Discover The 3 Mushrooms To Alleviate Anxiety, Stress, And Depression

Mental health disorders including anxiety, chronic stress and depression are at epidemic levels. In the U.S. alone, over 40 million people suffer from anxiety ¹ and about 20 million experience depression each year ⁴

Recently, scientific research shows certain medicinal mushrooms contain potent bioactive compounds that can help alleviate these mood disorders by reducing inflammation, balancing brain chemicals and stimulating neural regeneration.

Here’s our top 3 of the most effective mushrooms for beating anxiety, depression and stress. And make sure to read to the bottom, because one of these changed scientist’ minds and has the science community baffled to see us avoiding dementia and alzheimer’s past 90 years old.

#1 - Lion’s Mane For Neural Regeneration

Therapeutic Benefits:

Lion’s Mane mushrooms have shown to possess a range of health benefits including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They have also been utilized in treating cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, which often have comorbid anxiety and depression¹.

Anxiolytic Effects:

In a study, Lion’s Mane was found to exert anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in a mouse model. The study assessed the impact of Lion’s Mane on both cognitive and non-cognitive behaviors in early trials, suggesting a potential benefit in managing anxiety².

Reduction of Depression and Anxiety:

A randomized controlled trial demonstrated a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms following a 4-week treatment with Hericium erinaceus. The trial used a double-blind method to evaluate the effects of Lion’s Mane on menopausal women, indicating its potential as a natural treatment for mood disorders³.

Neurohealth Properties:

Another study highlighted that treatment with Lion’s Mane mushroom increased dopamine and serotonin levels in early trials subjected to restraint stress-induced depression. The increase in these neurotransmitter levels can be associated with improved mood and reduced depression⁴.

Neurogenesis Promotion:

Research suggests that anxiety can damage brain cells, and agents promoting neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) could be effective in treating anxiety. Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been found to promote neurogenesis, which may be beneficial in managing anxiety and potentially depression⁵.

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that contains bioactive compounds called hericenones and erinacines that stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain (9). NGF is critical for neural regeneration, learning, memory and cognitive function. Lion’s mane anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects are likely due to its ability to stimulate nerve growth and repair neurological damage. Multiple studies confirm lion’s mane mental health benefits:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave 30 women with anxiety disorder either lion’s mane extract or placebo for 4 weeks. The lion’s mane group had significantly greater reductions in feelings of irritability, anxiety and depression compared to placebo ⁽¹⁰⁾.
In early trials, lion’s mane extract improved mood and cognition by increasing the release of neuroprotective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the brain ⁽¹¹⁾.
Lion’s mane contains hericenones that stimulate dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine regulates pleasure, reward, motivation and focus ⁽¹²⁾.

The science shows lion’s mane mushroom helps regenerate nerves and neural connections to minimize mood disorders like anxiety, depression and OCD. The Bottom Line Mental health issues like chronic stress, anxiety and depression have reached crisis levels. Research shows certain medicinal mushrooms including turkey tail, cordyceps and lion’s mane can help alleviate these mood disorders through unique mechanisms like gut microbiome modulation, balancing brain chemistry and stimulating neural regeneration. Consider adding one or more of these nourishing mushrooms into your daily routine. They can be consumed as supplements, teas or even incorporated into foods like smoothies and soups. With proven mood-boosting superpowers, medicinal mushrooms may help you alleviate anxiety, find calm and lift depression naturally

#2 - The Mind-Boosting Power of Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) have a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Asian regions like China, where they have been utilized for promoting overall health, strength, and longevity. They are known for their immune-boosting properties, which come from compounds like polysaccharopeptides, and their nature helping in supporting homeostasis in the body¹².

When it comes to mental health, particularly anxiety, stress, and depression, some sources suggest that Turkey Tail mushrooms could offer benefits:

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects:

Turkey Tail contains a compound called PSK, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which might be beneficial for mental health. It is suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of PSK could potentially improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, likely due to its ability to affect neurotransmitter levels, crucial in regulating mood and anxiety³.

Clinical Study:

A study referenced in Bloomable Natural Products, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, found that Turkey Tail had a positive impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety in a group of participants, highlighting its potential as a natural option for individuals seeking to improve their mental health³.

