What Do Mushroom Gummies Do?

Mushroom gummies have recently become extremely popular as a convenient and tasty way to deliver the benefits of both functional and psilocybin mushrooms.

These gummies cater to a wide range of needs, from boosting energy and focus or promoting relaxation and immunity with functional mushrooms, to delivering a psychedelic experience with psilocybin mushrooms. Whether for health and wellness or recreational purposes, they offer versatile benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore what mushroom gummies do, the types of mushrooms commonly found in them, the unique benefits each mushroom provides and how they are being studied in the field of medicine .

What Are Mushroom Gummies?

Mushroom gummies are dietary supplements that combine the functional properties of mushrooms with the convenience of gummy form.

These gummies are often infused with mushroom extracts known for their health-promoting properties, such as reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga, or even psilocybin in areas where it’s legal. We'll get into the different types and what they do below. 

• For more information and a comprehensive definition, check out our article: What are Mushroom Gummies?

How Do Mushroom Gummies Work?

The benefits of mushroom gummies come from the bioactive compounds present in the mushrooms, such as beta-glucans, triterpenes, and alkaloids.

These compounds interact with the body in various ways, such as modulating the immune system, supporting brain function, or enhancing mood.

Types of Mushrooms Found in Gummies: Benefits & Potential Medicinal Value

Mushroom gummies typically feature either functional mushrooms (non-psychedelic) or psychedelic mushrooms (magic shrooms).

Below, we’ll break down the most common mushrooms used along with their benefits. We'll also highlight how the particular type of mushroom is being studied in the field of medicine. 

***Note: The "being studied for" section are not medical claims and you should not rely on the mushroom type to cure any associated medical ailment. We're simply highlighting their potential use in medicine. 

Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic mushrooms known for their health benefits.

They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are now incorporated into modern wellness products like gummies.

• Benefits:

  • May help promote relaxation

  • Associated with stress relief

  • Supports overall wellness and balance

• Being Studied For:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties

  • Sleep quality improvement

  • Immune system modulation

Reishi is often called the “Mushroom of Immortality” due to its potential to support overall health and longevity.

2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• Benefits:

  • May support focus and clarity

  • Promotes a sense of mental sharpness

  • Commonly used for productivity enhancement

• Being Studied For:

  • Cognitive function and memory support

  • Potential to protect against neurodegenerative diseases

  • Nerve regeneration benefits

Lion’s Mane is often referred to as "The Smart Mushroom" and is prized for its brain-boosting effects, making it a popular choice for productivity-focused individuals.

3. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

• Benefits:

  • Associated with antioxidant support

  • May promote overall wellness

  • Linked to digestive health support

• Being Studied For:

  • Immune system enhancement

  • Potential to combat oxidative stress

  • Possible cholesterol-lowering effects

Chaga is also called "The King of Mushrooms" and is a nutrient-dense mushroom that helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

4. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

• Benefits:

  • May support increased energy and stamina

  • Often used for athletic performance

  • Associated with respiratory health

• Being Studied For:

  • Energy production improvement

  • Oxygen utilization

  • Libido and sexual health enhancement

Cordyceps is nicknamed "Himalayan Viagra" is are often used as a natural energy booster, making them ideal for athletes and active individuals.

5. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

• Benefits:

  • May support digestive health

  • Known for its immune-supportive properties

  • Associated with gut health

• Being Studied For:

  • Compounds that may aid in cancer therapy

  • Immune system enhancement

The Turkey Tail mushroom looks like an actual turkey tail, and is rich in polysaccharides, which help fortify the immune system and improve overall gut health.

6. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

• Benefits:

  • May support metabolic health

  • Associated with immune support

  • Often linked to overall vitality

• Being Studied For:

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Anti-tumor properties

  • Immune health

Maitake is nicknamed the "Hen of the Woods" due to its fluffed feathers appearance and is a powerhouse for metabolic and immune health.

7. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

• Benefits:

  • May promote heart health

  • Associated with skin health

  • Linked to immune system wellness

• Being Studied For:

  • Cardiovascular health

  • Anti-inflammatory benefits

  • Immune support

Shiitake mushrooms are also called the "Elixir of Life" and they contain compounds like Lentinan which has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years and is supposed to work wonders for the immune system. 

8. Agaricus Blazei (Agaricus subrufescens)

• Benefits:

  • Known for general wellness support

  • May enhance vitality

  • Linked to a sense of well-being

• Being Studied For:

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Potential disease prevention properties

  • Immune system modulation

Agaricus Blazei, a.k.a the "almond mushroom" is valued for its potential role in disease prevention and immune modulation, although more studies need to be performed in order to make a claim. 

Psychedelic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin, which can profoundly affect perception, mood, and cognition.

These mushrooms are typically used in therapeutic settings, personal development practices, spiritual enhancement sessions with shamans and for recreational purposes. 

1. Psilocybin Mushrooms (Various species)

• Benefits:

  • Associated with creativity and openness

  • Known for promoting emotional well-being

  • Often linked to introspection and mindfulness

• Being Studied For:

  • Potential treatment for depression and anxiety

  • PTSD and addiction recovery

  • Emotional healing and trauma processing

Common species include Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata, both known for their mood-altering and therapeutic effects.

Psilocybin is currently being researched for its potential in mental health treatments.

Key Benefits of Mushroom Gummies

Whether functional or psychedelic, mushroom gummies offer a variety of health and wellness benefits:

1. Improved Cognitive Function

Mushrooms like lion’s mane are rich in compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports brain health, memory, and focus.

2. Stress Reduction

Reishi and other adaptogenic mushrooms help the body adapt to stress and promote relaxation.

3. Enhanced Immune Support

Mushrooms such as chaga, turkey tail, and maitake boost immune function by enhancing white blood cell activity.

4. Increased Energy Levels

Cordyceps are known for improving oxygen utilization and energy production, making them a favorite among athletes.

5. Mood Enhancement

Both functional and psychedelic mushrooms can improve mood and emotional well-being. For example, psilocybin has been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety, while reishi and lion’s mane combat stress and support mental balance.

6. Antioxidant Protection

Many functional mushrooms, like chaga and reishi, are loaded with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative damage.

7. Better Sleep

Reishi is often included in sleep-support supplements for its calming and sleep-enhancing properties.

How to Choose the Right Mushroom Gummies

When selecting mushroom gummies, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

1. Type of Mushroom

Choose gummies that contain mushrooms aligned with your wellness goals. For example:

• For brain health: Lion’s Mane

• For stress relief: Reishi

• For energy: Cordyceps

2. Dosage

Look for products that disclose the amount of mushroom extract per serving. Dosage recommendations vary based on the type of mushroom and desired effect, but usually fall around 100mg of the specific type of mushroom per serving. 

3. Quality and Purity

Ensure the gummies are made from high-quality mushrooms and are free from fillers, artificial ingredients, and contaminants. Look for third-party lab testing to verify quality.

4. Intended Use

Functional mushroom gummies are ideal for everyday wellness, while psychedelic mushroom gummies are better suited for therapeutic or recreational use in regions where they are legal.

Conclusion

Mushroom gummies offer a convenient and effective way to tap into the powerful benefits of both functional and psychedelic mushrooms.

By understanding the unique properties of each type of mushroom, you can select the right product to support your health and wellness goals.

Whether you’re seeking better focus, enhanced immunity, or a deeper connection with your inner self, there’s likely a mushroom gummy tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which types of mushroom gummies are legal?

The legality of mushroom gummies depends on the type of mushroom they contain. Gummies made with legal, non-psychoactive mushrooms like lion’s mane or reishi are generally legal, while those containing psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are illegal in most places unless specifically allowed under local laws or decriminalization policies.

• For more detailed information on their legality, check out our blog: How are Mushroom Gummies Legal?