Mushrooms aren’t just for your dinner plate anymore—they’re becoming staples in holistic wellness routines around the world. From powders and capsules to teas and tinctures, functional mushrooms are showing up in a wide variety of products designed to support your mind, body, and energy levels.
Though they’re having a modern moment, mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional wellness practices across Asia, Europe, and Indigenous cultures. And now, modern science is catching up—confirming what many have long believed: mushrooms have serious health benefits.
Why Add Functional Mushrooms to Your Routine?
Many mushroom varieties are rich in beneficial compounds that may:
- Support immune health
- Deliver potent antioxidants to help reduce oxidative stress
- Offer anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties
- Provide important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, selenium, and plant-based vitamin D
- Support cognitive function and energy levels
- Ready to explore the world of functional mushrooms? Our New Leaf Wellness Team has curated a list of some of their favorite mushroom varieties—each with its own unique wellness benefits.
Top Functional Mushrooms to Know
Reishi – For Stress Support & Immune Balance
Known as the "mushroom of longevity," reishi may help support the nervous system, promote restful sleep, and balance the immune response. It contains compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and antioxidants that may also aid in liver function and blood sugar regulation.
Cordyceps – For Energy & Endurance
Used by endurance athletes for decades, cordyceps have been shown to help increase energy levels and oxygen uptake. Research suggests they also possess anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties—making them a favorite for performance and recovery.
Lion’s Mane – For Brain Health & Focus
Looking to support mental clarity or memory? Lion’s Mane has gained attention for its potential to stimulate nerve growth and protect brain health. Studies suggest it may support cognitive function and even help repair nerve damage.
Chaga – For Antioxidant Power
Chaga mushrooms are packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. Traditionally consumed as a tea, this dark, woody fungus contains betulinic acid and melanin, which may support immune health and combat oxidative stress.
Turkey Tail – For Gut & Immune Support
This colorful mushroom contains prebiotics that help nourish healthy gut bacteria, along with polysaccharopeptides (PSP) that have been studied for immune system modulation. It's a go-to for gut and immune support alike.
How to Use Functional Mushrooms
You don’t need to forage or cook to get the benefits. Functional mushroom products come in many forms, including:
- Powders to blend into coffee, tea, smoothies, or oatmeal
- Liquid extracts for fast absorption
- Capsules or gummies for convenience
- Whole culinary mushrooms like shiitake for meals
Visit your local New Leaf Community Markets to explore our curated selection of wellness-forward mushroom products—from superfood powders to ready-to-use tinctures and more. Whether you’re looking to support immunity, focus, energy, or just feel your best naturally, we’re here to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Wellness Starts Here
When we choose to care for our health, we create a ripple effect—benefiting our families, communities, and the planet. Functional mushrooms offer a natural, time-tested way to nourish your body and support a more balanced, vibrant life.
OUR WELLNESS EXPERTS’ FAVORITE MUSHROOMS
Reishi
Known as the queen of the mushroom world, reishi mushrooms have been shown to contain properties that may soothe and calm the nervous system. Rich in immune-modulating compounds called beta-glucans that help boost the immune system or dial it down as needed, reishi mushrooms have also been shown to have properties that may help prevent certain diseases, protect the liver, and help balance blood sugar.
Chaga
If reishi mushrooms are queen, then chaga mushrooms are king of the fungi. Like reishi, chaga mushrooms are believed to offer powerful immune-boosting and antioxidant properties. They’ve also been shown to contain betulin and betulinic acid, which studies show to be powerful disease-fighting compounds.
Lion’s Mane
If you’re looking for a brain boost, studies suggest that Lion’s Mane may support the nervous system and cognitive health. Lion’s Mane has also been shown to help stimulate memory and positively impact damaged nerves.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps have been shown to help reduce fatigue and boost energy levels and were used as a performance enhancing supplement by swimmers and runners in the 80s and 90s. They’ve been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.
Turkey Tail
Containing prebiotic properties when consumed as a food source, turkey tail has been shown to improve the balance of helpful bacteria in our gut, supporting our overall digestive health.
If you’ve been curious about trying out some of the most current and exciting mushroom-based health and wellness products available, our experts are here to make it as easy as possible for you to find just what you need!
Stop by one of our stores and explore! From mushroom powders and liquid extracts that go great in shakes, smoothies, or coffee to culinary mushrooms like shiitake and portobello, there are countless ways to enjoy their wonderful health promoting properties.
As we all take steps to improve our health and to live well, we inspire others and give them permission to do the same. Living Healthy improves our lives on a micro level and also helps us begin to contribute to the improvement of our environment, our communities, and our world in ways we can’t always imagine.