Functional mushrooms are a category of mushrooms that are prized for their unique health benefits, such as immune support, cognitive enhancement, energy and stamina, antioxidant properties, and cardiovascular health.

These mushrooms contain specific micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can aid with various health goals and ailments.

Unlike regular culinary mushrooms, which are primarily consumed for their taste and nutritional value, functional mushrooms are used for their medicinal properties.

Some functional mushrooms, like Lion's Mane & Maitake fit into both categories, making them both delicious and medicinal.

Other varieties like Reishi and Chaga dont have much culinary value (often because of their woody/tough texture) so they are considered medicinal only. These mushrooms are typically only consumed as tea, ground into powder, or incorporated into snacks like gummies for regimental use.

All of the mushrooms listed here are legal worldwide and will not cause hallucinations.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Enhances immune cell activity and modulates the immune system, making it more effective at identifying and destroying pathogens and abnormal cells.
  
• Restorative Medicine: Reduces tumor growth and improves immune responses.
  

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production, promoting nerve regeneration and improving cognitive function.
• Healthline: Promotes cognitive health and neurological functions.
  

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

• Verywell Health: Increases ATP production and improves oxygen utilization, enhancing physical performance and respiratory health.
• Healthline: Enhances physical performance and respiratory health.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

• Healthline: Contains eritadenine, which lowers cholesterol, and lentinan, which boosts immune function by enhancing the activity of immune cells.
• WebMD: Supports cardiovascular health and immune response.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

• Healthline: Rich in antioxidants like melanin and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which reduce oxidative stress and enhance immune function by neutralizing free radicals.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Reduces oxidative stress and enhances immune function.