Medicinal mushrooms have never been more popular due to their medicinal properties.
Scientists continue to discover new psilocybin benefits – and consumers are starting to notice. Today, it’s easier than ever to buy medicinal mushrooms and mushroom supplements online.
Most mushroom supplements do not contain psilocybin because it’s a controlled substance. Instead, mushroom supplements contain other types of mushrooms with proven benefits.
From medicinal mushrooms to mushroom supplements and more, you have more choices than ever as we have selected the best medicinal mushroom formulas of the year. Here are our top 29 mushroom supplements of 2021.
Ranking the Best Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in 2021
Onnit Shroom Tech Support | Helps one to have better cellular energy and boost physical performance |
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Four Sigmatic | Promotes focused energy |
Real mushrooms | Supports immunity and brain health |
MUD/WTR | Boost cardiovascular health and lowers down blood sugar level |
Mushroom Defense | Promotes a healthy immune system and cognitive health |
Organixx 7m + | Maintains immunity and enhances energy levels |
Pure Essence MyPure Lion’s mane mushrooms | Calms and relaxes the mind |
Genius Mushrooms | Energizes body and mind for proper functioning |
Mushroom Revival | Boost mental health and clarity |
Earth Nutri Performance Energy + Focus | Increases energy level and helps in attaining better focus and alertness |
FreshCap | Supports digestive and gut health |
VidaCap | Aids in weight loss and ensures better sleep quality |
Shroomy | Enhances cognitive health |
Ceremony Mushrooms | Supports healthy immune function and muscle mass |
GundryMD Mushroom Vitality | Increases focus and energy level |
Circadian Wellness | Promotes overall health and wellbeing |
VitaPost immune Support | Enhances Immunity and boost energy levels |
MycoPhyto Complex | Promote a relaxed mind and better brain performance |
Brain Forza Organic’s Lion Mane Mushroom | Calms mind and works as a great body defense system |
Yoursuper.com magic Mushroom | Avoids bacterial and viral infections |
Spore | Works as a brain booster |
Vital Plan adaptogenic Mushrooms | Maintains energy levels and supports heart health |
The Drug Store Adaptogenic mushrooms | Reduces stress and depression related symptoms |
Botany Cordyceps Militaris Extract | Enhances blood flow for better immune function |
Plant people wonder day | Eliminate age related body decline |
5 Mushrooms Reserve blend | Ensures healthy overall health and wellbeing |
MindHoney | Enhances mental performance |
Vitan Plan Brain Boost | Works as a great immunity booster |
Our editorial team contacted manufacturers, analyzed lab reports, and compared the top mushroom supplements available today. After extensive deliberation, here is our ranking of the best 29 mushroom supplements of 2021:
Onnit Shroom Tech SPORT
Onnit is one of the best mushroom supplements with excellent results. The Joe Rogan-backed supplement company advertises Shroom Tech SPORT as a daily energy supplement. By taking one capsule of Shroom Tech SPORT daily, you can support daily energy in multiple ways.
We like the Onnit Shroom Tech SPORT because it’s one of the best mushroom supplements on this list, backed by a clinical trial. Onnit has invested in clinical trials for Shroom Tech SPORT and other supplements. In one trial, Shroom Tech SPORT increased bench press reps by 12%, improved bench press and back squat reps by 7%, and improved cardio performance by 8.8%.
Shroom Tech SPORT works by giving you plant-based ingredients, vitamin B12, and a mushroom complex to support energy in various ways. The powerful composition makes it the best medicinal mushroom formula on our list.
Ingredients | Cordyceps, Adaptogen blend, ashwagandha, green tea leaf extract, Rhodiola, and astragalus root extract |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $25 |
Other Perks |
Four Sigmatic
Four Sigmatic has been featured in several major media outlets for its coffees and vegan proteins. Goop, Women’s Health, and TIME have all covered Four Sigmatic supplements. Four Sigmatic combines the benefits of mushroom extracts with other plant-based ingredients.
Four Sigmatic separates its mushroom supplements into three main categories, including ‘Think’ (for focused mornings and afternoons), ‘Defend’ (for daily nutrition, immune, and gut support), and ‘Chill’ (for relaxation at any time). You can also shop by product type, choosing from coffees, proteins, and Caicos, among other options.
