Adaptogenic Mushrooms: Benefits, Types, and How They Work

Adaptogenic mushrooms are defined as mushrooms that may help the body respond to physical or mental stress. In other words, they may help you adapt to the world’s stress.

However, placing all of these mushrooms under the broad label of “stress-relieving mushrooms” may not tell the full story. Reishi is commonly used for recovery, cordyceps is associated with physical stamina, poria is known for supporting sleep, and tremella may support memory.

Let’s look more closely at what adaptogenic mushrooms are and explore nine of the most popular varieties.

What Makes a Mushroom Adaptogenic?

An adaptogen is a substance that may help the body maintain balance during periods of physical, emotional, or environmental stress.

A 2020 review of adaptogens suggested that adaptogenic substances may work through the modulation of the stress response. This may occur at several levels, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cellular signalling, and energy regulation.

This does not necessarily mean that adaptogenic mushrooms act as simple stress relievers. It means they may improve the efficiency of the body’s response to different stressors.

Adaptogenic mushrooms do not cause hallucinations because they do not contain psilocybin.

Read our guide on what mushroom gummies are to learn more about the difference between functional and psychedelic mushrooms.

9 Popular Adaptogenic Mushrooms

1. Reishi

Reishi is the mushroom that most closely matches the classic definition of an adaptogenic mushroom. It has traditionally been used for vitality, endurance, recovery, and balance.

It is important to remember that reishi does not act as a stimulant. Instead, it is generally used by people who are dealing with physical or mental stress.

A 2024 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of reishi supplementation in sedentary female college students. The researchers reported positive outcomes related to psychological and physical stress control.

2. Cordyceps

Cordyceps is less of a calming mushroom and more of a substance used to support the body during physical stress. People often take it to support workouts, energy levels, and recovery.

Researchers have studied cordyceps for its possible effects on oxygen uptake, endurance, blood lactate, and fatigue.

A 2025 meta-analysis assessed the effects of cordyceps in athletes. The researchers concluded that the mushroom improved several exercise-related parameters:

• Oxygen uptake.
• Ventilatory threshold.
• Physical endurance.

In practical terms, cordyceps may be more suitable for people dealing with long shifts, demanding training sessions, or physical fatigue.

3. Poria Cocos

Poria cocos, also known as fuling, is not one of the best-known functional mushrooms, but it deserves a place on this list.

Poria is a fungus that grows around pine roots and has a long history of use in traditional East Asian practices, particularly for calmness and sleep.

A 2023 study examined poria extract in adults with insomnia who took 800 mg at night. Participants experienced improvements in sleep quality, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and wake time during the night.

To be transparent, the study had a small sample size and did not include a placebo group. These limitations mean that more rigorous research is still needed, but poria remains an interesting adaptogenic mushroom for nighttime recovery.

4. Tremella

Tremella, also known as snow fungus or silver ear mushroom, is best known in beauty supplements because its polysaccharides hold water well. However, there is also interesting research on tremella and cognition.

In an eight-week randomised trial, 75 adults with cognitive impairment were divided into three groups:

• The first group received 600 mg per day.
• The second group received 1,200 mg per day.
• The third group received a placebo.

The two groups that received tremella reported improvements in memory and executive function. Although this does not make tremella a classic adaptogen, it suggests that the mushroom may support cognitive resilience.

In that sense, tremella sits somewhere between an adaptogenic mushroom and a nootropic mushroom.

5. Maitake

Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. According to tradition, it was given this name because finding one was so valuable that it made people dance.

A 2026 randomised study followed 47 healthy Japanese adults for 18 weeks. Participants who took the supplement had improved Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores compared with placebo.

The researchers highlighted the importance of choosing the correct form, strain, dose, and preparation. Maitake is not currently established as a classic stress adaptogen, but that may change as more research becomes available.

6. Agaricus Blazei

Agaricus blazei, also known as the almond mushroom, is commonly found in multi-mushroom blends. However, it receives far less attention than reishi or lion’s mane.

Most available human research focuses on people with specific health concerns rather than healthy adults.

In one study, researchers evaluated the effects of agaricus mushroom in people with ulcerative colitis. Participants reported improvements in fatigue, inflammatory symptoms, and quality of life.

7. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane may fit more naturally into the nootropic mushroom category, but it still has some adaptogen-adjacent effects.

Research on lion’s mane has mainly focused on memory, focus, neurogenesis, and mental performance. Because stress can negatively affect cognition, there is some overlap between nootropic and adaptogenic support.

Read our complete guide to nootropic mushrooms for a closer look at this category.

8. Chaga

Chaga is usually included in the adaptogenic category because of its strong antioxidant properties.

Physical stress, poor sleep, illness, and intense exercise can all increase oxidative stress. Chaga may help support the body’s resilience by contributing antioxidant compounds.

However, product quality matters. A 2025 analysis of commercial chaga supplements warned about the poor quality, authenticity, and labelling of some products on the market.

Sunday Scaries Mushroom Gummies for Focus combine lion’s mane with chaga, ginkgo biloba, and natural caffeine for daytime focus. The pre-dosed format also makes the full formula easier to understand and use consistently.

9. Turkey Tail

Research on turkey tail focuses mainly on beta-glucans, polysaccharide-K, polysaccharide peptide, and immune activity.

Turkey tail is not a direct stress or energy mushroom. Its connection to adaptation comes from the idea of immune resilience, which may help the body maintain normal defensive responses during periods of strain.

Which Mushrooms Are Actually Adaptogenic?

FAQs About Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Conclusion

Adaptogenic mushrooms are not one small group of identical substances. They include several mushrooms that may support the body’s response to different types of stress.

Reishi and cordyceps are the closest fit for classic stress and physical adaptation. Poria may support nighttime recovery. Tremella, maitake, and lion’s mane are better known for their potential effects on cognitive resilience. Finally, chaga and turkey tail may contribute to antioxidant and immune support.

The most useful question to ask is which type of stress you are trying to manage. Once you identify that, it becomes easier to choose a mushroom and product format that suits your routine.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, manage a health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are receiving medical treatment.