It seems like everyone is obsessed with mushrooms these days. We're not talking about the kind you throw in stir fry or "magic mushrooms" that contain psychedelic compounds. We're talking about adaptogenic mushrooms.

These fungi, like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga, have long been used in ancient cultures to support health and vitality and, over the past decade, have become a popular supplement in modern functional medicine due to their potential health benefits.

While modern research points to several potential benefits that range from immune support to stress reduction and even metabolic support, one of the most fascinating areas of study is their potential to support cognitive health.

If you've been looking for a natural way to support your body's most essential functions, especially when it comes to brain health, it might be time to consider a daily mushroom complex supplement.

In this guide, we'll tell you about the top benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms (specifically Lion's Mane) and how they may help support focus, memory, and long-term brain health.

What Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?

Before we discuss what adaptogenic mushrooms are and how they work in the body to protect against various stressors and positively impact cognition, we should first clarify what they are not—because there seems to be a bit of confusion out there.

Adaptogenic mushrooms, also referred to as functional mushrooms, are not psychedelic mushrooms. While both are types of fungi, they have entirely different purposes, effects, and legal classifications.

Psychedelic mushrooms (often called magic mushrooms) contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin that can alter your perception. Adaptogenic mushrooms do not contain any psychoactive compounds. Instead, they have naturally occurring bioactive compounds known for their ability to help the body manage stress and maintain balance.

Adaptogenic mushrooms fall under a broader group of substances known as adaptogens, which are natural compounds that have been used in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, for centuries.

Adaptogens don't target one specific symptom or illness. Instead, they support the body's natural ability to adapt to various types of stress, whether physical, emotional, or environmental, helping to bring key systems back into a state of balance (also known as homeostasis).

Adaptogenic mushrooms are considered dietary supplements. They're legal, don't require a prescription, and are safe for most people when used as directed. You can confidently order adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga from a reputable supplement company and have them delivered to your home without concern.

So no, they won't make you "trip." They don't contain any hallucinogenic properties or consciousness-altering effects. That said, adaptogenic mushrooms might influence your mind in a very different and beneficial way.

Users of adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion’s Mane often report feeling more focused, less anxious, and more emotionally grounded. This is because adaptogenic mushrooms contain compounds that interact with the nervous system and may help promote a calmer mood, support better sleep, and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Depending on the type, adaptogenic mushrooms are also used to support immune function, hormonal balance, energy levels, and cognitive health.

Adaptogenic mushrooms come in many forms, including capsules, powders, and tinctures. They come as standalone species, but multiple types are often combined in mushroom blends for a more well-rounded or synergistic effect.

While there's some overlap in the benefits between different types of mushrooms, the best one (or blend) for you will depend on whether you're looking for focus, relaxation, immune support, or something else entirely.

We'll walk through some of the most well-researched mushrooms in the next section, including what they do, how they work, and why and how you might want them in your daily routine. We'll also cover how to choose a high-quality mushroom supplement and share details about our pick for the best mushroom complex available.

Types of Adaptogenic Mushrooms

While there are over 10,000 known species of mushrooms, only a select few are considered adaptogenic, meaning they contain naturally occurring compounds that may help the body respond to stress and restore internal balance across various systems, including the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.

Each has its own unique profile of bioactive compounds believed to contribute to its individual health-supportive properties. For example, some are better known for calming the mind, while others are known for enhancing mental clarity, supporting immune function, and boosting physical energy. Or, in the case of Lion's Mane, providing science-backed cognitive support. 

Below are five of the most well-researched and commonly used adaptogenic mushrooms found in today's most effective mushroom complex supplements, as well as a few other honorable mentions.

1: Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

It is pretty fitting that this adaptogenic mushroom has lion in its name. After all, lions are widely known as the "king of the jungle," and lion's mane mushrooms are considered by many functional health experts to be the "king of functional mushrooms." 

That’s not actually where Lion’s Mane gets its name. In case you’re wondering, it comes from its unique white, shaggy appearance that resembles a lion’s mane. You might also see it listed on product labels under its scientific name, Hericium erinaceus.