Four Sigmatic is based in Finland, where people have used mushrooms like Chaga and lion’s mane for centuries. Popular Four Sigmatic mushroom supplements include the Mushroom Blend Mix, ground mushroom coffees, and plant-based protein powders in multiple flavors. Four Sigmatic products are also USDA Organic certified, making Four Sigmatic one of the best medicinal mushroom companies and supplement providers available today.
Ingredients | Organic Superfood Protein Blend (organic pea protein, organic hemp, organic chia, organic coconut, and organic pumpkin protein powders), Organic Ashwagandha, Organic Eleuthero, Organic Lion’s Mane, Organic Turkey Tail, Organic Cordyceps, Organic Reishi, Organic Chaga, Organic Lucuma |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $20+ |
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Real Mushrooms
Real Mushrooms is a family-owned and operated mushroom farm and supplement company. Backed by 40 years of mushroom growing experience, Real Mushroom has more real-world expertise than many companies on this list combined.
Popular Real Mushrooms formulas include capsules and powders, well known as the best mushroom mix for overall health and wellbeing. You can choose specific mushroom capsules and powders. Or, you can select a blend of multiple mushroom extracts like ‘5 Defenders’ or ‘Mushroom Hot Chocolate Mix,’ among other popular options.
Ingredients | Chaga, tremella, turkey tail, reishi mushrooms, and cordyceps mushrooms |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $25 to $35 |
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MUD\WTR
MUD\WTR is a coffee alternative that uses organic ingredients to deliver targeted benefits. The goal of MUD\WTR is to give you the energy-boosting benefits of coffee without overloading your body with caffeine.
If you want to give your body a boost of energy in the morning without the jitters or unpleasant side effects of caffeine, then MUD\WTR may be the right choice for you. Each serving contains 1/7 the caffeine of coffee.
Ingredients | Masala chai, cacao, turmeric, cinnamon, Himalayan sea salt, and four types of real mushrooms: lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and reishi. |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $40 |
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Mushroom Defense
Mushroom Defense is one of the best mushroom supplements that fight fatigue and shield against cognitive decline while providing other protective benefits. According to the manufacturer, Mushroom Defense can give you a clean and energized feeling, protect against viral and bacterial threats, and sharpen your memory and focus, among other unique benefits we don’t see advertised with other mushroom supplements.
The mushrooms added in Mushroom Defense come from a mix of 80% fruit bodies and 20% mycelium, described as ‘revolutionary’ by the manufacturer.
Ingredients | cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tail, shiitake, and maitake mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $60 |
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Organixx 7M+
Organixx 7M+ is one of the immune-boosting fermented medicinal mushroom supplements that consists of a blend of seven potent mushrooms known for their immune-supporting and anti-aging properties. All medicinal mushroom extracts are added to the composition. Each mushroom has been fermented for maximum nutrition and bioavailability.
Organixx 7M+ mushroom complex has also added a unique ingredient we don’t see with other mushroom supplements: kelp extract. The kelp extract in 7M+ can purportedly support healthy liver function.
Ingredients | Turkey tail, chaga, shiitake, maitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi mushrooms |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $55 |
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Pure Essence MyPure Lion’s Mane
Pure essence mypure Lion’s mane is one of the best medicinal mushroom supplements available today. With MyPure Lion’s Mane, you get a significant dose of lion’s mane in each capsule. Pure Essence markets MyPure Lion’s Mane to support healthy brain function and immune response. By taking one pill of MyPure Lion’s Mane daily, you can purportedly support memory, mood, cognizance, nerve growth, healthy brain function, and more.
The Pure Essence MyPure Lion’s Mane has another advantage over the competition: the supplement is made from 100% certified organic lion’s mane mushroom extract.
Ingredients | Lion’s mane extract |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $23 |
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The Genius Brand Genius Mushrooms
The Genius Brand’s Genius Mushrooms uses lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms to support energy, stress relief, memory, and liver health, among other benefits.
