Are you curious about adding mushrooms to your wellness routine? With the rise of functional mushrooms in health food stores and psychedelic mushrooms online, many folks want to ensure a safe, wellness-boosting experience. So, how do you compare functional and psychedelic mushrooms? While both varieties have been shown to provide benefits, they offer different experiences.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.
What are Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are a class of fungi with a rich history of use dating back thousands of years. They have biologically active compounds, including polysaccharides, beta-glucans, antioxidants, and triterpenes that can bring balance back to the body. While they won’t make you feel “high,” these mushrooms have the potential to significantly improve stress resilience (1), immunity (2), cognitive function (3), and more.
They’ve long been treasured for their therapeutic value in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indigenous Medicine and other ancient healing systems. In recent years, functional mushrooms have become an increasingly popular component of scientific research and western medicine. These health-supportive fungi are typically steeped into strong teas, extracted into tinctures or powders, or eaten in the fruiting body phase of their life cycle.
What are Psychedelic Mushrooms?
Psychedelic mushrooms are known for their ability to alter perception. They contain psilocybin, a compound that – depending on the dose – can induce euphoria and even hallucinations. Studies show that psilosybin promotes neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to change and adapt to its experiences. It can increase the power of theta waves in the brain, supporting cognitive function and reducing symptoms of depression (4). Psychedelic mushrooms are commonly used in spiritual practices, therapeutic settings, or recreationally.
How to Get the Benefits of Functional Mushrooms
While you won’t be able to purchase psychedelic mushrooms at your local grocer or health food store, functional mushrooms are available in abundance. Click here for our guide to purchasing a high-quality functional mushroom supplement.
At Harmonic Arts, we balance time-honoured herbal tradition with modern science, working with the world’s top 5 functional mushrooms: chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail. Our mushroom line features 100% organic, fruiting body Mushroom Capsules, Powders, and Tinctures, designed to suit your wellness needs and lifestyle. Not sure where to start? Click here for some helpful tips on choosing the form of mushroom support that’s right for you.
