Functional Mushrooms 101
What are Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps have been used for centuries to support focus, calm, energy, and overall well-being. This guide introduces you to the top mushrooms and how to work them into your daily rituals.
Popular Functional Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane
What is Lion's Mane? Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a functional mushroom traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese herbal systems for centuries. It’s easily recognized by its cascading, white tendrils that resemble a lion’s mane, and has been consumed both as food and as a tonic for its perceived support of the mind and spirit.
In traditional wellness practices, Lion’s Mane was used to nourish the “Shen” — a Taoist concept referring to clarity and spirit. Today, it’s widely appreciated by those seeking to support focus, concentration, and overall cognitive wellness as part of a balanced lifestyle.
How is Lion's Mane used?: Lion’s Mane is often enjoyed as a powder blended into warm drinks like coffee, tea, or tonics. Sun Potion Lion’s Mane is steam-activated and carefully prepared to maintain its bioactive integrity.
Reishi
What is Reishi? Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a glossy, red-brown mushroom known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Chinese medicine. It has been revered for over 2,000 years in East Asian traditions for its grounding, restorative properties.
In Taoist philosophy, Reishi was associated with calm, longevity, and spiritual insight. Today, it's often included in wellness practices for those seeking to support relaxation and overall balance.
How is Reishi used? Typically taken in the evening, blended into warm teas or calming tonics.
Cordyceps
What is Cordyceps? Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a bright orange, caterpillar-shaped mushroom historically used in Tibetan and Chinese herbalism to support physical vitality. It gained prominence among mountain communities and athletes for its traditional use in sustaining stamina.
In ancient practice, Cordyceps was valued for replenishing "Qi" — the body's vital energy. Today, it’s used by those looking to enhance performance and daily energy as part of their functional routine.
How is Cordyceps used? Ideal in the morning or pre-activity. Pairs well with coffee, cacao, or green tea.
Chaga
What is Chaga? Called the “King of Mushrooms,” Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a black, charcoal-like mushroom that grows on birch trees in cold northern forests. It has been used for centuries in Siberian, Russian, and Nordic folk medicine for its immune-supporting properties.
Chaga was traditionally steeped into long-simmered teas for vitality during harsh winters. Rich in naturally occurring antioxidants, it’s still embraced today for daily immune balance and overall well-being.
How to use Chaga? We recommend simmering Chaga at a low temperature for 6-8 hours. Once the time is reached, strain and enjoy as a tea, hot or cool.
For those on-the-go, Add ½ - 1 teaspoon of Chaga powder to warm water, tea, coffee, broths, or smoothies. Consume in small, regular doses as part of a balanced lifestyle. If pregnant, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Chaga contains both water and alcohol soluble compounds and at Sun Potion we follow the classic way of consuming Chaga through a slow-cooked tea.
Agaricus Blazei
What is Agaricus Blazei? Agaricus Blazei (Agaricus subrufescens) is a rare, sweet-tasting mushroom historically cultivated in Brazil and Japan. Sometimes referred to as “Himematsutake,” it was revered for its role in supporting vitality and resilience.
This mushroom gained modern attention in the 20th century for its polysaccharide-rich profile and continued use in Japanese wellness culture. It is appreciated today for its traditional use in promoting immune harmony.
How is Agaricus Blazei used? Easily blended into broths, teas, or herbal tonics. Its subtly sweet flavor makes it ideal for mixing with cacao or nut milk.
How to Use Them Daily
- Add a scoop to your coffee or tea
- Blend into smoothies or matcha
- Stir into warm nut milk with honey
- Pair with tonic herbs like Ashwagandha or He Shou Wu
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