Mushroom coffee is all the rage right now, and I’m sure you’ve seen the ads promising cleaner energy, a flatter stomach, and so much more. And they aren’t wrong—adaptogenic mushrooms are amazing. The blends used in these “coffees” typically include Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and King Trumpet, ground into a fine powder. Many also add coconut oil or occasionally MCT oil for a more natural energy source. However, if you take a look at websites like RYZE, you might be shocked to see that this “coffee” (which actually contains a generic Arabica blend) costs $80 for a standard 30-day supply.
If you’re not familiar with these magickal mushrooms, here’s a quick summary of each and their benefits:
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a fascinating mushroom that thrives in high-altitude regions and is prized for its ability to enhance energy and stamina. It improves oxygen utilization in the body, making it a favorite among athletes and those combating fatigue. Beyond physical performance, Cordyceps supports respiratory health, aids in balancing blood sugar levels, and promotes kidney health. Its adaptogenic properties help the body manage stress, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects contribute to overall vitality and immune resilience.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is a unique mushroom with a shaggy appearance resembling a lion’s mane. It’s highly regarded for its brain-boosting properties, as it stimulates the production of compounds that support nerve growth and repair. This makes it excellent for improving memory, focus, and cognitive function. Lion’s Mane also supports gut health by fostering a healthy microbiome and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Its calming effects can help alleviate anxiety and depression, while its antioxidant properties protect against cellular damage, promoting long-term brain and body health.
Reishi
Reishi, often called the "Queen of Mushrooms," is a powerful adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. It’s widely used to support the immune system by enhancing the activity of immune cells. Reishi is also known for its calming effects, making it a popular choice for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety. It supports liver health by aiding detoxification and helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular wellness. Its anti-aging properties combat oxidative stress, making it a valuable ally for longevity and overall well-being.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are a culinary delight with a rich, savory flavor and a host of health benefits. They’re packed with compounds that boost immune function, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses. Shiitake also supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and improving circulation. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a natural defense against pathogens. Rich in B vitamins, Shiitake aids in energy production and brain health, while its ability to regulate blood sugar levels makes it a great addition to a balanced diet. Its anti-inflammatory effects further contribute to overall wellness.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail is a colorful mushroom named for its resemblance to a turkey’s tail feathers. It’s celebrated for its immune-boosting properties, particularly its ability to enhance the body’s natural defenses against harmful cells. This makes it a popular complementary therapy for those undergoing cancer treatment. Turkey Tail also supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and improving digestion. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage, while its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This mushroom is a powerhouse for both immune and digestive health.
King Trumpet
King Trumpet mushrooms, also known as King Oyster, are prized for their meaty texture and mild, savory flavor. They’re rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. King Trumpet supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood flow. Its high fiber content promotes digestive health and aids in weight management by keeping you feeling full longer. Additionally, this mushroom contains ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant that supports immune function and protects cells from damage. Its versatility in cooking makes it an easy and delicious way to boost overall health.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I like to know exactly what I’m putting into my body. This holds true for my extensive list of daily herbs I take for mental health. At any given moment, you’ll find me sipping on homemade herbal waters I cold-brew myself, containing ashwagandha, kava, damiana, passionflower, and even valerian. (I’ve blogged about this in other posts, so I won’t go into detail here. Let’s just say I require pretty heavy leveling.) All of these herbs I purchase from a local witch shop and apothecary. I know what they look like and exactly where they’re grown and sourced. Not only am I monitoring where I get my consumable herbs, but I’m also supporting small local businesses.
To add to the benefits, I save literally hundreds of dollars compared to companies like Herbalife, which don’t provide pure herb mixes. In fact, most large vitamin and supplement companies use fillers in their products, which I eliminate entirely. Well, I’m here to tell you that this is also possible with mushroom coffee. Yes, you can make it yourself—and you should. I can purchase every single ingredient I need to create a 30-day supply (because I’m a two-cup-a-day kind of gal) for around $55 a month at a local establishment. Yes, that’s right! Of course, prices may vary by shop, but they’re typically close. I’m not a fan of adding oils, as I feel it detracts from the benefits of the mushrooms, which is what I’m personally seeking. Plus, most of us already have a favorite coffee we can add this to ourselves.
Here’s a list of what I purchased and what it cost:
- A massive whole Reishi mushroom (2.75 oz, which I grind myself): $9.50
- Fine powders (1 oz each):
- Cordyceps: $7.00
- Lion’s Mane: $7.00
- Shiitake: $9.00
- Turkey Tail: $8.00
- King Trumpet: $8.00
That comes out to about $55 with taxes, and it lasts me about a month and a half. When I purchase the powders, I ask the shop to combine them all into one bag (except the Reishi), and I shake it up well. I grind the Reishi separately because I like to eat a tiny piece daily and add about a teaspoon to my coffee. I typically have two cups a day, and I make my hot coffee, stir in 1 teaspoon of the combined mushroom powder and 1 teaspoon of Reishi, then add creamer (yes, I’m a creamer drinker—so sue me). It’s the richest, creamiest coffee I’ve ever had!
I’m not against pre-mixes in general—I get that they’re less time-consuming, and you’re paying for convenience. But when I can save money and source things from small businesses, that’s my absolute preference. There’s a need for big companies, for sure—I use Amazon and even Temu (gasp). However, I never source certain things from anywhere but locally if possible. Aside from herbs and supplements, the next would be sages—but that’s for an entirely different blog.
I hope this helps those who see these endless ads but can’t justify the price. And for the record, I’ve heard claims of special processes that supposedly extract only the “magickal” parts of the mushrooms. They don’t. There’s no special way to isolate the parts that help with bloat or mental health. They use the same harvesting and processing methods as anyone who ethically and knowledgeably provides mushrooms to the public.
The more you know.
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Be Blessed,
Dena