5 Best Mushrooms for Depression: Science-Backed Benefits You Need to Know
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses to date, with an estimated 280 million people worldwide suffering from this debilitating disorder.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a solution that is non-invasive and practical. However, new research has shown there are holistic options for helping with depressive symptoms, including various medicinal mushrooms.
In this article, we'll dive deep into the five best mushrooms for depression that could give you that energy boost and sustained mental clarity you need to improve your daily life!
These mushrooms for depression are constantly being studied and discovered. We’ve brought you the results so you have the evidence you need to start a new nootropics routine for your depression.
5. Royal Sun Mushroom (Agaricus blazei)
Royal Sun Mushroom is known by many other nominers, including mushroom of the gods, sun mushroom, and various scientific names including Agaricus blazei Murrill and A. brasiliensis.
No matter how you spell it out, this brazilian mushroom continues to be studied for its purported medicinal benefits. Compounds of this mushroom that can help improve health have now been identified include:
- Polysaccharides that have anticancer and antiviral benefits
- Aqueous extracts that protect the liver
- Polysaccharides that help boost immunity
- B-glucans for antidiabetic effects
Amazingly, Royal Sun Mushroom’s effects don’t just stop at physical benefits. As recently as 2022, studies in animals showed that this mushroom had a positive impact on levels of depression and stress in mice.
Yet other studies show that Royal Sun Mushroom also has a positive impact on anxiety in animal studies. Both anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand, with chronic stress leading to higher rates of depression.
Royal Sun Mushroom can be readily found in supplements like Zen Bites Mushroom Gummies, where its extracts have been combined with other powerful nootropics. Blends of this mushroom along with capsules and supplements are also available online or at health stores.
I personally like combining the effects of Royal Sun with other nootropics. But, its potential health benefits can also be felt when using it as a coffee substitute, through fermented powders, and more.
4. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, has been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality".
It is a large, woody fungus with a glossy reddish-brown cap and white pores on the underside. This mushroom grows naturally on decaying logs and tree stumps in Asia but can now be found cultivated worldwide including Europe. For over 2,000 years, ancient Japanese and Chinese people have associated this mushroom with royalty and wisdom.
Today, research shows that its compounds, including beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes, are linked to several key benefits such as:
- Immunomodulatory effects
- Anti-inflammatory
- Kidney protection
- Fighting UTIs
- Anti-diabetic effects
Reishi does much more than have these positive impacts. In fact, recent studies on cancer patients showed that taking Reishi significantly improved symptoms of depression, nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and drowsiness in cancer patients.
An even more recent 2022 study found that Rutin and quercetin extracts in reishi were possibly responsible for having anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects in rats.
As research on Reishi continues to grow, many exciting potential benefits are being uncovered. Some of these include:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Anti-cancer properties
- Antioxidant effects
- Liver protection
- Allergy relief
While fresh reishi can be difficult to find, dried reishi is widely available and can be easily brewed into a tea or added to soups and other dishes. However, it's important to note that studies have also shown reishi may interact with certain medications, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine.
I personally am a fan of smaller extracts of reishi, like those in Zen Bites that have a 10:1 ratio reishi extracts with other nootropics. Starting off small with a well-formulated supplement is key for introducing any new adaptogen to your routine.
3. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Trametes versicolor, or Turkey Tail mushroom, is arguably one of the most striking mushrooms on this list. Its gorgeous array of fanned out mushroom fruiting bodies creates an almost turkey-tail like appearance (hence the name).
More than a sight to behold, Turkey Tail is also known for its medicinal properties, which have been used for centuries by the ancient Japanese, Chinese, and Native American people. Turkey Tail was originally brewed into a tea and used to cure anything from stomach upset to the common cold and flu.
Today, research shows that it is much more powerful on the human body, thanks to its composition of polysaccharides, phenols, triterpenes, and other compounds that allow it to have properties including:
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-microbial
- Immunomodulatory
It makes sense that a mushroom so rich in compounds can have a positive effect on the body’s physical health and mental health. More recent studies have shown that Turkey Tail does, in fact, have a positive impact on depression and anxiety in rats. This might be due to its effects on the brain’s hippocampus region and cortex!