Lion's Mane has been clinically linked to several potential benefits, ranging from digestive support to early promise in potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, Lion's Mane stands out for brain health and mental well-being.

Many people take Lion's Mane to support memory, focus, and overall cognitive clarity. This isn't some placebo effect. Studies suggest that Lion's Mane may potentially support cognitive function, reduce anxiety and depression, and support nerve growth and regeneration. 

Because this article is focused on the best adaptogen mushrooms for cognition, we will go over this brain-boosting mushroom and how researchers believe it supports cognitive health in more detail in just a bit. 

First, we want to tell you about a few more functional mushrooms that deserve a shout-out, especially considering they are often paired with lion's mane in mushroom complex blends for full-spectrum support.

2: Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Sometimes referred to as the "mushroom of immortality," many claim that Reishi is the best calming adaptogen to help promote relaxation and a sense of balance.

Reishi has long been used in Eastern practices to help the body adapt to stress, and its bioactive compounds are being studied for their potential role in immune modulation and inflammation regulation.

If you struggle with stress-related mood issues, you might want to consider a mushroom complex that has a few grams of this adaptogenic mushroom per serving.

3: Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga is a fungus that grows on birch trees and has a long history of use in Northern European and Siberian folk medicine as a remedy to boost stamina, fight infection, and promote overall wellness during harsh winters.

It is rich in antioxidants, particularly a group called polyphenols, and is believed to help neutralize oxidative stress, which can support cellular health and immune resilience.

Chaga is a great choice for anyone who wants to support healthy aging, immune defense, and overall vitality.

4: Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Often called "Hen of the Woods," Maitake is a nutrient-dense mushroom best known for its potential to support metabolic and immune health.

Its beta-glucan content is believed to stimulate certain immune cells, and early research has explored its role in supporting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some studies have also looked at Maitake's impact on insulin sensitivity, making it a potential supplement ingredient for those seeking metabolic balance.

Maitake is often included in blends aimed at overall wellness or immune support, especially when paired with Reishi or Shiitake

5: Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are not only a staple in culinary dishes but also carry a strong reputation in traditional medicine for supporting cardiovascular and immune health.

They contain a compound called lentinan, which has been studied for its potential to enhance immune function. Shiitake also offers naturally occurring B vitamins and polysaccharides that may help reduce inflammation and support the gut microbiome.

While Shiitake is milder in its adaptogenic effects compared to others on this list, it earns its place in many mushroom complexes for its synergistic immune-supportive role.

Other Honorable Mentions

While they didn't make our top five list, there are a couple of other popular functional mushrooms that deserve a quick mention, like Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris or sinensis), which is often used to support stamina and athletic performance.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is another popular species that is being studied for its prebiotic support and potential immune benefits, particularly due to its high concentration of an antioxidant-rich compound called polysaccharopeptide (PSK).

Best Adaptogenic Mushrooms for Cognitive Health

One of the most studied areas of health where adaptogens, including adaptogenic mushrooms, have been and continue to be explored is their potential positive effect on brain health and cognition.

Several adaptogens show promise, especially when combined with other brain-supportive nutrients or practices like meditation, sleep, and regular movement.

However,  if you're looking for the best functional mushroom for focus, mental clarity, and long-term brain support—Lion's Mane is king! Among all the functional mushrooms, Lion's Mane stands out for its impressive clinical research backing and reputation within the cognitive health space.

It's the top choice and main ingredient in most nootropic mushroom blends—and for good reason. Unlike caffeine or other quick-fix brain boosters that might give you a bandaid burst of energy or focus that wears off fast, Lion's Mane works with your body to support memory, focus, and long-term brain function.

What is Lion's Mane?

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, shaggy mushroom that naturally grows on hardwood trees and has earned legendary status as king of the mushroom kingdom due to how it works in the body to support numerous bodily functions.

Lion's Mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It is praised most for its ability to support digestion, strengthen the spleen, and promote overall vitality—especially as people age.