Genius Mushrooms is one of the best-known and most popular mushroom supplements available online today. Genius Mushrooms is popular for those who want to enjoy the benefits of mushrooms in an easy-to-take way.
Ingredients | Cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi |
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Key highlights | |
Price | $22 |
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Mushroom Revival
Mushroom Revival admits that they’re “obsessed with the power of mushrooms.” By buying a Mushroom Revival supplement today, you too can enjoy the benefits of mushrooms.
Popular Mushroom Revival formulas include the Reishi Calm Tincture, the Mushroom Mix Daily 10 Tincture, the Lion’s Mane Focus Tincture, and the Cordyceps Energy Tincture. Whether looking for a specific mushroom blend or a collection of multiple mushroom extracts, Mushroom Revival has a range of formulas to help you enjoy the benefits of mushrooms in tincture form.
Ingredients | Chaga, cordyceps, Lion’s mane mushroom, Shiitake, maitake, and turkey tail capsules |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $35 |
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Earth Nutri Performance Energy + Focus
Earth Nutri Performance’s Energy + Focus is a best mushroom supplement that aims to enhance your physical and mental energy using a blend of mushrooms and other ingredients. It’s like a nootropic and mushroom formula rolled into one.
For mushrooms, Energy + Focus uses a blend of multiple mushrooms to improve your peak power, reduce exhaustion, and sustain higher activity levels for longer periods of time. Just mix one stick with water, then drink Energy + Focus daily for a high-powered burst of mushroom-based energy.
Ingredients | Citicoline, alpha-GPC, organic mushroom powder, theacrine, cordyceps, reishi, king trumpet, shiitake, lion’s mane, and turkey tail mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $40 |
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FreshCap
FreshCap offers several mushroom supplements, mushroom coffees, and mushroom powders. You can get morning energy, nighttime relaxation, and other health benefits by taking daily FreshCap’s formulas.
According to FreshCap, the company’s mushroom supplements can support health and immunity, focus and mental clarity, energy and stamina, and more. You can buy specific mushroom supplements like the Lion’s Mane Capsules and Turkey Tail Capsules ($35 apiece).
If you want effective and best mushroom supplements packed into attractive and trendy packaging, then FreshCap is one of the better options available online today.
Ingredients | Organic Chaga extract, organic Cordyceps, organic Lion’s Mane, Organic Maitake, Organic Turkey Tail, and organic Reishi mushroom |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $35+ |
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VidaCap
VidaCap is the best mushroom supplement company that offers a range of supplements targeting specific goals (like ‘Sleep’) or specific mushrooms (like ‘Reishi’ and ‘Lion’s Mane’ supplements). VidaCap’s supplements allow you to enjoy the effects of mushroom supplements at a reasonable price without compromising on quality.
Each VidaCap supplement contains premium-grade mushrooms sourced from closed greenhouses in China and Russia. The mushrooms are sun-dried, screened, and milled after harvesting.
Ingredients | Reishi, passionflower and melatonin, turkey tail, lion’s mane, cordyceps and Chaga |
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Key highlights | |
Price | $24 |
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Shroomy
Shroomy is one of only two medicinal mushroom supplements on this list that comes in the form of a gummy. Shroomy gummies are marketed as nootropic mushroom blends to support cognition in various ways.
According to Shroomy, the lion’s mane mushroom in their gummies will act as a proven cognition booster, giving you greater mental clarity while working or studying. Reishi, meanwhile, boosts your immune system while cordyceps enhance energy levels by optimizing ATP production.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of mushroom supplements with the convenience of a gummy, then Shroomy may be the best option for you.
Ingredients | Reisha, Cordyceps mushrooms, and Lions Mane mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30 |
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Ceremony Mushrooms
Ceremony Mushrooms offers several mushroom-based wellness blends. The company is best-known for its mushroom tinctures. Ceremony Mushrooms offers mushroom tinctures with targeted benefits, including the Stress Relief Tincture, Sleep Tincture, Mushroom Blend Tincture, and Digestion Tincture. Each tincture contains a potent combination of mushrooms, adaptogens, herbs, and other plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients | All medicinal mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $45+ |
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Gundry MD Mushroom Vitality
California-based anti-aging supplement company GundryMD has launched a mushroom supplement called Mushroom Vitality. With top ratings and a high price tag, Mushroom Vitality can support healthy immune function while giving you more energy in the morning.