For people looking for help with mood, Turkey Tail can not only help boost mood but also have profound physical health benefits. One study on its effects on Meniere’s Disease patients found that Turkey Tail not only reduced depression, but also anger and confusion.
In short, Turkey Tail is beginning to be a contender for the world’s most powerful nootropic. Luckily, it’s also readily available through capsules and supplements.
I’ve taken it when combined with other adaptogens, and have found that turkey tail improves my mood and has a calming effect. I suggest trying it alone before you see how it impacts you, then combining it with other supplements for more added benefits.
2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s Mane mushroom, or H. erinaceus, has been hailed in ancient East Asian medicine for its positive effects on the body. Ancient Chinese medicine specialists have used Lion’s Mane for thousands of years for its many benefits, including:
- Fortifying the spleen
- Anti-cancer
- Gut health improvement
- Help with insomnia
- Help with weakness
Lion’s Mane’s most astonishing effects are on neurocognitive health. Recent studies have identified compounds including polysaccharides, erinacines, hericerins, alkaloids, and steroids which positively impact memory and create new neural pathways in the brain.
It’s no wonder then, that Lion’s Mane’s real-life effects on symptoms of depression have been well-documented.
Researchers looked at the effects of Lion’s Mane on a group of women who took Lion’s Mane through cookies. They found that those participants experienced improved levels of anxiety, depression, concentration, and even heart palpitations.
Other recent studies have also found that Lion’s Mane, with a combination of healthy diet, reduced depression and sleep disturbances in people suffering from obesity.
Although these studies highlight Lion’s Mane’s impact on depression, they’re only the tip of the iceberg for this growingly popular nootropic. Lion’s Mane continues to be used by both those looking for help with neurocognition and mood as well as people who need a boost of energy.
Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane even boosts reflexes and performance speed in as little as one hour after ingestion! I’ve personally used Lion’s Mane combined with other nootropics to help get me through the mid-day hump and finish some of my most important tasks.
When used with nootropics like Zen Bites, Lion’s Mane is sure to make a difference in overall mood and health for myself and other users!
1. Cordyceps
Cordyceps, at first glance, appear almost other-worldly, thanks to its unique appearance and legendary origin. Found growing on the carcasses of insects, Cordyceps has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and is considered one of the largest genus of mushrooms with over 500 species.
However, it wasn't until recently that scientists have started to uncover its incredible potential thanks to modern research methods.
Today, it's well-known that Cordyceps, with the power of its compounds cordycepin and adenosine, have several health benefits that include:
- Antitumor
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-convulsant
- Analgesic
While ancient medicine can provide a glimpse into Cordycep's effects, hard science and evidence now prove that cordyceps has seven active compounds, including arachidonic acid, linoleyl acetate, beta-sitosterol, peroxyergosterol, cerevisterol, cholesteryl palmitate, and cholesterol, that aid in fighting depression.
Studies also showed that mice that received a combination of cordyceps and honey fungus showed improved levels of depression thanks to the mushrooms' effect on neurotransmitters in the brain.
This exciting science that identifies specific compounds within Cordyceps that aid in improving mood can be promising for those suffering from depression and mental health issues.
It also opens doors for further research into natural remedies for mood disorders, which could potentially lead to fewer side effects compared to traditional medication.
Cordyceps is also found to be non-toxic, meaning it can be consumed as a dietary supplement without the fear of harmful side effects. Whether you use it as a capsule or as part of another nootropic, it's best to start off small so you can find what works for you.
I always take supplements sparingly at first, but have found that nootropics, including cordyceps, are easy for me to tolerate!
Explore the Mood Boosting Effects of Nootropics with Zen Bites
Zen Bites is revolutionizing the use of nootropics by providing a diverse range of products that harness the natural benefits of cordyceps and other medicinal mushrooms all in twice-a-day gummy. Zen Bites uses a 10:1 ratio extracts of powerful adaptogens including all those in this list, plus chaga, black fungus, and more.
Made in certified facilities, our Zen Bites use only natural ingredients that are easy on the stomach and have stellar reviews from users! Try them out for an added mood boost today, whether it's to help battle depression, anxiety, or daily fatigue.
For added overall health, explore nootropics with Zen Bites today!