It took a little while for modern science and Western medicine to catch up, but now, Lion's Mane is one of the most well-studied and widely used functional mushrooms for a variety of wellness benefits—the most well-documented being brain and nerve support.

Many people supplement with Lion's Mane, and after consistent use using a quality supplement, praise Lion's Mane for a host of brain benefits, including helping with mental sharpness, especially during periods of stress or aging.

How Lion's Mane Supports Brain Health

Lion's Mane works a little differently than other cognitive supplements. It doesn't just stimulate your brain like caffeine or synthetic nootropics. Rather, it supports your brain on a deeper level by encouraging the repair and regeneration of nerve cells.

It is believed to support long-term brain health due to its naturally high content of two rare compounds called hericenones and erinacines. These compounds are believed to have the ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells.

It's this connection that makes Lion's Mane particularly interesting to researchers studying neurodegeneration, age-related cognitive decline, and even mild memory loss. 

But you don't need to wait until you are experiencing cognitive decline to benefit from Lion's Mane. There are several ways Lion's Mane is believed to help both short-term performance and long-term cognition.

Lion's Mane Helps Support Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Production

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is crucial for the survival and function of neurons, which are essential for communication within the brain and throughout the nervous system.

Lion's Mane may stimulate NGF synthesis, helping to maintain and even rebuild healthy brain cells. This could benefit brain health by supporting neural plasticity, which plays a key role in learning, memory, and overall cognitive resilience as we age.

Lion's Mane Helps Promote Enhanced Memory & Focus

Many users of functional mushrooms report improved mental clarity, better concentration, and enhanced short-term memory with daily use, especially during high-stress or high-demand periods.

This common experience is believed to be linked to Lion's Mane's ability to support NGF production and reduce oxidative stress in the brain—two mechanisms associated with sharper focus and more efficient cognitive processing.

Lion's Mane May Protect Against Cognitive Decline

While most research is still in the early stages or based on animal models, some studies suggest Lion's Mane may help slow or reduce age-related cognitive decline by supporting neurogenesis and reducing inflammation in the brain.

For example, preclinical studies have shown that Lion's Mane extract may promote the regeneration of damaged nerve cells and help maintain cognitive function in aging subjects. Human trials are ongoing, but the preliminary results are promising enough that Lion's Mane has become a growing area of interest in brain health research.

Lion's Mane Might Support a Better Mood & Mental Resilience

Emerging research points to Lion's Mane's potential to support mood stability and reduce feelings of anxiousness or irritability. This is likely due to its role in supporting the nervous system. When your nervous system functions more smoothly and with less inflammation, your mood tends to follow suit.

When consistently taken in the right dosage, Lion's Mane shows potential as a natural tool for promoting emotional balance and supporting mental resilience in the face of stress.

Best Mushroom Complex Supplement with Lion's Mane

At Revive Supplements, we've always been a big fan of adaptogens and have offered adaptogen support supplements like KSM-66 Ashwagandha for quite some time.

Now, we are excited to expand into the world of adaptogenic mushrooms with our new Revive Supplements Mushroom Complex.

After years of research, we have formulated what we believe to be the purest, most potent, and complete mushroom complex for supporting cognitive health, immune health, and overall wellness and vitality.

Our Mushroom Complex powder contains a blend of Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps in effective dosages that work together to support focus, memory, energy, immune defense, and resilience to stress.

If you are looking to incorporate adaptogenic mushrooms into your daily regimen, we know there is certainly no shortage of options. However, we also know that many products on the market are not formulated with the highest-quality ingredients or effective dosages. Many contain low-grade mushroom powders, fillers, or ineffective amounts of active compounds that don't deliver the full benefits you're seeking.

As with every Revive supplement, our Mushroom Complex is formulated with expert insights from our medical team at Relive Health clinics, and contains carefully dosed ingredients that are supported by scientific research, and undergo comprehensive third-party testing to ensure what is listed on the label is what is in the bottle.

