Best Functional Mushrooms for Energy, Focus, Sleep & More – Based on Your Lifestyle

Confused about Functional Mushrooms? You’re not alone.

If you’ve recently started exploring the world of natural wellness, you’ve likely come across functional mushrooms. They’re everywhere: in coffee, in supplements, even in skincare. But what are they really? And more importantly, how do you know which mushroom extract to choose for your specific needs? Being confused about which mushrooms to choose and how to use them is natural if you’re a beginner!

From boosting energy and sharpening focus to supporting sleep and immunity, functional mushrooms offer targeted benefits for your unique needs. 

This blog is designed to help you cut through the noise. We’ll walk you through the best functional mushrooms for your specific lifestyle needs—whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or someone simply looking to boost their immunity. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly what to look for and how to integrate these powerful fungi into your daily wellness routine.

Fig 1: Functional mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes (image)

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

When we think of mushrooms, most of us immediately think of an umbrella-shaped edible fungus such as the button mushroom or the toadstool from Mario Bros. Like them or hate them, these mushrooms have been a part of human culinary traditions for centuries. But did you know that there is another kind of mushroom? One with even more power in every mouthful.

Functional mushrooms are those fungi that, when consumed, have a beneficial effect on one’s physiology. Unlike culinary mushrooms like portobello or button mushrooms, functional mushrooms help your body adapt to stress, regulate bodily functions, and restore balance. From boosting athletic performance to cognitive benefits and immune system support, there’s a mushroom out there for everyone.

Why Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds like polysaccharides (Eg: beta-glucans), terpenoids, antioxidants, and other nutrients that offer a wide range of benefits, from enhancing cognition to supporting the immune system.

Due to their popularity in Eastern medical traditions, many of these mushrooms are being tested in clinical trials for a variety of diseases. By combining this ancient knowledge with modern processing techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and low-temperature vacuum evaporation, we at Nuvedo are striving to make these benefits accessible to you.

The question remains. Which mushroom extracts to use and how? Let’s explore the best functional mushrooms and how to choose them based on your wellness goals.

Mushroom Recommendations by Lifestyle Need

Fig 2: Nuvedo Cordyceps mushroom liquid extract

1. For Energy & Stamina → Cordyceps

If you’re looking for a natural, sustainable energy boost, Cordyceps is the functional mushroom for you. 

Cordyceps is a favorite among athletes and high performers for a reason. This powerful mushroom contains cordycepin, a potent bioactive molecule which is known to improve aerobic capacity, oxygen utilization, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production—your body’s primary energy currency. Whether you’re hitting the gym or need a boost for a busy workday, Cordyceps can give you the energy you need without the crash that comes with caffeine or sugar.

How Cordyceps Works:

• Increases oxygen uptake and lung capacity
• Enhances mitochondrial function
• Supports endurance and physical stamina

Who It’s For:

• Runners, cyclists, gym-goers and athletes
• People with physically demanding jobs
• Anyone needing sustained energy throughout the day
• Individuals who want to boost their respiratory function 

How to Use It:

• Cordyceps powder or liquid extract in your pre-workout smoothie
• Add to your morning coffee for a natural energy kick
• Capsules for on-the-go performance support

Pair It With:

• Lion’s Mane for mental clarity during workouts

Fig 3: Nuvedo Lion’s mane mushroom liquid extract

2. For Focus & Mental Clarity → Lion’s Mane

When it comes to boosting cognitive function, Lion’s Mane is the go-to mushroom. 

This powerful nootropic is known for enhancing memory, focus, and overall brain health. Lion’s Mane contains terpenes like hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF, which supports brain health and helps improve focus and clarity.

If you struggle with brain fog or want to stay sharp and focused, Lion’s Mane is your brain’s best friend. 

How Lion’s Mane Works:

• Promotes neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) in the hippocampus
• Supports cognitive function and memory
• Helps prevent age-related cognitive decline

Who It’s For:

• Students and professionals
• Entrepreneurs and creatives
• Anyone dealing with mental fatigue
• Elderly people experiencing cognitive decline

How to Use It:

• Add Lion’s Mane liquid extract to your morning coffee or tea
• Mix lion’s mane mushroom powder or liquid extract into smoothies or oatmeal
• Take as a tincture or capsule during the day

Stack It With:

• Cordyceps for all-day mental and physical energy

Fig 4: Nuvedo Reishi mushroom liquid extract

3. For Sleep & Stress → Reishi

For a restful night’s sleep and a calmer mind, Reishi is the ultimate choice. 

