Mushroom extracts - how to use them
Mushroom extractsmedicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane or chaga, are becoming increasingly popular. No wonder, because their properties can be successfully used for health, to improve mental function and well-being, as well as to improve sports performance.
The mushrooms mentioned have a wide range of uses, and first of all, our needs and the current condition of the body should be determined. If you are dealing with any medical conditions, it is advisable to take this into account when choosing a product.
All the more so because there may be contraindications to use in the case of a given disease / condition. If everything is fine, then pay attention to the benefits of supplementation and determine which effect of the extract you need most.
Medicinal mushrooms – make a good, informed choice
If you have decided on mushroom extracts, the first thing to look at is the benefits and any contraindications. At this point, it should be mentioned that every body is different. Therefore, the same dose may affect different people in different ways - both in terms of the effects felt and the degree to which they are felt. So it would be best to start taking them in smaller doses (even the suggested ones) and observe the reaction. If everything is fine, you can gradually increase the dose (of course, within reason).
Most medicinal mushrooms exhibit the following beneficial effects:
- antioxidant effect,
- anti-inflammatory effect,
- counteracting excessive ageing processes,
- regulating blood sugar and insulin metabolism,
- reducing degenerative and degenerative processes of the nervous system,
- support in mood disorders,
- antibacterial and antiviral effects and modulation of the immune system,
- helpful in cases of insufficient sleep,
- adaptogenic effect,
- supporting cognitive function.
Below are the benefits of use described in a bit more detail:
Contraindications:
Supplementation is not recommended for children. Particular caution should be exercised by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and women in the lactation period. The same applies to people with clearly defined medical conditions who take, for example, anticoagulants, antidiabetic, antidepressant, immunosuppressive or chemotherapy drugs.
It is worth noting that the text is informational and educational in nature, and its use is best consulted with an expert or specialist.
Use:
It should be kept in mind that the dosage should be within normal limits. Supplementation itself is an individual matter.
Reishi
The suggested dose of powdered reishi extract is 500 mg per serving (on average, 1 g to 1.5 g daily is recommended). It is a good idea to take a serving 2-3 times a day about 30 minutes before a meal or about 60 minutes after eating.
Chaga
It is best to start with Chaga mushroom at the minimum suggested dose - 500 mg - and observe the reaction. Then gradually increase it. The optimal average dose is 500 mg 2-3 times a day, 30 minutes before a meal or approx. 60 minutes after a meal.
Cordyceps
The average dose considered to produce noticeable effects is 500-1000 mg. It can be divided into 2-3 servings. Depending on the needs and degree of sensitivity to its effects, larger servings can be taken, although not exceeding 2.5 g daily.
As for strictly training-related benefits, it is worth taking a serving of cordyceps about 60 minutes before the planned exertion.
Lion’s mane
The dose considered to bring noticeable results is 500 mg to 1000 mg - it is best to divide it into 2 servings. Start supplementation with smaller doses, observe the body and gradually increase.
The most popular, effective combinations of extracts:
- cordyceps + reishi = energizing effect, reduced fatigue, more efficient work, health benefits.
- lion’s mane + chaga = increased concentration, mental clarity, increased energy and motivation, health-promoting effect.
- lion’s mane + cordyceps = improved concentration, mental and physical functions. It is also used in cases of gastrointestinal problems.
- lion’s mane + reishi = good nootropic effect, improved well-being / mood, improved brain function.
- effective, example mushroom coffee: chaga + lion’s mane added to espresso or lion’s mane + cordyceps = energy and motivation to act, increased concentration and energy, delayed fatigue, improved physical and mental functions.
Of course, other properties resulting from the individual extracts can also be expected. Nevertheless, I have listed those that, in my opinion, will be the most noticeable due to the synergistic and/or mutually complementary effects of the mushrooms.
Personal experience:
Personally, I highly value mushroom coffee made with chaga and lion’s mane. A noticeable and desired energizing effect, supporting mental functions, including concentration and the willingness to act. All the more so because such a combination brings both short-term and long-term benefits (stimulation of various neurotrophins). Clear improvement in short- and long-term memory + efficient information processing and improved thinking processes.
I started with minimal doses, gradually increasing them and observing whether any side effects would occur, as well as how my body would react - independently determining the dose as optimal.
I drank this coffee in the morning (although not right after waking up) and in the afternoon. However, for a better effect, I introduced this option only after a caffeine break in order to "clear the receptors" and, as a result, increase sensitivity - especially recommended for coffee lovers with long experience.
I am not a fan of mixing a great many adaptogens or extracts with similar effects. I prefer 2-3-ingredient combinations on the assumption that over time I will use a different blend - the so-called rotation. After all, each of them, apart from similar ones, also shows additional properties unique to itself.