm and relaxation to both the mind and the body.

Physically, Reishi looks very different from Lion’s Mane. It has a hard, shiny, reddish-brown surface that almost looks like polished wood, a bitter taste, and a tough texture. But it also contains multiple compounds that will heal your mind and body.

Triterpenes interact with receptors in the brain associated with stress and fear, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation. Polysaccharides help support the immune system and overall energy levels, which can also help improve resilience to stress.

Reishi also has Peptidoglycans and antioxidants, which help fight inflammation in the body, reduce anxiety and tension, and improve sleep quality. If your anxiety shows up as restlessness, racing thoughts, or sleepless nights, this mushroom could just be what you need.

Cordyceps

While anxiety doesn't necessarily make you feel tired, it leaves you feeling restless or burned out. This is where corduceps can come in handy.

The mushroom has been used for ages as an energy booster to fight fatigue, boost vitality, and improve overall endurance. While it might not provide direct calming effects, it can help improve stamina and fight exhaustion.

If feeling anxious leaves you feeling mentally and physically drained, cordyceps can help reduce burnout and restore your natural energy levels. It may not directly calm your mind like Reishi or Lion’s Mane, but it can help reduce the physical side effects of stress.

Chaga

Chaga might not be the first to come to mind when you think about the best mushroom for anxiety, but its benefits are definitely worth mentioning. Unlike Lion’s Mane, Reishi, or Cordyceps, Chaga is mainly known for its immune-boosting properties

It has multiple compounds and antioxidants, including beta-glucans, melanin, and Polysaccharides, which help regulate the immune system, fight oxidative stress, and improve overall energy and endurance. It also has compounds called Triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and protective properties that can benefit overall mental health.

By supporting overall balance, Chaga helps reduce the side effects of anxiety. For example, when your body is under constant stress, free radicals build up and affect your nervous system. Chaga’s antioxidants can help shield and protect your brain and body from that damage.

How To Choose the Best One for You

It mainly comes down to your needs, preferences, and goals. Reishi often stands out as the best for its calming effects and its ability to improve sleep. Lion’s Mane is an amazing choice if your anxiety is tied to brain fog, mood swings, or focus problems.

Why not also read: Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits

If you are feeling burnt out, restless, and exhausted, or looking to strengthen your body overall, cordyceps and/ or chaga could help. If you are not sure about what you need, you can always contact our knowledgeable customer service team or your supplier for advice. And, if you have medical issues, talk to your doctor first.

How to Use Mushrooms for Anxiety

There are many ways you can choose to use mushrooms for anxiety. The good thing is that you don't need to go to the forests to look for them. We have  a range of different mushroom products that you can choose from, making it easily accessible for you.

If you want something easy to mix with your morning tea or coffee, our mushroom powders and teas will come in handy. They are easy to make, blend well into your daily routines, and you don't have to worry about unpleasant tastes or smells.

If you prefer something to grab and go, capsules might be your better choice. We have a range of options to suit your needs. All you need to do is take one or two, depending on the recommendation, and you are good to go.

Tinctures and extracts are also a good option. These are liquid drops you can add to water, tea, smoothies, soups, or take directly under your tongue. They are fast-absorbing and usually concentrated.

Tips to Keep In Mind

Start small - Everyone’s body reacts differently. If you are just getting started, begin with a lower dose and see how you feel. You can always increase it later.

Be consistent - Medicinal mushrooms don’t usually work overnight. They build up their effects with regular use.

Combine them - Depending on your needs and goals, you can mix different types of mushrooms together. For example, you can check out our superblend with Reishi (for calm) and Lion’s Mane (for focus) to enhance your results.

Check with a doctor - If you are on medication or have health conditions, always talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking any new supplement.