Often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi is a powerful adaptogen that supports and promotes relaxation and better sleep. Triterpenes such as ganoderic acids in Reishi act on the central nervous system to reduce inflammation and promote a sense of calmness. Reishi also contains beta-glucans, which support the immune system. The combination of terpenes and beta-glucans makes it a great mushroom to take before bed to promote both relaxation and overall well-being.

How Reishi Works:

• Reduces cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone)
• Promotes deep, restful sleep
• Supports emotional balance and mood regulation
• Induces immune system alertness for better immune function

Who It’s For:

• High-stress professionals
• Individuals who have trouble falling asleep
• Anyone feeling overwhelmed or anxious
• People of all ages looking to boost their immunity

How to Use It:

• Evening tea with Reishi liquid extract or extract powder
• Capsules or tinctures an hour before bedtime

Best Stack:

• Lion’s Mane (morning) + Reishi (night) for all-day balance

Fig 5: Turkey tail mushrooms are a powerhouse full of antioxidants and polysaccharides which keep your immune system active and in tune. We’re working hard to get these to you soon! (image)

4. For Immunity & Gut Health → Turkey Tail

If immunity and gut health are your main focus, Turkey Tail is the mushroom for you. 

Rich in prebiotics, Turkey Tail is a potent immune-boosting mushroom that also supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This mushroom has been researched extensively for its ability to support the body’s natural defenses and is ideal for anyone looking to boost their immunity and improve digestion.

Turkey Tail is loaded with beta-glucans that help regulate immune response and feed healthy gut bacteria. It’s one of the most extensively studied mushrooms, especially in the realm of immunotherapy.

How Turkey Tail Works:

• Strengthens immune cell activity
• Acts as a prebiotic to support gut flora
• Fights off pathogens and viruses

Who It’s For:

• People recovering from illness
• Those with autoimmune conditions (consult your doctor)
• Anyone looking to strengthen immunity

How to Use It:

• Mix the extract powder into smoothies or protein shakes
• Add to soups, broths, or bone broth
• Capsules for convenient immune support

Great Combo:

• Turkey Tail + Reishi for complete immune and stress support

 

Fig 6: Nuvedo Shiitake mushroom liquid extract

​​5. For Immunity & Heart Health → Shiitake

 

Shiitake might be better known as a gourmet culinary mushroom, but it’s also a functional powerhouse. Rich in lentinan, eritadenine, and beta-glucans, Shiitake mushrooms help support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular health. 

They’ve long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and are now being studied for their potential cholesterol-lowering and anti-tumor effects.

Shiitake is a great daily supplement for those seeking gentle, long-term wellness support. Unlike more stimulating mushrooms like Cordyceps, Shiitake works steadily to support your body’s natural defenses and metabolism.

How Shiitake Works:

• Stimulates immune cells like macrophages and NK cells via lentinan
• May help lower LDL cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure
• Rich in antioxidants and essential B-vitamins
• Supports liver health and detoxification pathways

Who It’s For:

• People looking for daily immune support
• Individuals with elevated cholesterol or cardiovascular risk
• Anyone wanting a mushroom with both culinary and health benefits
• People seeking gentle detox and liver support

How to Use It:

• Powdered extract added to broths, soups, or stir-fries
• Capsules or tinctures for standardized dosing
• Fresh or dried in your cooking—just as beneficial!

Great Combo:

• Shiitake + Turkey Tail for full-spectrum immune and gut health support
• Shiitake + Reishi for immune, heart, and stress resilience

 

Fig 7: Nuvedo Lion’s mane and Cordyceps mushroom extracts provide a potent combination for cognitive function and athletic performance

6. For Athletic Performance → Cordyceps + Lion’s Mane Combo

For athletes, combining Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane is the ultimate power move. You get the endurance and stamina from Cordyceps and the mental focus and coordination from Lion’s Mane.

Why This Combo Works:

• Boosts both mental and physical performance
• Enhances focus during training and competitions
• Speeds up recovery and supports energy metabolism

How to Use:

• Pre-workout drink: blend both extracts with a pre-workout of choice or a scoop of protein
• Capsules 30 minutes before training
• Pre-workout Coffee mix with cordyceps and lion’s mane liquid extracts

Bonus Tip:

• Add Chaga for antioxidant support and recovery post-exercise

How to Stack Functional Mushrooms by Goal

Fig 8: Cordyceps and Lion’s mane early in the morning can help prime the body for an early morning run or a meditation practice (image)

Morning Stack (Energy + Focus): 

For the whole day, alertness and performance cordyceps and lion’s mane together provide a balance of physical energy with mental focus and clarity. 

