Medicinal mushroom powders have quickly become my secret weapon for staying healthy while raising a busy toddler.
Ever since my two-year-old started part-time daycare, it felt like our house was a revolving door for every germ, bacteria, and virus under the sun. I was getting sick almost every month, and honestly? I was beyond exhausted and frustrated. I knew I needed to steward my health better—not just for me, but so I could show up fully for my little man and my family. And my arsenal of multivitamins and natural supplements didn’t seem to cut it.
I’ve never been a fan of eating mushrooms (the taste and texture are hard “nos” for me!), but after some deep-diving into natural ways to support the immune system, I kept seeing “medicinal mushrooms” pop up.
The Medicinal Mushrooms I Researched
I decided to give these specific varieties a try for their incredible benefits:
- Reishi: to help with boosting the immune system. Resihi mushrooms have triterpenes compounds that can help with better sleep, decreased anxiety and depression, and increased focus.
- Lion’s Mane: to help with mental clarity and concentration. This mushroom has powerful antioxidants and helps promote bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) Trusted Source and myelin, which are important for brain health.
- Shiitake & Chaga: Great for fighting inflammation and keeping cholesterol in check (and Lord knows I’m trying to work on both.)
- Cordyceps: to boost energy and fight fatigue
- Turkey Tail: for immune health, bone and gut health. This mushroom has also been used to boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Why Quality Matters
Mushrooms can be pricey, so I didn’t want to waste money on fillers. I chose a company called Real Mushrooms because they use the “fruiting body” (the actual mushroom) rather than just grain or starch. I was drawn to this company because they’ve been harvesting mushrooms for 50 years, and I love that they are transparent about their testing—making sure that you can verify the quality of their products.
My Daily Mushroom Routine
I’ve been using their 5 Defenders Complex and the Turkey Tail extract powders. I mix about ½ teaspoon of each into a cup of hot water every morning.
Now, let’s be real: I wouldn’t say they taste good. I tried the powders in tea, but the flavor is so strong it just took over. I’ve embraced my daily cup of “mushroom tea” as a discipline. It’s a short moment in my morning to do something good just for me.
The Verdict: Two Months In
Since starting this routine, I haven’t been sick once. That’s even after wiping runny noses and being sneezed on directly in the face. I even traveled out of the country recently and stayed healthy the whole time.
My energy is also slowly climbing back up, which is a total praise report because motherhood is draining. Is it a placebo? Maybe. But for someone who was desperate to stop the cycle of sickness, I am so grateful for the difference I’m feeling.
What about you? What have you added to your wellness routine lately to keep your immune system strong? Let’s share tips in the comments because I’m always excited to learn new ways to stay healthy!