Mushroom Vitality is one of the few mushroom supplements on this list that comes in the form of a liquid tincture: you squeeze 4mL (approximately five droppers) into a glass of water, then drink Mushroom Vitality daily.
The formula was developed by a physician (Dr. Gundry), giving Mushroom Vitality added legitimacy over competing mushroom supplements listed here.
Ingredients | Reishi mushroom fruiting body, Chaga mushroom mycelia, and Coriolus mushroom fruiting body with mycelia |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $66 |
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Circadian Wellness
Circadian Wellness uses its proprietary “Quicksome” technology to make high-quality mushroom-based formulas targeting specific benefits. Today, you can buy Circadian Wellness mushroom supplements targeting sleep, energy, pain, cognition, and libido, among other effects.
Circadian Wellness was founded with the assumption that re-aligning your circadian rhythm is crucial for a healthy mind, body, and soul. Taking the right supplements daily can restore your circadian rhythm and support optimal health. And, because of Circadian Wellness’s Quicksome technology, you can enjoy more excellent absorption with lower doses of mushroom.
Ingredients | Lion mane’s, cordyceps, and reishi mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30+ |
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VitaPost Immune Support
Immune Support is an immune-boosting supplement from VitaPost. The supplement contains a blend of plant-based extracts to support your immune system in various ways, including mushroom extract.
With VitaPost Immune Support, you can give your body the mushroom extracts and other ingredients you need to support your immune system in various ways. At just $14 per bottle, Immune Support is also one of the most reasonably-priced mushroom supplements on this list.
Ingredients | Vitamin E, Green tea, Beta Glucans Graviola Leaf, Shiitake, maitake and reishi mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $14 |
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MycoPhyto Complex
MycoPhyto Complex is a mushroom supplement that combines six proven mushroom extracts into one convenient capsulated formula. The company has also added an extra dose of 50mg of beta-glucan to optimize the health-supporting benefits.
Advanced Bionutritionals make MycoPhyto Complex. Formulated by medical doctor Dr. Isaac Eliaz, MD, MycoPhyto Complex combines more potent six medicinal mushrooms backed by studies proving they support health in various ways.
Ingredients | Reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail, Polyporus, royal Agaricus, and maitake mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $40 |
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Brain Forza Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Brain Forza’s Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplement uses USDA Organic certified lion’s mane mushrooms that are lab-grown, making them significantly stronger than wild-grown mushrooms. The mushrooms are cooked twice to 125 degrees Celsius.
Brain Forza markets its Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom formula as a way to optimize brain health, memory, neuroprotection, and healthy mood, among other effects. The formula is two to six times stronger than other major lion’s mane mushroom extracts because it contains over 1g of polysaccharides per serving.
Ingredients | Lion mane’s, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps mushrooms |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $40 |
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Goldmine Supershroom Powder
Goldmine Supershroom Powder is one of the most recognizable names in the mushroom supplement space today. Goldmine Supershroom Powder protects and strengthens your immune system using antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory mushrooms and herbs.
Take 0.5 to 1 teaspoon of Goldmine Supershroom Powder up to three times per day to enjoy tasty plant magic while supporting health benefits.
Ingredients | Lucuma, ginger, astragalus, reishi fruiting body mushroom, turkey tail fruiting body mushroom, and maitake fruiting body mushroom |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $28 |
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YourSuper.com Magic Mushroom
YourSuper.com sells a Magic Mushroom powder. Understandably, the formula does not technically contain ‘magic’ mushrooms; instead, it’s a blend of mushroom powders with magical benefits.
YourSuper.com tests all supplements in a third-party lab before, during, and after production to ensure they’re of the highest quality. The company recommends using Magic Mushroom powder in recipes, drinks, oatmeal, shakes, and other foods and beverages of your choice. It’s like hot chocolate powder with benefits, giving you the tastiness of a hot chocolate powder mixed with proven mushroom extracts.
