"Medicinal," or "functional" mushrooms have played a large role in humanity for thousands of years, and now modern science is validating what thousands of years of use has already anecdotally proved.
Here in the United States, we seem to be looking for ways to end our dependence on pharmaceuticals. We're finding powerful mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Cordyceps can help build foundational health for our minds and bodies.
In addition to the historical use, there has been a resurgence of scientific research around these mushrooms; especially because they seem to be able to treat some of our most pressing health concerns: Cognitive health, healthy aging, focus, brain fog, and stress.
While the research is very promising, Brain Wave will never be hyperbolic in our messaging; which is why we've partnered with Penn State - to make sure we're bringing you the most accurate information possible. Additionally we're linking peer reviewed, high credibility studies and letting you draw your own conclusions.
Let's dig in and explore some of the most promising benefits, and listen to what mushroom users are saying.
Don't take our word for it. Check out this NIH Study. It's a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Phytotherapy Research
The Long Answer:
A lot of brands would have you believe that taking a Lion's Mane supplement is the equivalent of "nature's adderall." Well, that's a bit of an oxymoron. Aren't we trying to get away from pharmaceuticals?
The beautiful thing about natural remedies and herbal supplements is that they're well rounded, and not isolated compounds with side effects like pharmaceuticals.
So what's the difference? Where Adderall is formulated for short term chemical manipulation to help you focus, Lion's Mane goes to work on the foundational health of your brain. There are two really cool compounds in Lion's Mane mushrooms which are unique in their ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor. They're called erinacines (found largely in the mycelium or root structure), and hericinones, (found largely in the fruiting body).
By enhancing NGF levels, lion’s mane may help protect and regenerate brain cells, potentially improving memory, concentration, and overall mental clarity. This mushroom’s ability to support NGF has sparked research into its possible benefits for age-related cognitive decline and nerve-related injuries.
By enhancing NGF levels, lion’s mane may help protect and regenerate brain cells, potentially improving memory, concentration, and overall mental clarity. This mushroom’s ability to support NGF has sparked research into its possible benefits for age-related cognitive decline and nerve-related injuries.
Don't take our word for it. Check out this NIH Study investigating Reishi and its potential impact on stress-related mood disturbances.
The Long Answer:
Chaga, "The King of Mushrooms," and Reishi, "The Mushroom of Immortality," have long been revered in traditional medicine and are now recognized as potent adaptogens. Being “adaptogenic” means these substances help balance the body and adapt to stressors, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
Certain natural substances and practices, such as meditation, mindfulness, and adaptogenic fungi can help create a healthy support system for both mental clarity and emotional equilibrium.
Unlike stimulants that might provide a temporary jolt of energy, or sedatives that can leave us feeling groggy, adaptogens bring the body toward a balanced state by moderating how our systems respond to stress. By supporting healthy cortisol levels and other biological mechanisms, like serotonin release, adaptogenic mushrooms can help maintain equilibrium in the face of life’s challenges.
In addition to the calming effects these mushrooms can have, Reishi is often heralded for its immune support, while chaga is celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Together, they offer a gentle yet powerful way to shore up the body’s defenses and keep stress in check, paving the way for improved well-being, brain health, and mental clarity.
The short answer here is that medicinal mushrooms can help support healthy sleep in a supportive role. They're not sedatives so they're not going to "put you to sleep".
Don't take our word for it. Check out this Nature Study investigating Reishi and its impact on sleep and gut health.
The Long Answer
By supporting balanced cortisol levels—one of our primary stress hormones—these mushrooms can help calm the nervous system, creating the right conditions for deeper, more restorative sleep. Reishi in particular contains compounds believed to have a soothing effect on the body, potentially reducing the kind of mental chatter and tension that can keep us tossing and turning at night.
Additionally, functional mushrooms often feature immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties. Excessive inflammation and a weakened immune system can lead to disrupted or poor-quality sleep.
Interested in trying mushroom supplements for yourself? We think Brain Wave is a great place to start, especially because of our commitment to USA farming and production.
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Looking for something a little different than gummies? Try our tinctures.
They're a more potent single dose, versus the gummies which are more well rounded and meant to cover your baseline.
The tinctures can be taken together with the gummies. They're especially good if you're looking to improve on a more specific health goal.