Medicinal Mushrooms for Winter

Medicinal mushrooms are a wonderful plant ally come wintertime. The first few months of a new year can feel long and dark, and are often accompanied by low energy, a weakened immune system, and the onset of seasonal depression. 

Medicinal mushrooms are a special category of fungi that act as an adaptogen when taken internally. Adaptogenic plants promote harmony and balance in the body, strengthening the immune system, elevating energy, uplifting the spirits, and building resiliency through these cold winter months. 

Not only are mushrooms an effective natural remedy for a multitude of symptoms, they’re also quite safe and can be taken daily to support overall wellness. 

Today on the blog, we’re sharing our most beloved medicinal mushrooms for winter. January is Mushroom month here at Roberts Creek Wellbeing, with our full line of Harmonic Arts Mushroom capsules, tinctures, and powders 15% off. Shop our sale in-store to stock up on your favourite mushrooms for the coming months ahead. 

Mushrooms for Immunity

Turkey Tail boosts the immune system by acting as a ‘prebiotic’ — aka, feeding our gut microbiome. Because 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, supporting good gut-health is one of the most important things we can do to build resiliency during cold and flu season. Daily supplementation of Turkey tail nourishes the microbes that reside in the gut, and promotes a diverse and thriving bacterial ecosystem. Choose this mushroom to ward off illness and support healthy digestion. 

Chaga is referred to as the ‘king of mushrooms’ by indigenous communities and in folk medicine because of its ability to decrease abnormal tissue growth and boost the body’s natural defenses. Choose the mushroom to build a resilient immune system and fight infection. 

Mushrooms for Energy

Cordyceps is the mushroom of vitality, and known for its stamina-boosting and endurance-enhancing effects. Choose this mushroom if you’re struggling with winter fatigue, feeling energetically run down, or need a general boost of energy throughout the day. It’s also a wonderful mushroom for athletes, and can help boost physical performance. 

Mushrooms for Mood

Reishi helps ease winter worries and restore relaxation and peace. This mushroom has a particularly adaptogenic effect on stress levels, helping the body build resiliency to stressful situations. Because stress weakens the immune system, reishi also helps support optimal immune function. Choose this mushroom to calm the mind, combat stress, and ease anxiety. 

Mushrooms for Mental Clarity 

Lion’s Mane is known as the ‘brain mushroom’ because of its positive effects on memory and cognitive performance. Choose this mushroom to help clear brain fog, boost concentration, and spark creativity — all things we need a little extra support with in the depths of winter.  

How to take medicinal mushrooms 

One of our favourite mushroom companies, Harmonic Arts, offers a variety of ways to incorporate mushrooms into your daily routine. Below, we’ll share the different supplement options and help you decide which formulation to choose. 

Powders

Mushroom powders are ideal for those who love the daily ritual of a warm drink. Powders dissolve easily in hot water, making them a nice addition to your tea or lattes. They can also be added to smoothies and soups! Mushroom powder has a mild, earthy, roasted taste that pairs nicely with coffee and cacao. 

Tinctures

Mushroom tinctures offer ease of use, as they can be taken directly under the tongue or added to water and other beverages. Because tinctures use an alcohol base to extract the mushroom’s medicinal components, they do have a stronger taste than other mushroom formulations.

Capsules

Mushroom capsules are a convenient way to take mushrooms, and an easy alternative for anyone intimidated by the taste of mushroom powder or tinctures. If you prefer to swallow supplements in pill form, this is a good option for you. 

Written by Hannah Schmitt