mushroom coffee, a blend of traditional caffeine-free coffee and mushrooms such as chaga, reishi and lion’s mane has recently received considerable media coverage. According to its advocates, mushroom coffee provides energy without jitters while supporting immunity. Unfortunately, its growing popularity has resulted in some questionable recipes for instant coffee-mushroom powders; but with careful preparation a well-made cup can provide the ideal way to start off the day or calm frayed nerves before sleep.

Reishi mushroom is a widely recognized medicinal mushroom that can help relieve fatigue and promote restful sleep, as well as activate natural killer cells which target abnormal cells–including cancerous ones–and kill them. Research also indicates that Reishi may reduce migraine headache frequency/duration/intensity, asthma symptoms, and ease chronic fatigue symptoms; further investigation needs to be completed in this regard.

Mushrooms such as Reishi are considered adaptogens, meaning that they can help your body cope with stress and anxiety by strengthening adrenal gland function. Reishi may also help relieve digestive discomfort by regulating water absorption and decreasing fluid retention in the digestive tract. For optimal results if you suffer from an underlying digestive condition it may be wiser to stick with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut instead.

Mushrooms can increase your risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners or medications to prevent blood clots, as they interfere with immunosuppressant drugs used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis treatment. Furthermore, mushrooms have been known to lower blood sugar levels; so if you are taking diabetes medication you should discuss any changes before incorporating mushrooms into your daily regimen.