Medicinal Mushrooms for Back to School

As summer begins to wind down, the back-to-school season is right around the corner. Students, educators, and parents alike are all gearing up for the highs and lows of a new school year. And while shopping for school supplies, groceries (and the clothes they seem to outgrow by the hour) takes center stage, it is important not to let your wellness fall by the wayside.

For as much as back-to-school season is associated with changing leaves, red apples, and other signs of the season, it is just as notorious for stress, fatigue, and run-down immune systems. But one natural alternative, medicinal mushrooms, are now gaining mainstream recognition for their ability to support these very areas. Let’s learn more about them, this is one biology lesson you won’t want to miss!

What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

This subset of the fungal kingdom are known primarily for their exceptional health qualities. Unlike culinary mushrooms, primarily cultivated for their flavor in cooking, medicinal mushrooms have been prized for use in traditional medicines. Especially in Asia, medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years. And today, modern science has and continues to validate their benefits, including groundbreaking mental health benefits.

Some of these medicinal mushrooms include Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Turkey Tail. Each has their own unique benefits, only some of which we have room here to discuss. You’ll see how each can be a valuable addition to your routine during the school year, and all year round.

Cognitive Function and Focus

For both kids and adults, maintaining focus and supporting cognitive function during the school year is a must. Cognitive function refers to things like memory, concentration, making connections, and other processes of an active mind.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a noteworthy choice for supporting these cognitive functions—and may do even more. Recent research suggests that Lion’s Mane can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that builds, repairs, and maintains neural pathways. This supports the anecdotal accounts of many Lion’s Mane users, who report feelings of focus, clarity, and a generally improved mental state. Whether you’re in the classroom or not, Lion’s Mane can help give you the mental edge you’ve been looking for.

Immune System Support

With so many students in close quarters, illnesses are less of an “if” than a “when” during the school year. Being exposed to so many attacks, all of our immune systems face increased pressure as classes begin. But once again, medicinal mushrooms may play a role in strengthening your body’s defenses.

Reishi and Turkey Tail are two medicinal mushrooms that are well-known for their ability to support and strengthen the immune system response. Reishi mushroom extract has been shown to increase the production and activity of white bloods, which are critical for fighting off infection or outside attacks. And Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) contains many beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, which can help to modulate the immune system, improving its ability to respond to threats. Including these mushrooms in your routine can help you maintain your healthy, active lifestyle as the seasons change and throughout the school year and beyond.

Stress Reduction

The transition from the more carefree days of summer to the school year can be stressful. And yes, students, teachers, and parents are all affected. Managing stress is important for well-being, academic success, metabolism, and so much more.

Reishi is well-known as an adaptogen—a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress, and return to a restored state of balance. Reishi is a particularly good partner for stress relief because it supports a sense of calm, improves sleep quality, and reduces feelings of anxiety.

Energy and Stamina

Balancing all that the school year throws our way requires more energy and stamina than many of us can find. With our lifestyles becoming busier and more hectic by the day, many of us are searching for natural sources of energy, without the drawbacks of caffeine or other stimulants.

One medicinal mushroom called cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), is a powerful mushroom, shown to increase energy levels, and support physical performance. Cordyceps seems to improve your body’s efficient use of oxygen, and boosts the production of ATP (adenosinetriphosphate), an essential ingredient of cellula0r energy. Together, this is a recipe for both students and adults to stay energized throughout the day, without a mid-afternoon slump.

Ways to Add Medicinal Mushrooms to Your School Year Routine

Deep Brain Health

A blend of six medicinal mushrooms including Lion’s Mane, Deep Brain Health is an easy way to give your brain a daily boost in cognitive function.

Lion’s Mane Capsules/Powder

An easy add to any supplement routine, you’re sure to notice the difference within just days or weeks. Best taken in the morning or mid-afternoon, Lion’s Mane extract can be a real game-changer for focusing throughout the day and homework-filled evenings.

Deep Immune Health

This blend is packed with Reishi, Turkey Tail, and five other medicinal mushrooms to keep your immune system strongfrom the first day of school until summer break.

Sleep Health

Relieve stress and support a restful night’s sleep with Tremella, Reishi, and Zhu Ling mushroom extracts.

Real Energy

Skip the crash of energy drinks, and experience real, natural energy from mushrooms! This blend of five medicinal mushrooms, including Cordyceps, support blood flow, energy, and endurance.

Mycolytes (TM)

Our latest and hottest-selling creation, Mycolytes (TM) are the first ever hydration tablet powered with medicinal mushrooms. Mix them into your water bottle, and sip on naturally hydrating electrolytes, while supporting your energy and focus levels all day long with a refreshing mango twist.

Conclusion

As you prepare for back-to-school season, remember to care for your family’s wellness. Medicinal mushroom extracts provide a range of potential health benefits for both the students and adults in your life. And don’t choose just any mushroom powder—WholeSun Wellness uses only pure fruiting body extracts, which are USDA Certified Organic.