The great thing about mushrooms is that you have many ways to use them. Even for medicinal purposes, the diversity in consumption makes them convenient and discreet. One option involves swallowing capsules. You can purchase pre-filled capsules through dispensaries or retail shops and even find them online. However, you can also make shroom capsules at home.
In the same way that you want to purchase the right type of cannabis to achieve a specific result, always select the right kind of mushrooms specific to your needs. For the most part, these aren’t the mushrooms you buy in a grocery store for cooking. Rather, they’re medicinal mushrooms that contain various quantities of antioxidants and phytonutrients.
What Are Shroom Capsules?
For anyone who’s never used mushrooms, or “shrooms,” as many people call them, they should start by learning what they are and why they’re in such high demand. You can choose from many different varieties that have vital nutrients, such as high levels of beta-glucans.
The other thing to know is that the kind of mushrooms used to make shroom capsules don’t contain psilocybin. That means they don’t produce hallucinogenic effects as some other types of mushrooms do. Instead, they offer incredible health benefits.
Buying Tips
Whether buying shroom capsules or making them yourself, you have two primary options. First, you can purchase an extract. However, make sure it comes from the entire fruiting body. The problem is that some companies sell these mushrooms from a different part of the plant, a part known as mycelium. With mycelium mushrooms, you would not only end up with mushroom material but also high levels of starch.
The other option is to purchase a superior quality powder. In this case, experts carefully dry raw mushrooms and then use hot water to extract the portion of the plant needed. From there, they turn the matter into a super-fine powder. This involves a unique process called spray drying. When finished, the mushrooms contain all the compounds necessary to give you the most benefits.
Overall, the best product for making shroom capsules comes from organic plants. Keep in mind that along with all the things you should do when buying medicinal mushrooms, there are some you want to avoid, such as:
- Don’t buy mushrooms that contain fillers, especially mycelium. However, also stay away from any product made using brown rice.
- Don’t purchase mushrooms that contain flow aid. This works to improve the capsulating process, and while that alone isn’t bad, you don’t know what other ingredients the manufacturer added. So, it’s better to stay away from any “flow aid” processed shrooms.
- Also, beware of companies that sell vegetarian or organic shroom capsules. While they might meet the standards for both, they might not. This is why purchasing mushrooms from a trusted source is so important. If you decide to go with an organic product, never buy something that contains silicon dioxide, Hypromellose, or microcrystalline cellulose.
As mentioned, certain types of mushrooms used to make shroom capsules are better than others. Here are some of the best choices.
- Chago
- Cordyceps
- Lion’s Mane
- Maitake
- Reishi
- Turkey Tail
Key Benefits to Using Shroom Capsules
Due to the properties of these mushrooms, using them in capsule form provides several key benefits. The following are some examples of those.
1. Supports the Immune System
Of the many mushroom plants used to make shroom capsules, Turkey Tail is one of the most popular. This is because it works great for boosting the body’s immune system. However, the interesting thing about this particular plant is that it benefits not only people who get sick often due to a compromised immune system but also healthy people.
2. Fights Cancer
Here again, Turkey Tail is an excellent plant for shroom capsules. Along with its incredible immune-boosting ability, it also contains anti-cancer properties. If you have cancer, talk to your physician about adding shroom capsules with this plant to help battle it.
The Reishi mushroom is another fantastic option. In one study that consisted of more than 4,000 breast cancer survivors, researchers found that 59 percent of them had consumed or used shroom capsules filled with this type of mushroom.
Additional studies show that using both Turkey Tail and Reishi mushrooms can cause cancer cells to die. Also, due to the effect these mushrooms have on testosterone, many believe they can help fight prostate cancer.
To support that, a study of Reishi showed that its molecules might reverse this form of cancer. There are even suggestions that shroom capsules made of Turkey Tail or Reishi can battle colorectal cancer.
Regardless of how a person gets these mushrooms into their body, they increase white blood cell activity. Those cells are what fight cancer and improve the quality of life in people who have this horrible disease.
3. Improves Brain Health
Especially as people age, simple things like focusing and remembering become more difficult. Lion’s Mane shroom capsules work great for these and other concerns. Along with improving overall brain health, this specific type of mushroom produces a calming effect, which is ideal if you struggle with anxiety.
Sometimes, people experience “brain fog” because they’re overloaded with work or responsibilities. Other times, they have serious health issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Regardless, Lion’s Mane shroom capsules can help to improve cognitive ability.
The fascinating aspect of this specific mushroom plant is that it supports the production of NFG, the acronym for “Nerve Growth Factor.” This bioprotein coupled with myelin serves to insulate nerve fibers. Both of these components are critical for achieving and maintaining good brain health.
4. Enhances Stamina
A lot of athletes use shroom capsules to help increase physical stamina. Although they have several options, one of the best mushrooms for this is Cordyceps. Both professional and non-professional athletes claim that Cordyceps improves their performance.
