Mushrooms: lion's mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps
Lion's mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, shiitake: what these mushrooms are, how extracts and powders differ and how to read the label.
This substance has no health claim authorised in the European Union. So we describe what it is and how it is taken, but do not say what it does in the body.
What they are
Mushroom supplements are made from edible mushrooms used traditionally in Asia and Northern Europe. The most popular are lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), chaga (Inonotus obliquus), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) and shiitake.
Plant and mushroom ingredients have no authorised health claims in the European Union: their claims have been under review for years. So we explain what these mushrooms are and how to read the label, but do not write what they do for the brain, immunity or energy.
Fruiting body, mycelium, extract
The fruiting body is the mushroom itself, the part we see. Mycelium is the root-like network; it is often grown on grain, in which case the product can hold a lot of starch. Good products state on the label what the powder is made from.
Extracts are labelled with a ratio such as 10:1 — 1 kg of extract from 10 kg of mushroom. More useful than the ratio is the stated percentage of beta-glucans or polysaccharides: that is what a laboratory can actually measure.
How they are taken and how to choose
Capsules and powders are taken as the pack directs, usually 500–2000 mg of extract a day. Powder can go into coffee, cocoa or a smoothie — ready mushroom coffee blends are sold that way too. Choose products that state the part of the mushroom used and the beta-glucan content. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people on medicines, especially blood thinners or blood-sugar medicines, should ask a doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
What is lion's mane?
Hericium erinaceus — an edible mushroom with white hanging "spines". Supplements sell it as a powder and as an extract.
What does a 10:1 extract mean?
1 part of extract was made from 10 parts of mushroom. It tells you the concentration, not the composition; the beta-glucan percentage is more reliable.
Can several mushrooms be combined?
Many products are made that way. Follow the dose on the pack and do not take several products with the same mushroom at once.
Can mushroom coffee be drunk every day?
Follow the pack; count the caffeine if the blend contains coffee.
Are these psychedelic mushrooms?
No. Lion's mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps contain no psychoactive substances.
Functional mushrooms in the shop