Ingredients | Cacao, Chaga, ashwagandha, reishi, lucuma, and cinnamon. |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $35 |
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Spore
Spore is a mushroom supplement that enhances daily cognitive function, eliminates brain fog for improved clarity, boosts mental energy and focus, and supports creativity, among other benefits.
Spore contains a blend of proven mushrooms with popular adaptogens, supporting health in multiple ways, like other mushroom supplements listed here. According to the manufacturer, Spore works as a natural energy booster, libido booster, neuroprotective supplement, and anti-aging formula while also providing daily cognitive support.
Ingredients | cordyceps, ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, and lion’s mane mushrooms |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $50 |
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Vital Plan Adaptogen Recovery
Vital Plant’s Adaptogen Recovery is an immune support formula created by Dr. Bill Rawls. Dr. Rawls developed the adaptogenic herbal formula to strengthen immune health and make your body more resilient.
The mushroom extracts present in the supplement are believed to have powerful immune system effects by acting as adaptogens, which means they help your body respond to physical and cognitive stress. Vital Plan’s Adaptogen Recovery is one of the best mushroom supplements available today – especially for those looking for immune-boosting benefits.
Ingredients | Chinese skullcap extract, cordyceps extract, reishi mushroom extract, and Remannia extract |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $72 |
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The Drug Store Adaptogenic Mushrooms
TheDrug Store offers over a dozen adaptogenic and medicinal mushrooms targeting different health and wellness goals. Popular medicinal mushroom supplements include Wunder Workshop, Glow Bar, and Anatomy. Some supplements are designed to target immunity. Others are designed for cognition or overall health and wellness.
TheDrug.Store is a London, UK-based supplement company offering an extensive range of supplements, including CBD oils to nootropics to mushroom blends. Whether looking for mushroom tinctures, medicinal mushroom powders, or other mushroom supplements, TheDrug.Store has a surprisingly extensive range of options at a competitive price.
Ingredients | Four types of mushroom extracts, omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $20+ |
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Botany Cordyceps Militaris Extract
Botany is a supplement company offering a popular mushroom formula called Cordyceps Militaris Extract. With 30g of cordyceps extract per jar and 1% cordycepin concentration, Botany’s mushroom supplement gives you all of the benefits of cordyceps in a convenient way.
The PET single-wall jar ensures your cordyceps arrive at your address ready to provide all the powerful benefits you would expect. Each jar is UV-resistant to minimize degradation. Botany partners with a third-party lab to verify the purity of all formulas, and the company publishes its lab test results online. For a high-quality cordyceps supplement you can trust, Botany’s Cordyceps Militaris Extract may be the right choice for you.
Ingredients | Cordyceps extract and 1% cordycepin concentration |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $24 |
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Plant People WonderDay
Plant People’s WonderDay is the second mushroom gummy on this list. While most other gummy supplements come in the form of a powder, capsule, or tincture, WonderDay delivers the same benefits in gummy form.
Whether looking to support stress, energy, performance, digestion, or your immune system, you may be able to find the benefits you’re looking for – in a convenient way – with WonderDay mushroom gummies. The gummies have a wild raspberry flavor that tastes surprisingly good. According to Plant People, the WonderDay mushroom gummies can support the stress response, energy, mood, and immunity, among other benefits.
Ingredients | Lion’s mane, Shiitake, maitake, chaga, and reishi mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30 |
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5 Mushrooms Reserve Blend
5 Mushrooms Reserve Blend is a mushroom supplement that contains varieties of ten functional mushrooms that aims to provide multiple benefits using multiple mushrooms. Some of the ingredients in 5 Mushrooms Reserve Blend target immunity. Others target cognition and brain health.
5 Mushrooms Reserve blend makers describe their formulas as the “world’s grooviest mushroom supplement.” You get four dietary supplements in one, including an immune, mood, nootropic, and energy supplement.
Ingredients | Reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, and Chaga mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $30 |
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MindHoney
MindHoney is a nootropic supplement made by Dose Nomadic Nutrition. The manufacturer believes MindHoney can support cognition, memory, focus, alertness, and mood. The formula contains powerful ingredients to enhance energy production and focus, balance mood and stress, boost immunity and mental wellness and improve brain function and memory, among other effects.
