You’ve heard the hype. You’ve seen the "mushroom coffee" ads on Instagram all across Australia. But looking at a shelf full of mushroom extracts in your local sups store, be that Brisbane to Sydney, can be overwhelming.
Should you take Cordyceps or Lion’s Mane before work? Is Reishi just for sleep, or does it help with stress too? And what on earth is Turkey Tail?
At Mushify, we believe in using the right tool for the job. While almost all medicinal mushrooms boost your immunity, they each have a unique "superpower."
For us, there's more to it though. In another blog, we will explain why we pair each mushroom with specific herbs for synergistic results.
This guide will break down the top 8 medicinal mushrooms, compare their benefits, and help you build the perfect routine for your specific goals.
1. The Brain Booster: Lion’s Mane
Best for: Students, professionals, and anyone with "brain fog."
If you feel like you’re constantly forgetting names or struggling to focus on a single task, Lion’s Mane is your go-to. Unlike caffeine, which just speeds you up, Lion’s Mane stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
-
The Benefit: It actually supports the health of your brain neurons.
-
The Feeling: A clear, calm focus without the jitters.
-
Pair it with: Your morning coffee.
We use Lion's mane with Rosemary in Brain Boost.
2. The Energy Charger: Cordyceps
Best for: Athletes, gym-goers, and tired parents.
Cordyceps is famous for being the "athlete's mushroom." It helps your body utilize oxygen more efficiently and increases the production of ATP (cellular energy).
-
Cordyceps vs. Lion’s Mane: Use Cordyceps for physical energy (running, lifting, chasing kids). Use Lion’s Mane for mental energy (coding, writing, studying).
-
The Benefit: Improved stamina and endurance.
-
Fun Fact: It’s also traditionally used to boost libido.
We use Cordyceps with Rhodiola rosea in Stamina Surge.
3. The Chill Pill: Reishi
Best for: Stressed executives, anxious minds, and poor sleepers.
Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Reishi is the ultimate distinct "evening" mushroom. It is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body regulate its response to stress (cortisol).
-
The Benefit: It calms the nervous system to prepare you for deep, restorative sleep.
-
The Taste: Reishi can be bitter (that’s the active triterpenes working!), which is why our Mushify Reishi extract is formulated to be easy to take.
We pair Reishi with Chaga and Green tea in Immune Pump.
4. The Immune Defenders: Turkey Tail vs. Chaga
Best for: Keeping the flu away and gut health.
Both of these are immune powerhouses, but they work differently.
-
Turkey Tail: This is the most researched mushroom for the immune system. It’s packed with prebiotic compounds (PSK and PSP) that feed the good bacteria in your gut. Think of Turkey Tail as your gut’s best friend.
-
Chaga: Known as the "King of Mushrooms," Chaga has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food on earth (higher than blueberries!). Think of Chaga as your daily shield against aging and inflammation.
We pair all of our mushrooms together 8-Mushroom Matrix.
5. The Beauty Secret: Tremella
Best for: Dry skin, wrinkles, and the "glow."
Move over, Hyaluronic Acid. Tremella (often called the Snow Fungus) can hold up to 500 times its weight in water.
-
Tremella vs. Shiitake: While Shiitake is great for skin repair (thanks to high zinc and copper), Tremella is the queen of hydration.
-
The Benefit: Plumper, more hydrated skin from the inside out.
We pair Tremella with Hyaluronic acid and Collagen in Skin Assist.
6. The Metabolic Helpers: Maitake & Shiitake
Best for: Weight management and heart health.
-
Maitake: Often called "Hen of the Woods," Maitake is excellent for balancing blood sugar levels and supporting healthy metabolism.
-
Shiitake: Famous in the kitchen, but as an extract, it’s a powerhouse for heart health and cholesterol support.
We pair all of our mushrooms together 8-Mushroom Matrix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I take all of these together?
A: Yes! This is called "stacking." Mushrooms work synergistically. A popular stack is Cordyceps + Lion's Mane in the morning for a "supercharged" start, and Reishi at night to wind down.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: While you might feel the energy from Cordyceps or the calm from Reishi within an hour, most medicinal mushrooms (especially Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane) work best when taken consistently over 2–4 weeks.
Q: Why liquid extract instead of powder?
A: Medicinal mushrooms have tough cell walls (chitin) that our bodies can't digest easily. Mushify uses a dual-extraction process to break down these walls, ensuring you actually absorb the beneficial beta-glucans. Many cheap powders are just ground-up mushrooms that pass right through you!
Our liquid extracts also stand out as being delicious, alcohol free, and ultra potent with a 30:1 dual extraction ratio. The highest on the market. That means more mushrooms per serve and more benefits for your dollar.
Ready to build your stack? Shop our full range of Australian dual-extract mushrooms
