Understanding Adaptogens

No, not all mushrooms are adaptogens. There are only two mushrooms that meet the criteria by which adaptogens are classified. Those mushrooms are cordyceps and reishi.

There is controversy around this topic as modern science rediscovers these ancient healers. Before diving into these two special adaptogenic mushrooms let’s remember what classifies a plant or fungi as an adaptogen.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT AN ADAPTOGEN IS
An adaptogen contains biologically active compounds which help normalize all systems of the body in responding to stress. These mushrooms and herbaceous plants are therefore “adapting” and building resilience to stress.

In a more specific sense, plants and fungi that are accepted as adaptogens adhere to the original definition of:

• Being generally safe
• Non-toxic in normal therapeutic doses
• Producing non-specific states of resistance to stress
• Having a normalizing effect on physiology

This original definition has grown to include herbs and mushrooms that meet both the initial criteria and new additional criteria. The new criteria being that adaptogens regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system (SAS).

List of Primary Adaptogens including herbs & mushrooms:
Ashwagandha
Cordyceps
Holy Basil
Reishi
Rhodiola
Schisandra
Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)
Asian Ginseng
American Ginseng

List of Secondary Adaptogens:
Horny Goat Weed
Licorice
Maca
Turmeric