Key ingredients in MindHoney include lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi, and Chaga mushroom extracts, four of the most popular and proven mushroom extracts available today. Just take two capsules daily to support cognition in multiple ways.
Ingredients | Neurofactor, Coffeeberry, NALT, DMAE, L-theanine, ashwagandha, and ginseng and essential mushroom extracts |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $32 |
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Vital Plan Brain Boost
Brain Boost is the second Vital Plan supplement on this list. Brain Boost uses a similar blend of mushroom extracts to Adaptogen Recovery, giving your body the mushrooms it needs to support memory, cognition, clarity, focus, energy, mood, and immunity, among other effects.
Although Adaptogen Recovery and Brain Boost both use mushrooms, the two formulas contain different types of mushrooms to provide different targeted effects. If you want to support brain health more than you want to support immunity, then Vital Plan’s Brain Boost may be the right choice.
Ingredients | Lion’s mane, cat’s claw, Bacopa Monnier, ashwagandha, and ginkgo Biloba |
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Key Highlights | |
Price | $48 |
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How We Ranked
All medicinal mushroom companies make similar promises about their benefits and effects. However, only the top-ranked mushroom supplement companies live up to these promises.
Here’s how we separated the best and worst medicinal mushroom supplements available today:
Proven Ingredients: There are thousands of mushrooms and fungi in the world today. Only a handful are used in mushroom supplements. We preferred mushroom supplements that used proven ingredients linked to various benefits in scientific studies.
Clinically Effective Dosages: Some mushroom supplements contain the right ingredients at the wrong dosages. Some supplements have too few active ingredients to achieve any real benefits. Other supplements hide low dosages behind proprietary labels, making it difficult to see individual ingredient breakdowns. We preferred mushroom supplements with strong, clinically effective dosages.
Backed by Trials or Tests: Most mushroom supplement companies do not invest in their own clinical trials. However, some companies, including Onnit, have invested in clinical trials proving their formula works. The more scientific research a mushroom supplement company provided, the higher it was ranked.
Manufacturer Reputation & Transparency: Some mushroom supplement companies are completely transparent with their ingredients, dosages, testing, ingredient sources, and manufacturing processes. Others are worryingly vague. We preferred manufacturers with a strong reputation for transparency and quality.
Production Methods (Whole Fruiting Body Versus Other Methods): Mushroom supplement companies produce supplements differently. Some companies use the whole fruiting body, using all of the mushrooms for their beneficial effects. Other companies use myceliated grain production methods (using the mushroom’s roots). Some companies also use ‘full spectrum’ and ‘pure mycelium,’ creating mushroom supplements with full effects.
Extraction Methods: There are multiple medicinal mushroom extraction methods. In traditional use, people have used hot water extraction. Today, some supplement companies use alcohol extraction or dual extraction to maximize the concentration of active ingredients in the finished product. The type of extraction also varies by mushroom: softer mushrooms like lion’s mane are ideal for hot water extraction, while harder mushrooms like reishi are not.
Medical Advisory Board: Some mushroom supplement companies have a medical advisory board. Some companies are even led by real medical doctors, giving them an added degree of legitimacy over other mushroom supplement companies. We preferred mushroom supplements that had been verified, tested, or approved by some type of certified specialist – like a medical doctor.
Advertised Benefits: Medicinal mushrooms could have revolutionary potential. However, some mushroom supplement companies go overboard with their advertised benefits, suggesting their formulas can cure or prevent diseases. We preferred mushroom supplement companies with honest and transparent advertised benefits.
Moneyback Guarantee: Even the best mushroom supplements won’t work for everyone. That’s why we prefer mushroom supplements backed by a money-back guarantee. Good mushroom supplement companies back their claims with a guarantee, making it easy to request a refund if you’re unsatisfied with the results.
Scientific Evidence for Medicinal Mushrooms and Mushroom Supplements
Scientists believe there are over 1.5 million species of fungi on the planet. Approximately 25% of the planet’s biomass is believed to consist of fungi.
