Collection: Mushrooms

Mushrooms are magic–but no, not the psychedelic kind. Mushrooms have been used in ancient Chinese medicine as well as in Ayurvedic practices originating in India to cure ailments and to offer health benefits and nutrients that are more effective or accessible than any other food. 

These magical fungi are known as adaptogenic mushrooms and they can have health benefits such as improved brain function, energy, balance hormones and improve the immune system.

Our main brand of mushrooms comes from Mushrooms For Life who were originally founded in 2011 by renowned naturopath and author Martin Powell, with the aim of making the very best mushroom supplements more widely available and accessible. Speaking fluent Mandarin, Martin spent many years in China working with experienced local growers, to ensure Mushrooms For Life sourced the highest quality ingredients; a key focus of the brand which remains today. In 2017 Martin entrusted Mushrooms For Life to fellow practitioners and experienced mushroom educators Graham Botfield and Ben Shouler, who have continued his work to this day.

 Mushroom Contraindications

Although mushrooms are considered to be one of the safest forms of supplements there are some groups where caution is required: Children and those nursing, pregnant (or considering pregnancy), and on medication or under medical supervision should consult their healthcare practitioner before using mushroom supplements. Certain mushrooms have known specific contraindications:

Chaga: Anti-coagulants, anti-diabetic medication, and immunosuppressants.

Cordyceps, Anti-coagulants, anti-diabetic medication, and immunosuppressants. (Caution with hormone dependant cancers (prostate and breast) due to increased levels of oestrogen and testosterone).

Lion’s Mane: Anti-coagulants, anti-diabetic medication. (Caution with asthma and other

allergic conditions. Erinacine E is a potent agonist of the kappa opioid receptor with

potential hallucinogenic properties).

Maitake: Anti-coagulants, anti-diabetic medication, and blood pressure medication, or

those with low blood pressure.

Reishi (and reishi spore) : Anti-coagulants, anti-diabetic medication, blood pressure

medication, or those with low blood pressure, and immunosuppressants.

Shiitake: Immunosuppressants

Tremella: None reported, but caution with anti-coagulants as it has mild anti-coagulant

activity.

Turkey Tail: Anti-diabetic medication. Cyclophosphamide. Tamoxifen. (Caution with meds that are metabolised by CYP450 due to PSP affecting how liver breaks these down).