Vital Mushrooms explained
Vital mushrooms are certain species of fungi that are considered to have unique characteristics and multiple potential benefits for our well-being.
Sold mostly in the form of a mushroom extract powder, vital mushroom supplements are meant for daily use and usually consist of a mix of different such mushrooms. The six most commonly used vital mushrooms are:
- Reishi Mushroom
- Lion's Mane Mushroom
- Chaga Mushroom
- Cordyceps Mushroom
- Maitake Mushroom
- Shiitake Mushroom
The vital mushrooms extract powder can be put directly into smoothies, coffee, or even porridge.
Interestingly, while much research on mushrooms is still lacking, some early studies point out that the historical use of these mushrooms might actually hold some merit.
CBD & Vital Mushrooms
Even though humans have used hemp (which contains CBD) and vital mushrooms for centuries, we do not know much about combining the two together.
Considering that many of the potential benefits of CBD and vital mushrooms overlap, combining the two might make sense.
There is no evidence that would advise healthy people against using the two together. The amount of anecdotal evidence of people who have used both and enjoyed the results is ever-growing.
We advise against pregnant and breastfeeding women from using both CBD and vital mushrooms, whether it’s separately or together.
A consultation with your doctor should also preempt the use of any of these ingredients if you have any medical conditions - especially those related to blood pressure and various blood conditions.
History of Vital Mushrooms
Vital mushrooms have been used by our ancestors for centuries all over the world.
No matter the continent, the purpose was usually more than just a culinary delight. In Asia, fungi are still an essential ingredient in many traditional recipes.
Various mushrooms have also been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support health and speed up recovery. Vital mushrooms have been used to restore vigour, help support the immune system, fight off infections, reduce stress and help with anxiety and sleeping issues. In Europe, fungi have also been used throughout history for similar purposes.
Vital mushrooms were also used to sharpen the mind and increase endurance. Some historians point out that certain rare fungi were widely used by emperors and rulers to help them remain strong and clear-headed.
Good to know about Vital Mushrooms
To achieve the best quality product, vital mushrooms should be grown on healthy soil - just like hemp used for CBD extractions. Additionally, vital mushroom products, similarly to CBD products, should be tested by an independent lab before they are sold to consumers. This is essential, as vital mushrooms grown on polluted soil, or processed in an unsafe way, can contain various heavy metals and pollutants which can be potentially dangerous to human health.
Last but not least, not everyone should be using vital mushrooms. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding women are discouraged from the use of vital mushrooms as there is not enough research to understand how they can impact a baby's development. Additionally, people with low blood pressure should stay away from reishi mushrooms, which have been shown to have the potential to decrease blood pressure.
