Many people know that CBD cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to offer pain relief, stress reduction, and other health benefits. Mushrooms have also been shown to benefit the body by balancing and boosting the immune system.
Combine the two, and you can get a product that is easy to use and delivers powerful effects. Products combining mushrooms and CBD can be found in teas, capsules, tinctures, and other forms.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Mushrooms, including reishi, turkey tail, maitake, and lion’s mane, have long been used for their adaptogenic properties. They are a rich source of protein, vitamins, healthy carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, and beta-glucans.
These mushrooms help the body respond to stressors by balancing physiological processes. They also improve mental health disorder symptoms and boost cognitive function. They’re also a great way to get more sleep and enhance your physical performance thanks to their ability to increase oxygen utilization.
The FDA is beginning to regulate supplements more closely, but these mushrooms are still unregulated in most areas. For this reason, you should always consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your daily routine. In addition, you should know that some of these mushrooms can reduce blood pressure levels and may interact with medication that does the same. This is particularly true for lion’s mane, which appears to reduce platelet density and could slow down blood clotting.
Psychedelic Mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms contain the hallucinogen psilocybin, which is used for spiritual purposes by some cultures. When ingested, it can change perception, mood, and cognition. Psychedelic mushrooms can also induce flashbacks of previous experiences, so it is important to use them responsibly and with supervision.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms can be taken fresh or dried. They can be eaten or prepared in other ways, such as mixing them into food or brewing them in a tea. They typically take up to an hour to begin working, and the effects last up to six hours.
Unlike CBD, psilocybin doesn’t interact with the endocannabinoid system, but instead targets serotonin receptors. However, it is important to talk with a medical professional before combining mushrooms with any other substances or medications. They can assess your situation and provide personalized guidance. Some products that contain psychedelic mushrooms and CBD also include other ingredients to provide additional health benefits, such as lion’s mane for immune system support or melatonin for sleep.
Premade Products
Many companies are starting to offer premade products that combine CBD and functional mushrooms. For example, FourFive (the brand that formerly made cannabis-based supplements for rugby star Dom Day) has recently launched three mushroom capsules for daytime energy, bedtime relaxation and holistic health. Each blend contains lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga mushrooms that have been shown to have beneficial effects. The lion’s mane mushrooms appear to have neuroprotective properties, while the cordyceps and chaga have antioxidant and immune system strengthening powers.
The chaga mushroom may also have anti-inflammatory effects. The CBD in these supplements interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to encourage balance, which can help ease pain sensations, boost mood, improve digestion and sleep quality, and promote general wellness. These products are available in oils, tinctures, capsules and powders. However, since chaga and functional mushrooms can sometimes interact negatively with certain prescription medications, it’s always best to consult a doctor before consuming them.
Convenience
Unlike the psychoactive THC found in cannabis, CBD doesn’t cause any altered state of mind or psychedelic experiences. Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to encourage balance and homeostasis in the body.
ECS is responsible for controlling bodily functions like pain, inflammation, mood, appetite, and sleep. CBD can help optimize these functions by relieving pain, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, and promoting better quality sleep.
Functional mushrooms, on the other hand, are immune boosting superfoods that contain beta-glucans to stimulate the production of new immune cells and improve existing ones. They’re also known for their ability to regulate blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress.
Many people are choosing to combine CBD and mushrooms for the convenience of having both in one product. Premade products are an easy way to get started with this combination. However, for connoisseurs, it’s best to ingest the two separately so that they can find their sweet spot dosage.
