People have been consuming mushrooms as food and medicine for centuries. There are 14,000 different types of mushrooms, with roughly 2,000 being safe for consumption. Among these edible mushrooms, around 270 contain properties that could improve human health or prevent illnesses.
Out of the 270 medicinal mushrooms, only six have been found to possess nootropic properties that can enhance brain function. In this article, you will learn about the nootropic value of those 6 mushrooms and their nootropic effects on the brain.
What is a Nootropic?
A nootropic (no-oh-trip-ik) is an individual who has shown cognitive improvement after taking a particular drug/supplement. It can be defined as the action of improving brain function and functioning.
Since nootropics are designed to improve brain function and performance, people generally call these “smart drugs .”When it comes to memory enhancement, focus and clarity, concentration boost, and even mood improvement, they are usually referred to as “smart drugs “. There are various mushroom nootropics, though only six are well documented.
What are Nootropics Mushrooms?
Nootropics mushrooms have been used as food, medicine, and magical enhancers since the 7th century. As people have started to study the effects of drugs on the brain, they have come across medicinal mushrooms, which are very effective in improving cognitive functions.
Here are the six most effective nootropic mushrooms:
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
This is the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. This compound has been proven to boost mood, relieve stress and anxiety, memory improvement and enhance general brain functions.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to have nootropic effects which can improve focus, attention span, concentration, and overall brain performance.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Technically it is not a mushroom but a canker growth on birch trees, and they are usually found inside the birch trunk. It is mainly found in Russia, Asia, and northern Europe. They are used in different forms like powder, extract, and tea.
Chaga is also known to help treat cancer, heart diseases, and other disorders by boosting memory, sharpening mental focus, and improving general brain functions.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey tail mushroom is scientifically known as Trametes versicolor. It is a very common and useful mushroom in Asian countries like China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan. It is also found in North America but not as common as the Asian countries.
It has nootropic effects that help to improve memory, boost focus and concentration, enhance cognitive function, and boost mood.
Huang-Lian (Lion’s mane) (Hericium Erinaceus)
Also known as Lion’s Mane or False Turkey Tail Mushrooms. They are mainly found in North America, Japan, and China. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, reduce depression and improve cognitive performance.
As a result, many people seek convenient ways to incorporate them into their daily routines. Some individuals opt to buy lion’s mane pill ,a convenient supplement to harness the potential advantages of this fascinating fungi.
Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum):
Red Reishi is a medicinal mushroom used mainly in Chinese medicine to increase energy levels and improve the functioning of the heart by protecting against diseases like hypertension.
It is also used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s, ADHD, and cancer because of its nootropic effects. It is one of the best mushroom nootropics which has been found to have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
White Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum):
White Reishi or Ling Zhi is a type of mushroom used in East Asian herbal medicine. It has been used as a medicinal mushroom for thousands of years to treat diseases like diabetes, depression, arthritis, and cancer. Recent research has proved that white reishi helps in memory enhancement and improved attention span and concentration.
Are mushroom nootropics good for the brain?
Yes, with better cognitive functions and brain activity, it not only prevents diseases but also improves memory and focus. The medicinal mushrooms effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Also, these nootropics can improve the cognition of healthy people by boosting their mood and positivity.
Studies have shown that medicinal mushrooms help improve attention span and enhance memory by increasing oxygen levels in the brain. These mushrooms are also helpful in treating different mental disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Conclusion:
Most nootropic mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine and in other Asian countries. They have been used for many centuries to treat various diseases and disorders. The medicinal mushrooms are very effective in improving overall brain health and functioning.
These mushrooms are also very effective in enhancing cognitive performance. The medicinal mushrooms can help treat serious mental disorders like depression and anxiety. They can also increase focus, attention span, and concentration.