Shroom capsules made with this mushroom enhance blood and oxygen flow within the body. That means it also increases libido and energy. If you’re not an athlete but enjoy working out, you’ll benefit from this particular mushroom plant.
One additional benefit is that it helps with muscle recovery. After pushing the body’s limits, the muscles need to recoup. Cordyceps comes to the rescue again.
5. Lowers High Blood Sugar Levels
Many people who need to monitor their glucose levels use shroom capsules. One, in particular, works incredibly well. Maitake accomplishes this and boosts the immune system. As a bonus, the Maitake mushroom is delicious. You can take shroom capsules or cook with this type of mushroom.
6. Promotes Sound Sleep
Millions of people have trouble sleeping. Whether due to a health condition, stress, or an uncomfortable bed, you name it, the right mushroom plant works wonders. One of these is Reishi. Of all the different plants used to make shroom capsules, this is by far the popular favourite.
7. Fights Heart Disease
As this is the leading cause of death in the United States, everyone should do what they can to fight heart disease. An excellent way to do that is by taking shroom capsules. For this, experts recommend Reishi.
8. Lowers Cholesterol
For the most part, the types of mushrooms used to make shroom capsules are unique from those that people cook with. However, there are some exceptions. The shitake mushroom is a prime example. While you can eat them raw, add them to salads, or make delicious meals with them, you can also buy this mushroom in capsule form. It contains eritadenine, which helps lower cholesterol.
9. Promotes Weight Loss
For some people, losing weight is a constant battle. While everyone has a unique response to shroom capsules, experts have proved that some mushroom plants promote weight loss. Again, some mushroom plants aid individuals who want to drop unwanted pounds. Reishi is one of the top choices.
10. Fights Depression
Through multiple studies, researchers discovered that the Reishi mushroom also helps fight depression. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in a depressive state. Unfortunately, this is all too common. You can take shroom capsules to lessen the effects of depression, as well as those of anxiety.
Keep in mind that if you feel like you can’t pull yourself out of a rut, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.
11. Slows the Skin Aging Process
As part of life, a person’s skin begins to age as they grow older. While certain creams, lotions, and other topicals can help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, so can some shroom capsules. Chaga is one plant that fights oxidative stress, which is directly linked to aging skin.
Making Shroom Capsules at Home
Again, you can buy quality shroom capsules from a reputable source, whether in person or online. However, you can make them in the privacy and comfort of your home, too. If you prefer the latter option, the information below is a brief rundown of what’s involved.
For this, you’ll need empty capsules and either dry or fresh mushrooms. To make the process easier, dried plant material works best. However, if you go with fresh mushrooms, you’ll need to let them dry completely before processing.
While not mandatory, if you plan to make shroom capsules often, you might consider investing in a capsule-filling machine. Otherwise, you’ll need to fill each capsule by hand.
Making shroom capsules at home is super easy. The only downside is that it takes quite a bit of time. So, if you can invest in making them, great. If not, you can buy shroom capsules.
- Separate the two parts of the empty capsules by gently pulling them apart.
- Completely grind the dry mushroom until it turns into a fine powder.
- Then, fill the capsules using a capsule filling machine or a small funnel.
- Try to get both sides of the capsules as even as possible.
- Using a small tool, push the mushroom material into the capsule to pack it tightly.
- If necessary, add additional dry mushroom and then pack it again. Continue this process until the capsules are completely full.
- Put the capsules back together.
This might not sound time-consuming, but it is. You need to meticulously complete each step, which is tedious work, but rewarding.
Dosing Recommendations for Shroom Capsules
As with any supplement, it’s important to take the correct dose of mushrooms. That way, you can get the desired results. To start with, take between 1 and 2 grams of mushroom powder extract daily. Depending on the size of the capsules and how tightly you pack them, this usually equates to taking two to four a day.
Now, some people with severe health issues will take a much higher dose. Considering all the factors involved, it’s always best to talk to an expert or healthcare professional who has a lot of knowledge about mushrooms. Unlike medications, you can’t overdose when taking shroom capsules. The goal is to get the right amount into your body so they work effectively.
Wrapping It Up
As you can see, certain types of mushrooms offer incredible health-related benefits. They focus on not only physical health but also mental health. Regardless if you purchase high-quality shroom capsules from a trusted source or you make them at home, always start with the best plant and the appropriate type of plant so that you can achieve what you want.
Already, multiple studies yield positive results. Just imagine how many more benefits will come to light as experts conduct additional studies. Remember, the shroom capsules taken for health reasons are not the same type as those that produce hallucinogenic effects. This is yet another reason why you want to buy mushrooms or pre-filled capsules from a reputable source. However, you can purchase these mushrooms as well, which offer a unique set of benefits.
Finally, along with all the things you need to do when making or using shroom capsules, don’t forget about those you want to avoid. And just as with other supplements and prescription medications, it takes time to get the best results.