Management of Stress and Anxiety:

Another source mentioned that Turkey Tail has emerged as a popular solution for managing stress and anxiety, especially in the context of today’s stress-filled world. It’s loaded with antioxidants and immune-boosting properties, which may be beneficial in managing stress and anxiety⁴.

These points provide a glimpse into how Turkey Tail mushrooms might help in alleviating anxiety, stress, and depression, albeit more research is needed to better understand these effects and to establish optimal dosages and treatment protocols.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is a mushroom packed with polysaccharides that reduce inflammation and modulate gut microbiota. This helps create a healthy gut-brain connection critical for optimal mental health.

Studies show turkey tail’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating powers can minimize anxiety and depression:

A randomized placebo-controlled trial gave patients with advanced breast and prostate cancer either turkey tail extract or placebo for 6 weeks. The turkey tail group had significantly reduced inflammation and despair compared to placebo ⁽²⁾.
Another study found turkey tail extract reduced anxiety and depression in women being treated for breast cancer. It worked as well as medication but without side effects ⁽³⁾.
Turkey tail polysaccharides increase serotonin and dopamine, key neurotransmitters that regulate mood, motivation, and feelings of pleasure ⁽⁴⁾.

The researchers suggest turkey tail’s microbiome-modulating effects help strengthen the gut-brain axis to improve mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

#3 - Cordyceps For Balancing Brain Chemistry

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a mushroom used for centuries in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Research reveals cordyceps contains bioactive compounds called cordycepin and cordycepic acid that have antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects by increasing serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline activity in the prefrontal cortex ⁽⁵⁾.

This is the area of the brain that regulates emotional responses and is often impaired in mood disorders. Studies confirm cordyceps’ brain-balancing benefits:

The science indicates cordyceps can help restore optimal excitatory/inhibitory balances in the brain to minimize anxiety, chronic stress and depression.

A mouse study found cordyceps extract produced a 64% reduction in anxiety-like behaviors compared to a control group by regulating excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters ⁽⁶⁾.

Research shows cordyceps quickens the growth of serotonin neurons specifically in the hippocampus, which regulates memory, mood and emotional control ⁽⁷⁾.

Cordyceps increases ATP energy production in the brain, which enhances cognition and lifts depression that’s associated with low energy ⁽⁸⁾.

Mechanism of Action:

Cordyceps sinensis, a species within the Cordyceps genus, has been explored for its potential role in addressing depression. One of the mechanisms proposed is its ability to modulate the signaling pathways associated with psychological disorders, although the exact pathways and mechanisms remain an area of active research¹.

Complementary Therapy:

Cordyceps militaris, another species within the same genus, has been used historically alongside Poria cocos as a complementary therapy to treat depression and anxiety due to their anti-inflammatory abilities ².

Antidepressant-like Effects:

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that water extract of Cordyceps militaris demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in an animal model of unpredictable chronic mild stress, suggesting potential benefits in managing depression, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects³.

Treatment of Insomnia in Depression:

Cordyceps militaris has also been suggested to have potential in treating insomnia, a common clinical manifestation in patients with depression. The study posited that Cordyceps militaris could serve as an adjuvant to duloxetine, a medication used to treat depressive disorders, to address insomnia symptoms⁴.

Traditional Use:

Traditionally, Cordyceps militaris has been utilized in tonics for treating several neurological disorders including anxiety in Asia, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties are believed to be beneficial for managing depression⁵ ⁶.

Reduced Anxiety and Sadness:

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Cordyceps mushrooms may help in reducing anxiety and sadness due to its anti-inflammatory and properties, although more empirical evidence is needed to support these claims⁶.

These findings highlight a potential role for Cordyceps mushrooms in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. However, it’s important to note that while some studies and traditional uses suggest benefits, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand the mechanisms involved

Sources:

Anxiety, stress, and depression are common mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on our daily lives. They can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, irritability, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite.

While there are many effective conventional treatments for anxiety, stress, and depression, some people are looking for more natural alternatives. One such alternative is medicinal mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and other cultures to treat a variety of health conditions, including mental health problems.

