Mushrooms have been part of Eastern medicine for thousands of years. They boost immunity, support gut health, fight fatigue and help calm the mind. They also contain antioxidants, including polyphenols, which protect from heart disease, allergies, high blood pressure and cancer.

While it’s true that some mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, many claims have only been backed up by lab or animal studies. For example, the mushroom known as Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines that help stimulate Nerve Growth Factor in your brain. Research shows it may help support healthy memory and cognitive function.*URL https://minimalistfocus.com/10-best-psilocybin-strains-that-make-the-world-a-better-place/

Other medicinal mushrooms include chaga, cordyceps and reishi. Reishi has been written about in herbal texts for 2000 years, and was praised by ancient Chinese Taoist monks to promote tranquility and enhance meditation.*

The Shroom Spectrum: Finding Your Ideal Psychedelic Companion

Of course, there are also psychedelic mushrooms such as the psilocybin fungus (Psilocybe amanitina) that can cause hallucinations and euphoria when eaten in large enough doses. It’s important for parents to talk to their children about the risks of taking psychedelic mushrooms and to be supportive if they choose to experiment with them in a safe and responsible way. *Note that some mushroom supplements sold in North America are mostly mycelium and rice starch, not actual mushrooms.