I’m a skeptic at heart. Whenever I hear about the next big trend in the wellness world, I’m always a bit delayed to get on board. As is my tendency*, I question things and I need a bit of proof before I’m willing to participate. It’s really no wonder that it’s taken me so long to get on the mushroom powders train.
But what are mushroom powders*? And are they really worth the hype? Whether your favorite podcast is sponsored by them or you stumbled onto them at the grocery, it’s hard to ignore the growing popularity of mushroom powders. I’m looking at your Four Sigmatic. So today I thought I’d break down the shroom essentials. Everything from where to buy them, how to use them and what you can expect to gain from adding mushroom powders into your life is covered.
WHAT ARE MUSHROOM POWDERS?
You’ve probably heard about mushroom powders but they are also known as mushroom supplements. Depending on the powder or source, it might be made differently. Essentially, mushroom powders are the nutrients extracted from certain mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps) to create supplemental powders.
WHAT KINDS OF POWDERS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are several on the market. However, the three most common ones are chaga, reishi & cordyceps. These are used most often as supplements or adaptogens. You can also find mushroom powders to flavor soups and other dishes like porcini mushrooms. But for the purpose of today’s focus, I’ll stick to the common 3.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POWDERS?
Reishi has a strong history in Chinese Medicine. It’s said to promote calmness, balance and inner strength. It’s also one of the most studied natural substances on Earth. If you need an immune boast or some stress relief, Reishi is probably the powder you want to reach for.
Chaga has been called the King Of Plants and for very good reasons. It’s rich in vitamin B and zinc. Plus, it’s known for having a high concentration of antioxidants. If you’re vegan, Chaga might be a great supplement to help up your vitamin B levels in your diet.
Cordyceps is unique because it grows in a way that’s completely different to the other mushroom powders. It’s a fungus that lives on certain caterpillars in the mountains of China. It’s known to treat coughs, cold and other ailments. Cordyceps can also be used to increase energy and fight fatigue.
HOW DO I USE THEM?
As with most adaptogens, it’s really up to you how to use them. Most packing suggests adding them to teas or liquids in small amounts. I like to switch up how I use them depending on the day. Some mornings I’ll add a little bit to my coffee for the added boost. Occasionally I’ll make this herbal tonic. You can even add them to smoothies or energy bites depending on what your needs.
WHERE DO I BUY THEM?
There are a couple of ways to get ahold of mushroom powders. If you want to buy them individually, you can get them from amazon*. My favorite brand is Sun Potion*. A few health food stores might sell them as well as other online shops. Alternatively you could go the Four Sigmatic route. They are growing in popularity and becoming easier to find in stores. But you can also buy them from Thrive Market*, Amazon & Four Sigmatic’s website.
DO I NEED THEM?
As always, it’s a personal preference. It’s taken me months to incorporate them into my life. Seriously, I meant to write this post ages ago but I just wasn’t there yet. Lots of people love Four Sigmatic’s mushroom coffee as an alternative to their morning cup of java. It can be less acidic and harsh on the body. I go through phases with FS but I’ve been loving adding powders into my drinks daily. I switch it up depending on the day. If you feel like you’re lacking in one area, it might be worth it to give mushroom powder a try.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Like almost every adaptogen I’ve tried, I’d suggest starting small. Depending on your taste buds, there is such a thing as too much. When I first tried ashwagandha, I hated it. It was bitter and overtook everything I put it in. But overtime I was able to build up my tastebuds and enjoy it. Don’t be afraid to start with 1/8 tsp and work your way up. It doesn’t do your body any good if you pour out your cup of tonic because it tastes terrible.
