Sarah Brown
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can manifest as constant worry, overthinking, or a wired-but-tired feeling. While therapy, lifestyle changes, and medical support are often recommended for managing anxiety, some people are turning to alternative remedies such as mushrooms. Research suggests that certain types of mushrooms, known as functional or adaptogenic mushrooms, may help to alleviate anxiety by supporting the growth of new brain cells and regulating the nervous system. Additionally, mushrooms may contain compounds that interact with serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that play a key role in mood regulation. While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, some of the most commonly recommended mushrooms for anxiety include Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms with adaptogens | Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga |
| Therapeutic benefits | Regulate nervous system, improve mental clarity, enhance brain health, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress |
| How to consume | Fresh, dried, brewed into tea, capsule |
| Types of mushrooms | Magic mushrooms, Psilocybin |
| How they work | Bind with serotonin and dopamine, act as neurotransmitters, regulate mood and anxiety |
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What You'll Learn
Reishi mushrooms for anxiety
Reishi mushrooms, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been a staple in traditional Eastern medicine for thousands of years. They are also known as the "'Mushroom of Immortality'" and are believed to bring balance and restore harmony to the body.
Reishi mushrooms are non-edible and must be processed into tinctures or capsules to extract their medicinal properties. They contain a unique range of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, beta-glucans, sterols, and peptidoglycans. One specific group of triterpenoids, called ganoderic acids, is believed to be responsible for the mushroom's ability to act as a powerful adaptogen, helping the body manage stress and anxiety.
Research suggests that Reishi mushrooms may influence the hormonal pathways activated during stress, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By improving the function of the adrenal glands, Reishi can help calm the mind, ease anxiety, promote sleep, and increase resilience to stress over time. Additionally, Reishi mushrooms are neuroprotective, safeguarding brain cells from damage and potentially improving the brain's ability to manage anxiety.
While Reishi mushrooms have been recognised for their health benefits for over 2000 years, more research is needed to fully understand their effects. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Reishi mushrooms or any other supplements into your routine, especially if you are taking medication or have allergies.
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Lion's Mane for anxiety
Lions Mane for Anxiety
Lions Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom found most abundantly in East Asia. It has been used widely as a food and as an herbal medication in traditional Chinese medicine. It is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy or clinically apparent liver injury.
Lions Mane mushrooms contain chemicals that may promote the growth, survival, and function of both new and mature nerve cells in the brain and elsewhere. Animal studies suggest that these compounds, unlike some experimental treatments, are able to get from the bloodstream into the brain, crossing the so-called blood-brain barrier. For these reasons, there is growing interest in trying Lions Mane mushrooms for a long list of conditions, including anxiety.
A 2020 study of people with mild Alzheimer's disease found that supplementation with 1 gram of Lions Mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores compared to a placebo. The ability of Lions Mane mushrooms to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer's-related damage may explain some of its beneficial effects on brain health. However, it's important to note that most of the research has been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed.
In a small 2010 study, menopausal women who ate cookies containing Lions Mane mushrooms daily for one month reported reduced feelings of irritation and anxiety. Another small human study found that younger adults who took capsules of Lions Mane mushroom powder showed improved mental performance speed.
Lions Mane mushrooms can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried, or steeped as tea. Many people describe their flavor as "seafood-like," often comparing it to crab or lobster. Fresh Lions Mane mushrooms may have the greatest health benefits, according to some researchers.
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Cordyceps for anxiety
Cordyceps, specifically Cordyceps militaris (CM), is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in Asia to make tonics for treating several neurological disorders, including epilepsy and anxiety. It is also known as orange caterpillar fungus or Yong Chong Cao in Chinese.
CM has been used for hundreds of years and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. It is also thought to be beneficial for depression management. Studies have shown that CM can modulate neurotransmitters and reduce inflammation, which may help to alleviate anxiety.
In one study, male rats were orally administered with different doses of water extract of CM for 35 consecutive days. The levels of cerebral serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and metabolites in the frontal cortex of the rats were measured. The study found that CM reversed behavioural deficiency induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) exposure, including body weight loss, food intake, and sucrose preference.