• Cordyceps + Lion’s Mane
• Add to coffee or smoothie for a powerful start

Fig 9: Rather than an afternoon nap, a combination of turkey tail and Reishi in the afternoon can help relieve stress and prepare the body and mind to race through the rest of the day (image)

Afternoon Stack (Stress + Immunity):

Want to relieve the stress of the morning and reset for the second half of the day? A mix of Turkey tail and reishi can calm the nerves and prime you to perform undeterred for the rest of the day.

• Turkey Tail + Reishi
• Supports mood and immune function during the day

Fig 10: Ending the day with a warm drink enriched with Reishi and Cordyceps or Turkey Tail mushroom extract can promote restful sleep (image)

Evening Stack (Relaxation + Recovery):

At the end of a busy day, winding down and preparing for a night of restful sleep can work wonders for the body and mind. A mixture of Reishi and Turkey tail can reduce cortisol levels, allowing the nervous system to enter a realm of calmness. Cordyceps mushrooms have also been shown to promote restful sleep and can be paired with Reishi and Turkey Tail for best results.

• Reishi alone or in combination with Turkey Tail or Cordyceps
• Add to a white tea or take as a tincture before bed

 

Fig 11: Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane pair well with smoothies (image)

How to Incorporate Mushroom Extracts into Your Daily Routine

To make the most out of mushroom supplements, consistency is key. Here are a few easy ways to add functional mushroom extracts into your daily routine:

• Morning Smoothie: Add mushroom liquid extracts to a smoothie or protein shake. Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps pair well with fruity or chocolate flavours.
• Coffee or Tea: Mushroom extracts blend seamlessly into your morning coffee or tea. Mix Cordyceps or Lion’s Mane liquid extracts or extract powders into your coffee for an energizing start, or add Reishi extract to your evening tea for a relaxing wind-down.
• Capsules or Powder: For convenience, consider mushroom capsules or powdered extracts that you can easily add to a beverage or consume directly at specific times of the day.

 

Pro Tip: Pair with healthy fats (coconut oil, MCTs) for better absorption, especially with Lion’s Mane and Reishi.

Fig 12: Pairing coffee with mushroom extracts is an excellent way to get that caffeine kick without experiencing a crash (image)

How to Use Mushroom Extracts Effectively

Choose Quality Extracts

Not all mushroom supplements are created equal. Many companies may use deceptive marketing tactics and misinformation to promote ineffective products. When opting for a mushroom extract, look for:

• • Dual extracts (both water and alcohol-extracted)
  • Fruiting body only (no mycelium on grain)
  • Standardized beta-glucan or terpene content with test reports

• Ask for safety testing reports, such as for microbial contamination or heavy metal contamination

Check out our blog post on quality control in mushroom extracts to learn more!

 

Fig 13: Mushroom extract powders are an easy and effective way to add functional benefits to your beverage or food at any time of the day. Try them in the form of capsules for easy dosing

 

Start Small and Build

Begin with small doses (e.g., 200mg) and monitor how you feel. Gradually increase the dose based on your body’s response.

Need Energy? → Cordyceps
Need Focus? → Lion’s Mane
Need Sleep? → Reishi
Need Immune Support? → Turkey Tail and Reishi
Want It All? → Stack Smartly

Conclusion: Find Your Mushroom, Fuel Your Life

The world of functional mushrooms doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you need mushrooms for energy, mushrooms for focus, mushrooms for sleep, or mushrooms for stress relief, there’s a targeted solution waiting for you.

Remember, the key is choosing the right mushroom for your lifestyle and using it consistently. From Cordyceps for energy and Lion’s Mane for focus, to Reishi for sleep and Turkey Tail for immunity, functional mushrooms are nature’s answer to modern wellness.

Quality and consistency are key. Mushrooms are not like drugs, which are designed to have a strong and immediate response. Medicinal mushrooms work with the body’s systems to coax them into a healthy and balanced state.

Ready to experience the benefits? Explore our curated selection of premium mushroom extracts designed for your unique wellness journey.

Fig 14: Nuvedo’s range of premium mushroom extracts are designed to deliver functional benefits in a versatile and easy to use manner. Pair them with a beverage or meal of your choice and feel the power of mushrooms in every mouthful (Check them out here!)

FAQs about Functional Mushrooms

Q: Can I take multiple mushrooms at once?
A: Yes! Many mushrooms complement each other. Stacking allows you to target multiple health goals at once.

Q: How long until I see results?
A: Some effects (like energy from Cordyceps) are immediate. Others, like cognitive improvements or immune support, build over weeks with consistent use.

Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Functional mushrooms are generally safe, but always check with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medications.