Mushroom Supplement Frequently Asked Questions

Because there are different types of medicinal mushrooms, there are a lot of myths and questions. We already covered one of the most common misconceptions, which is when people confuse adaptogenic mushrooms with psychedelic mushrooms.

Again, adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion's Mane do not contain any psychedelic or psychoactive compounds, so they won't make you trip or alter your state of mind. They're completely legal and safe to use as part of your daily wellness routine.

Here are a few more common frequently asked questions that we often see:

Are adaptogenic mushrooms safe?

Adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga are generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. They have a long history of traditional use and are classified as dietary supplements, meaning you can purchase them without a prescription. However, if you're pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take medication, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first.

Additionally, don't forget that dietary supplements, including functional mushrooms, are not regulated by the FDA, meaning there's no required standard for quality, purity, or potency. That is exactly why you can't just jump online and throw the cheapest or even highest-rated mushroom supplement into your cart.

To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is important that you do your research and only choose a mushroom supplement from a trusted brand that uses third-party testing, transparent labeling, and clinically relevant dosages— all things we pride ourselves in providing our customers with here at Revive Supplements. 

Do adaptogenic mushrooms have side effects?

Most people tolerate adaptogenic mushrooms very well. Mild side effects like digestive upset, dry mouth, or allergic reactions can occur in rare cases, but this is usually seen in those who take high doses or are sensitive to mushrooms for some reason or another.

To avoid the risk of side effects, always talk to your doctor to ensure you do not have a medical condition or are taking medication that might interact negatively. Additionally, never take more than the recommended dose, and if you do increase your dose, always monitor how your body responds.

Can I combine different functional mushrooms?

Absolutely! In fact, many functional mushrooms work synergistically to enhance each other's effects. When thoughtfully combined in the right dosages,  they can provide broader, more balanced support for your overall well-being.

That's why the most popular mushroom supplements are mushroom complex blends that include several types of mushrooms in one supplement. 

When is the best time to take mushroom supplements?

Like most supplements, consistency is key when supplementing with mushrooms. 

Always follow the specific usage instructions on your supplement label and prioritize taking them at a time you are most likely to remember. That said, depending on your goals and the type of mushroom, there are suggested times you should aim to take them for optimal benefits.

For example, for cognitive support, Lion's Mane is often taken in the morning or early afternoon to support focus and mental clarity throughout the day. Whereas, if you are taking a mushroom supplement to support relaxation or sleep, it is probably best to take it in the evening.

Should I take mushrooms on an empty stomach or with food?

There isn't any solid research that indicates whether or not it's "best" to take adaptogenic mushrooms with or without food. That said, everyone responds differently, so we suggest finding the method that works best for you.

Some people prefer taking them with meals to reduce the chance of mild stomach discomfort, while others find they absorb fine on an empty stomach.

Conclusion

Lion's Mane and other popular adaptogenic mushrooms aren't just some short-lived wellness trend. They have been used for centuries and are among the most sought-after natural supplements for supporting brain health, immune function, and overall wellness. 

While further scientific research is needed to fully understand their effects, the growing body of evidence that already supports their cognitive, immune, and overall health benefits is enough to make them a smart addition to your wellness routine; especially when used consistently and in effective dosages.

Which is exactly why, after years of research and ingredient sourcing, we decided to formulate a mushroom complex that delivers purity, potency, and purpose in every scoop. Revive Mushroom Complex contains all five key adaptogenic mushrooms mentioned earlier, including a clinically relevant dose of Lion's Mane for cognitive support.

While we've long offered supplements with adaptogenic effects like Curcumin C3 Complex, as well as other popular adaptogens such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Revive Mushroom Complex is our first dedicated adaptogenic mushroom supplement.

If you haven't jumped on the mushroom supplement trend yet, now is the perfect time! Click here to learn more about Revive Mushroom Complex, and place your order today before we sell out!

As always, if you have any questions about Revive Mushroom Complex or any other supplements to support your wellness goals, feel free to reach out to our customer support team for guidance.