How Often Should I Take Mushrooms?

March 16, 2023

A common question we are asked by people is when the best time to take a medicinal mushroom supplement is during a typical day.

And though we definitely understand people’s curiosity, we often reply with our own question:

When is it not a good time to take a medicinal mushroom supplement?

We’re a bit biased, of course. But truthfully, due to the way medicinal mushrooms work on the body and mind, the most important factor in this medicine’s efficacy depends less on the time of day you take it than on consistent supplementation over long periods of time.

In other words, the more consistently and longer you take medicinal mushrooms, the more powerful the benefits, regardless of when in the day you take them.

That being said, certain species of medicinal mushrooms have unique effects that you may want to take into account.

Reishi for Rest

The Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom is known to have a relaxing effect and is sometimes used as a sleep aid. As a result, some people prefer to take a Reishi supplement in the evening. Nonetheless, Reishi is not known to cause sleepiness or drowsiness and can be taken in the morning or afternoon without issue for most people.

Cordyceps or Caffeine

Cordyceps (Cordyceps spp.) mushrooms, however, are reported by many to have an acute energizing effect and as such are often taken in the morning. We’d recommend avoiding taking a Cordyceps supplement before bed to prevent any possible sleep disturbances, but we also recognize that this stimulating effect may not be felt or make a difference to some people.

From Bore to Roar

Another medicinal mushroom many people enjoy taking in the morning is Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). Most people take a Lion’s Mane supplement in hopes of enhancing their cognitive function like improving memory, creativity, clarity, and mental acuity. Given that most of us start work in the morning, people often take a Lion’s Mane supplement in the morning before work so as to improve their mental focus and performance during the workday.

Again, we believe consistent and prolonged use is the key determining factor, not timing, but for the people who report immediate effects, taking Lion’s Mane before work, a test, or a big presentation makes the most sense.

Don’t Diddle Your Dose

Dosage is another important factor when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck. Luckily, we at Troop have already done the research and crafted a supplement with the right dosage so you don’t have to.

For healthy people, that means about 1-2 grams per day for powders and capsules and 1-2 milliliters daily for tinctures. People with specific conditions usually require higher doses for effectiveness, but if you are considering using such a high dosage, please consult with your doctor or natural health practitioner before beginning your supplementation.

Finally, while medicinal mushrooms are generally recognized as safe, it is possible for some people to have adverse or allergic reactions. As a result, it is a good practice to introduce the supplement to your body slowly and consciously, and to try to gauge how your body reacts. And for people who have no reaction but want more of the benefits they’re feeling, remember that more is not always better, and that dosage is not meant to be increased above the recommended amount without first consulting with a doctor.

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