Only a tiny fraction of these species are believed to have medicinal benefits. However, researchers continue to perform trials on fungi to verify and test these benefits.
Cordyceps is one of the best-known mushrooms in the supplement space today. It’s prized for its effects on athletic performance, stamina, lung function, and even sexual function. Used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for centuries, cordyceps grow naturally in the high altitudes of Tibet. In this 2010 study on cordyceps, researchers found that the mushroom extract improved exercise performance in elderly subjects. Researchers gave 20 healthy elderly patients (50 to 75 years old) 333mg of cordyceps or a placebo three times a day for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, researchers observed improved endurance, exercise performance, and metabolic energy in the cordyceps group.
Reishi is another popular mushroom that traces its history to traditional Chinese medicine. There’s some evidence that reishi impacts immunity, energy, cognition, anxiety, and sleep, among other effects. The mushroom grows naturally in hardwood trees and stumps. In this 2018 study, researchers reviewed the evidence on reishi mushrooms, finding that active ingredients had anti-tumor, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties, among other benefits. Researchers also found that the reishi mushrooms had a calming effect.
Some people use mushrooms to help with allergies. Yes, taking a mushroom extract could reduce allergy symptoms. According to this study, reishi mushroom extract can replicate the effects of allergy medications. Some people can even stop taking over-the-counter antihistamine allergy products after taking a reishi mushroom supplement.
Many mushroom supplements contain maitake mushroom extract. Maitake supports the immune system, targets digestive problems, and regulates blood sugar, among other benefits. Researchers believe maitake mushroom extract works because it’s a rich source of beta-glucans, polysaccharides that help control blood sugar, inflammation, weight, and more. Researchers found that the beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms could help with cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight loss in this study. Other studies have found that maitake mushroom extract could support the immune system during chemotherapy.
Shiitake is a well-known mushroom used in gourmet recipes – but also with growing evidence as a medicinal mushroom. Shiitake is the second most common mushroom globally (behind only the ordinary button mushroom), and it’s trendy in Asian cuisine. Studies have linked shiitake mushroom extract to radiant skin, liver health, cholesterol, and more. Researchers in Japan even created a highly purified type of shiitake mushroom extract licensed to treat gastric cancer. Meanwhile, this study showed that shiitake mushrooms could play a role in reducing cholesterol.
Turkey’s tail, also known by its scientific name of Coriolus Versicolor, is a colorful mushroom extract that is not used in cooking because of its tough texture and bitter taste. However, the turkey tail mushroom is prized for its benefits. Research shows that turkey tail mushroom extract contains two plant-based compounds (polysaccharides) linked to immunity, including PSK (Krestin) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide). In this study, the turkey tail was shown to support the immune system when dealing with cancer treatment. This second study showed that turkey tail extract improved outcomes for cancer patients by supporting immune cell production.
Chaga mushroom extract may be the most unpleasant looking mushroom on this list, but it’s also one of the richest fungi-based sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants control inflammation throughout your body, neutralizing the effects of free radicals. According to one study, the antioxidants in chaga mushroom extract also seem to help with digestive disorders. Another study found that the antioxidants had antiviral effects, killing viruses and bacteria within the body to support immunity.
Many of the top-rated mushroom supplements available today contain lion’s mane mushroom extract. Like Chaga, the lion’s mane mushroom has a unique and bizarre appearance, unlike the traditional mushrooms we know. Studies show that the lion’s mane also has unique properties. One study found that lion’s mane stimulated the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which influences brain neurons while also impacting immunity. Another study showed that patients reported improved wellbeing after taking 2g of lion’s mane mushroom extract per day.
In one clinical trial, Onnit’s Shroom Tech SPORT was shown to lead to significant benefits in endurance, energy, and more. Researchers found that Shroom Tech SPORT led to a 12% increase in bench press reps, a 7% increase in back squat reps, and an 8.8% improvement in cardio performance, among other benefits. While most mushroom supplement companies do not invest in clinical trials, Onnit has invested in clinical trials proving the formula works as advertised. Shroom Tech SPORT mostly consists of cordyceps.
