Mushroom Tinctures For Mood Support

Mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga are particularly powerful for supporting mood, gut health, and mental wellness through their unique compounds and prebiotic benefits.

Lion’s mane contains erinacines and hericenones, compounds known for stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF), which promotes the growth and repair of neurons and can help maintain a healthy blood-brain barrier (BBB). By supporting neural pathways, lion’s mane may assist in regulating mood and cognitive health, potentially easing symptoms of anxiety and depression.1 Additionally, as a prebiotic, lion’s mane encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, reinforcing the gut-brain axis and supporting overall emotional balance. 2

Reishi is rich in triterpenes, which have adaptogenic properties that can reduce stress and help stabilize mood 3. Triterpenes are thought to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation 4, which is crucial for supporting both brain and gut health 5. As a prebiotic, reishi’s polysaccharides promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which may, over time, support a healthy microbiome that contributes to better mood and reduced stress responses 6. Reishi’s long-term benefits on the gut may also positively influence neurotransmitter production, given that gut bacteria play a role in producing serotonin 7 and other mood-related compounds.

Chaga is known for its powerful antioxidant content, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress 8. Chaga’s beta-glucans support gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria 9, fostering a balanced microbiome that can help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health. Over time, these prebiotic benefits may support mental well-being by maintaining a healthy gut, which in turn influences brain health. The gut-brain axis is critical in regulating emotional balance, so chaga’s impact on the gut may also contribute to reduced stress and anxiety over prolonged use 10.

Collectively, lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga can promote both mental wellness and gut health, demonstrating the potential for mushrooms to positively impact mood and cognition through the brain-gut connection. However, it’s important to remember that while promising, these effects have not been FDA-approved to diagnose or treat mood disorders or gut conditions, and consulting a healthcare provider is advised before beginning any supplement regimen.

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10813749/ 

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9182879/

4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3153165/ 

5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5058752/ 

6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35980144/ 

7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92913-6 

8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630179/ 

9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10198134/ 

10. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection