The Benefits of Functional Mushrooms

Our ancient ancestors relied on the therapeutic properties of plants and other natural elements to fight illness, infections, and disease. Eventually, ancient healers began experimenting with combinations of ingredients selected for specific contributions to an overall effect. While physicians of the time based their medicinal knowledge on observation alone, they seemed to understand that many natural elements had synergistic properties; they produced a stronger effect together than individual components produced on their own.  

Today, we have a much better understanding of how various natural elements affect our bodies and brains. In our new Synergy Collection, you’ll find a selection of hemp-derived products featuring the benefit-maximizing potential of functional mushrooms, supplements selected for their many reported benefits for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Although researchers don’t fully understand everything there is to know about how functional mushrooms work, we think you’ll be intrigued by some of their many reported benefits.  

What Are Functional Mushrooms? 

There are approximately 2,000 species of mushrooms believed edible or medicinal. Of those 2,000, only 15 varieties have what researchers consider functional benefits, contributions extending beyond their nutritional value. Although each of the 15 varieties of functional mushrooms offers a unique range of possible benefits, all functional mushrooms have adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens help your system bounce back from stress-invoking situations by upregulating or downregulating stress responses as needed, meaning they moderate the impact of stress in a way that helps restore equilibrium.1

Why Pair Cannabinoids and Functional Mushrooms? 

The cannabinoids found in the stalks, stems, and flowers of industrial hemp have considerable health and wellness potential. Based on the feedback of nearly 2,000 survey respondents, adults of all ages report favorable results using our hemp-derived tinctures, softgels, topicals, capsules, and gummies for discomfort after physical activity, relaxation, and better sleep.

The cannabinoids in high-quality hemp extracts work by interacting with the receptors of the largest regulatory system in your body, your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The impact of that interaction seems to depend on which essential processes might be restored to balance (homeostasis) through ECS support. Pairing cannabinoids with functional mushroom supplements produces a synergistic effect.

Which Functional Mushroom Supplement Should I Try? 

Our new Functional Synergy Mushroom Capsules are available in two unique formulations. If you could benefit from a natural way to boost energy and improve focus throughout the day, consider trying CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Focus Blend. The 1: 1 CBD to CBG ratio produces an enhanced entourage effect.

For rest and relaxation, CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Unwind Blend is the better option. We’ve added just enough CBN isolate to our full spectrum hemp extract to enhance its sleep-promoting potential with a 3:1 CBD to CBN ratio. Whether you’re looking for focus, relaxation, or both, we think you’ll also appreciate the benefits of the following adaptogenic mushrooms.

Lion’s Mane – Focus Blend

Lion’s Mane, also known as yamabushitake, is a mushroom named for the flowing tendrils that give the fungi its unique appearance. The mushroom tends to grow on hardwood trees in dry climates; typically on areas where broken branches or damaged bark create ideal conditions.2 Based on what the research shows so far, this potent anti-inflammatory agent is believed to enhance cognitive function by supporting the production and growth of brain cells. There’s also a considerable amount of evidence suggesting benefits for improving moods and enhancing memory.3 

Cordyceps – Focus Blend 

Cordyceps has been used for spirituality and traditional Chinese medicine for more than 5000 years. Several studies suggest this adaptogenic mushroom benefits immune system function, cardiovascular health, inflammation, and premature aging.  In alternative medicine, Cordyceps is often recommended for boosting energy, enhancing stamina and endurance, and stabilizing sleep patterns. Some researchers credit that impressive list of possible benefits on the mushroom’s bioactive polysaccharides shown to help boost the production of specific antioxidants.4

Reishi – Unwind Blend 

Reishi typically grows in hot, humid climates and has been used throughout the ages by Taoist monks and sages to dispel negative energy. Although the mushroom can be eaten fresh, you’ll find the most beneficial molecules in Reishi powders and oils. Based on the results of several investigations, Reishi produces a complex selection of organic compounds, including sterols, triterpenes, alkaloids, and various polysaccharides, a combination of active plant elements that could help you relax, de-stress and unwind. Current studies also reveal potent antioxidant properties that could help protect vulnerable cells from free-radical damage.5

Chaga – Unwind Blend 

Chaga mushrooms grow on birch trees in Siberia, Canada, and Alaska. The adaptogen’s tough exterior has an appearance resembling burnt charcoal. The interior is orange. Researchers credit the mushroom’s reported benefits for stress-relief and relaxation on the balance-restoring potential of its adaptogenic properties, meaning the mushroom can restore energy as needed but could also help you relax and unwind at the end of a particularly stressful day. During WWI and WWII, Chaga was often used as a coffee substitute when supplies ran dry. Several sources also suggest Chaga can help calm anxiety symptoms.6,7

Are You Ready to Experience the Benefits of Functional Synergy?   

CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Mushroom Capsules could be just what you need to focus or unwind. We boosted the CBG and CBN content of our full spectrum hemp extracts, then fortified their enhanced entourage effect with the complementary adaptogenic properties of Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga. Our efforts resulted in two distinctly different hemp supplements.

CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Focus Blend marries the potency maximizing potential of CBG with adaptogens selected for energy, stamina, and concentration. Our Functional Synergy Unwind Blend features the relaxing, sleep-promoting potential of CBN and adaptogens selected for rest and tranquility. Although the only way to experience the effects of Functional Synergy is to select a product and try it, we think you’ll appreciate the combined benefits of our potent hemp extracts, pure cannabinoid isolates, and mushroom supplements.

To learn more about the many potential benefits of ECS support or our pure, potent product line, visit CBDistillery® to download The Ultimate CBD User Guide, learn more about our Synergy Collection, or find answers to frequently asked questions. Then consider browsing our selection of naturally cultivated hemp-derived products. You can shop with confidence knowing every product we offer is US Hemp Authority™ certified, third-party tested, and backed by our 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Sources: 

1. Eat This, Not That! J Guerra. (2019 April 22) All the Questions You Have About Functional Mushrooms Explained.

2. Forest Wildlife. N Ellis. (2021 October 14) Where to Find Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

3. OM. E Garza. (2021 April 01) How Does Lion’s Mane Help the Brain?

4. Dr Axe. R Links. (2021 April 01) Cordyceps Benefits for Anti-Aging, Sleep, Exercise Performance, & More.

5. Healthline. G Tinsley. (2018 March 31) 6 Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms (Plus Side Effects And Dosage).

6. Dr Axe. A Price. (2019 August 29) Chaga Mushrooms: 5 Benefits and to Make Chaga Tea.

7. Mushroom Zoom. (2021) Can Chaga Mushroom Help with Anxiety?