As more research gets released, we’re learning more about the science-backed benefits of medicinal mushrooms and today’s top mushroom supplements.
FAQs About Medicinal Mushrooms and Mushroom Supplements
Whether dealing with medicinal mushrooms or mushroom supplements, we get plenty of questions about why the top-rated products are the best mushroom supplements to use. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Q: How do mushroom supplements work?
A: Mushroom supplements are rich in natural, plant-based ingredients like beta-glucans, sterols, and terpenoids. These ingredients have been linked to various benefits in multiple studies. Each mushroom also has hundreds of unique natural chemicals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals believed to support various benefits.
Q: How do I take mushroom supplements?
A: You can take mushroom supplements as a powder, capsule, or tincture. Some mushroom supplements even consist of whole, fresh mushrooms. Generally, you take mushroom supplements as a capsule, although you can also take a tincture sublingually (apply drops underneath the tongue) or by mixing a powder with water or a shake. You can even find mushroom gummy supplements.
Q: Are mushroom supplements legal?
A: Mushroom supplements are legal when they contain ingredients that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Psychedelic and medicinal mushrooms are controlled substances, but mushrooms like lion’s mane and turkey tail mushrooms are GRAS and legally available as supplements.
Q: Can I buy medicinal mushroom supplements?
A: ‘Medicinal mushrooms’ is a general term for mushrooms that are believed to have health benefits. Some supplement companies market their mushroom supplements as medicinal mushroom products. However, medicinal mushrooms with psychoactive ingredients (like psilocybin) are controlled substances and illegal in supplement form.
Q: What are the side effects of mushroom supplements?
A: Mushrooms are generally recognized as safe, which means they should not cause serious side effects in healthy people when used in normal doses. However, some are allergic to mushrooms and their active ingredients. Others experience mild digestive discomfort and other effects.
Q: What are medicinal mushrooms?
A: Medicinal mushrooms are fungi species packed with antioxidants.
Q: What are magic mushrooms?
A: Magic mushrooms are mushrooms with psychedelic properties. They’re not legally available in supplement form, and they contain psilocybin and other psychoactive components.
Q: What is psilocybin?
A: Psilocybin is a psychoactive ingredient found in certain types of mushrooms.
Q: Is psilocybin legal?
A: Psilocybin is illegal and has been classified as a Schedule I illicit drug in the United States since 1970. As a Schedule I drug, psilocybin has no currently accepted medical use in the United States. However, there’s a growing push to legalize psilocybin for medicinal purposes.
Q: How does psilocybin work?
A: Researchers don’t know how psilocybin works. We know it triggers psychedelic effects in the brain, including hallucinations. Some studies show that psychedelic drugs prompt the growth of new neurons and branch between dendrites, changing brain communication. However, we need more research to determine how psilocybin and magic mushrooms work.
Q: Are mushrooms addictive?
A: Mushroom supplements are not addictive. They do not contain habit-forming ingredients. Even psilocybin and magic mushrooms are considered to only have mild addiction potential because they don’t activate the same reward center of the brain as other drugs.
Q: Are mushrooms a fruit or vegetable?
A: Mushrooms are classified as fungi, which means they’re neither fruits nor vegetables.
Q: Where do mushrooms come from?
A: Most mushroom supplement companies source their mushrooms from China and India. However, you can find some mushroom ingredients grown in the United States, particularly maitake and shiitake mushrooms
Q: Where do mushrooms grow in the United States?
A: Mushrooms grow all over the United States. However, approximately 60% of the country’s mushroom production comes from Pennsylvania.
Q: What are the health benefits of mushrooms?
A: Many people take mushroom supplements for immunity, detoxification, general health and wellness, and other effects.
Final Word
Mushroom supplements are more popular than ever. Today, you can buy mushroom powders, capsules, tinctures, and gummies, making it easy to get your daily dose of mushrooms in any form.
When reviewing the best medicinal mushroom supplements, whether in pill, powder or drink form, there is no denying these are the top rated mushroom products to buy in 2021.
To learn more about mushrooms, or to buy the best mushroom supplements and medicinal mushroom products available today, check our list of the best mushroom supplements above.
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Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.