There is a growing body of scientific research that supports the use of medicinal mushrooms for anxiety, stress, and depression.

Comp health

Lion's mane

Turkey tail

CORDYCEPS

#1 - Lion's mane

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that resembles a lion’s mane. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve cognitive function and treat a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, stress, and depression.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of lion’s mane mushroom to treat anxiety, stress, and depression.

One study found that lion’s mane mushroom extract helped to reduce anxiety and depression in early trials.

Another study found that lion’s mane mushroom extract helped to improve mood and cognitive function in elderly people.

Lion’s mane mushroom is thought to work by protecting and repairing nerve cells. It may also help to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation.

#2 - Turkey tail

Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a common mushroom found in forests around the world. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to boost the immune system and treat cancer.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of turkey tail mushroom to treat anxiety, stress, and depression.

One study found that turkey tail mushroom extract helped to reduce anxiety and depression in early trials.

Another study found that turkey tail mushroom extract helped to improve mood and reduce stress in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Turkey tail mushroom is thought to work by reducing inflammation and improving gut health. Inflammation is linked to a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, stress, and depression.

Gut health is also important for mental health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, which produce neurotransmitters that communicate with the brain. Turkey tail mushroom contains compounds that help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

#3 - Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) is a parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillars. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve athletic performance and treat a variety of health conditions, including respiratory problems, kidney disease, and cancer.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of cordyceps mushroom to treat anxiety, stress, and depression.

One study found that cordyceps mushroom extract helped to reduce anxiety and depression in early trials.

Another study found that cordyceps mushroom extract helped to improve mood and reduce stress in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cordyceps mushroom is thought to work by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is important for neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells).

BDNF is also thought to play a role in regulating mood and anxiety.

Cordyceps mushroom may also help to reduce stress by regulating the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Clinical research data and additional links to the research:

Turkey tail mushroom

Cordyceps mushroom

Lion’s mane mushroom

Conclusion

Turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion’s mane mushrooms are promising natural alternatives for the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression.

There is a growing body of scientific research that supports the use of these mushrooms for these conditions.

If you are considering using medicinal mushrooms for anxiety, stress, or depression, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Additional interesting facts

All three of these mushrooms are adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances that help the body to adapt to stress. They do this by balancing the body’s hormones and regulating the stress response.

Turkey tail mushroom is also known as the “Cloud Mushroom” or “Polyporus versicolor”. It is found on trees all over the world and has a distinctive fan-shaped appearance.

Cordyceps mushroom is a parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillars and other insects. It is found in high altitudes in the Himalayas and other mountain ranges.

Lion’s mane mushroom is a saprobic fungus that grows on dead trees. It has a distinctive white appearance and a long, flowing beard.

How to use medicinal mushrooms for anxiety, stress, and depression

Medicinal mushrooms can be taken in a variety of forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts.

If you are new to medicinal mushrooms, it is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as tolerated.
It is also important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

Here are some tips for using medicinal mushrooms for anxiety, stress, and depression:

Take medicinal mushrooms consistently for the best results.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase it as tolerated.

Take medicinal mushrooms with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

If you experience any side effects, stop taking medicinal mushrooms and talk to your doctor.

Conclusion

Turkey tail, cordyceps, reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms are promising natural alternatives for the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression.

There is a growing body of scientific research that supports the use of these mushrooms for these conditions.

If you are considering using medicinal mushrooms for anxiety, stress, or depression, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Comprehensive health

Our comprehensive health contains all 3 of the above mushrooms in 1.

Lion's mane

The cognitive capacity we bring to our everyday lives relies on the health of microscopic neural networks inside the brain. With the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties of Lion’s Mane, research suggests we can help promote neurological health and prevent degenerative brain disease.

Turkey tail

Your immune system is made up of two components: your innate immune system and your adaptive immune system. Turkey Tail stimulates the small, soluble proteins that travel between cells and help these systems communicate with each other, both boosting and modulating your immune function

CORDYCEPS

Our sense of feeling energetic is not as simple as “how much” energy we consume, but also how efficient our bodies are in utilizing that energy. Research suggests Cordyceps can enhance our ability to produce ATP, the body’s primary energy source.