Another study combined Poria cocos with Cordyceps militaris waster medium (CMWM) extract to investigate their anti-depressive and anti-anxiety effects via the regulation of inflammation pathways. The results showed that PC-CMWM exhibited anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects and could be used as a functional food to prevent depression and anxiety.
While research on the use of Cordyceps for anxiety is promising, it is important to note that most studies have been conducted on animals, and more human trials are needed to fully understand the effects. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements or medications.
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Chaga for anxiety
Chaga mushrooms, often considered among the best mushrooms for anxiety and depression, have demonstrated their potential in providing health benefits that extend beyond general wellness and into mental health and stress relief. Chaga contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It also contains compounds called betulinic acid and triterpenoids, which have been shown to have a positive impact on mood and mental health. These compounds are believed to affect neurotransmitter levels, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and anxiety.
Chaga is also a good source of B vitamins, which play a crucial role in brain function and mental health. For example, a lack of vitamin B6 has been linked to depression, while low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to anxiety. By providing the body with a good source of these vitamins, Chaga may help improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The antioxidants in Chaga combat oxidative stress in the body, which is associated with anxiety and depression. By lowering inflammation and regulating the body's stress response, Chaga mushrooms offer a natural approach to easing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Chaga mushrooms are most commonly consumed as a powder or extract due to their tough, woody texture. They can be mixed into tea, coffee, smoothies, soups, or homemade energy bars. Drinking Chaga tea daily, possibly replacing one of your regular caffeinated drinks, can offer a possible route to stress reduction. Chaga is also available in pill or capsule form, making it a simple addition to your morning or evening routine.
It is important to note that while Chaga has shown promising results for anxiety and depression, it is not a substitute for a balanced lifestyle or traditional treatment protocols for stress or anxiety disorders. Individual responses to Chaga may vary, and consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Microdosing with mushrooms for anxiety
Microdosing with mushrooms has gained popularity for its potential mental health benefits, including the treatment of anxiety. Microdosing involves taking small, regular doses of psychedelic substances that do not impair cognitive function.
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been the focus of research exploring the effects of mushrooms on anxiety. While experts have not reached a conclusion, research suggests that psilocybin may have long-lasting benefits in reducing anxiety and depression. This is due to its ability to act on the body's serotoninergic system and restore the balance of serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
A 2016 study found that a single dose of psilocybin improved mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression in people diagnosed with cancer. Furthermore, researchers found that these benefits continued for up to 80% of participants when followed up with after six months and even three years later.
Another study compared the effects of psychotherapy with and without psilocybin on individuals with moderate alcohol use disorder. The group that received psilocybin-assisted therapy experienced fewer heavy drinking days over 32 weeks, indicating that psilocybin may be beneficial in this context.
In addition to psilocybin, functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane are also being explored for their potential anxiolytic properties. Adaptogens found in these mushrooms are believed to support neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning, memory, and emotions.
While microdosing with mushrooms shows promising results, it is important to note that evidence is still limited and that adverse effects, such as increased anxiety, are possible. Furthermore, the classification of psilocybin as a drug of abuse has hindered research, and the unpredictable nature of experiences makes it crucial to consider safety precautions and work with trained facilitators when exploring this treatment option.
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Frequently asked questions
Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to have stress-reducing and calming effects.
Mushrooms are believed to contain adaptogens that act on the body's serotoninergic system, helping to restore the balance of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter and plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and anxiety.
Mushrooms can be eaten fresh, dried, brewed into tea, or taken as a capsule. It is important to consult a professional mycotherapy specialist for tailored advice and protocols.
Yes, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Typical responses to mushroom therapy include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. There are also psychological risks such as suicidal thoughts and self-injury.
Yes, in addition to mushroom therapy, other natural remedies for anxiety include exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises. Lifestyle changes, therapy, and medical support also play a role in managing anxiety.
