Functional mushrooms have been sought after for thousands of years for their healing value and are used as a natural method to support health and well-being. Rich in bioactive compounds that have the potential to boost immunity, enhance cognitive function, raise energy levels, and promote overall well-being. But where do these powerful mushrooms come from, and how have they been traditionally used? Let’s explore the origins and benefits of some of the most revered functional mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi.

The Origin of Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, especially in Asian cultures, where they are prominent. These mushrooms grow mostly in forests, on trees, or even in high-altitude regions, which provide a habitat for their unique development. A majority of such mushrooms are produced in controlled environments that are set up to ensure their development is sustained and pure.

Major functional mushrooms and their roles:

Lion’s Mane: The Smart Mushroom

Benefits
The Lion’s Mane, is reputed to enhance brain function to the highest optimal levels possible. With compounds such as hericenones and erinacines, it is seen to be able to stimulate growth in damaged nerves and offer cognitive protection. One who takes Lion’s Mane regularly is supposed to help maintain memory, focus, and brain functions, resulting in enhanced mental clarity.

Origins
Lion’s Mane is a species native to North America, Europe, and Asia, growing on hard wood trees such as oak or beech. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, with its primary application as a general tonic for the brain and nerves.

Cordyceps: The Energy-Enhancing Mushroom

Benefits
Cordyceps enjoy the reputation of being good for improving physical performance and increasing stamina. These have been found to be useful in oxygen utilization and ATP formation, which leads to increased vitality, stamina, and endurance. They are also valued as being supportive of respiratory health and for not letting fatigue kick in.

Origins
The first naturally occurring habitat of cordyceps lies in the high-altitude regions of Tibet and China, where they were harvested from infected caterpillars. Owing to the extremely low availability of this species, the mycelia have been cultivated with Cordyceps militaris in a vegetative growth matrix. Thus, its use has been sustainable and readily marketable over time. It has had a large historical use for traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine, where it is seen as a powerful tonic.

Reishi: The Immune-Boosting Mushroom

Benefits
This explains why reishi has widely been referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality” due to its use in longevity and general health. It is said to contain a lot of polysaccharides and triterpenes beneficial in helping to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammations, and assist in managing stress. Reishi also calms the nervous system and helps with deeper relaxation and improved sleep.

Origins
Reishi mushrooms are indigenous to Asia, specifically in the countries of China and Japan, where they have been used as traditional medicine for over 2000 years. Reishi is normally found growing wild on decaying hardwood trees; however, it is now being commonly cultured on logs or sawdust to meet the global demand.