You guys… I’m really into shrooms. Not the kind that makes you see weird stuff or think you might be able to fly (although I’ve heard those are fun). I’m all about the adaptogenic herbs that make you feel calm, help your skin, eliminate inflammation and give you a much better work out.
If you thought that mushrooms were only good for putting in your soup or experiencing a new dimension, then you’ll be surprised to hear that mushrooms are much, much bigger than that!
Mushrooms and fungi are, in fact, their own kingdom! (You’ve heard of the plant and animal kingdom, right?) That means there are so many mushrooms, both good and bad, that they have their own category outside of the plant kingdom!
But what is it about certain mushrooms that make them so special?
It’s their amazing ability to heal and adapt the body to outside stressors such as inflammation, fatigue and stress. These healing benefits put these mushrooms into the adaptogen category.
Adaptogenic herbs are natural substances that help work with a person’s body and allows them to adapt. Because they adapt, these fungi work inside everyone differently and work at various rates to aid your body. Adaptogens are a strong and natural ally to fight stress and fatigue, regulate hormones, boost the immune system, increase physical endurance and mental focus, and balance a person’s mood.
I first heard about adaptogenic herbs when I was a brand ambassador and demonstrator for Addictive Wellness Chocolates
“The unique combo of herbs and spices in this hot cocoa is designed to help you wind down and enjoy life to the fullest. Besides being delicious and easy to use, cacao and chocolate drinks are a traditional way to ingest “medicines.” (Now, that’s some good news, right?) Having your herbs and mushrooms with cacao makes them even more effective!” – Four Sigmatic
Unfortunately, anxiety has and still continues to be a big part of my life.
I’m no stranger to stress, cortisol and even panic attacks that have made me rush to the hospital! But reishi has been a game changer. Reishi mushroom, the main ingredient in this Hot Cacao elixir, is nature’s ultimate anti-stress cure. Reishi helps to balance overactive hormone systems and improves sleep quality.
In addition to the fast-acting and potent reishi, hot cocoa is the ultimate comfort food (and helps enhance the effects of reishi). Ever since I introduced reishi into my routine (along with other amazing, adaptogenic herbs), my quality of life has increased dramatically! Honestly, I tell anyone who will listen about these adaptogens.
There are a lot of brands out on the health market, but I prefer Four Sigmatic for three reasons:
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They’re dual-extracted (this means that all of the active water- and fat-soluble components have been made bioavailable with boiling water and alcohol)
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They come in small, travel-friendly pouches for you to bring everywhere
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Four Sigmatic offers the Mushroom Academy so you can learn more about fungi
By now, you’re probably thinking, “I WANT ALL OF THE ADAPTOGENIC HERBS!” That’s why I’ve concocted 2 recipes for you to try with these shrooms below!
Coconut Cocoa with Reishi and Chaga
As mentioned previously, reishi is one of the best adaptogens ever known globally as “the queen of mushrooms.” As the most researched herb in the world, reishi not only helps to calm down and ensures better sleep, but helps regulate your hormonal system and lowers cortisol levels substantially. It’s a miracle cure!
Chaga is also a mushroom that has been sought after and cultivated for ages. They are nature’s greatest sources of antioxidants which help lower inflammation, reduce risks of cancer and offer anti-aging support through your skin and hair.
I love this drink before bed or when I’m looking to relax. I add chaga to this mix after I’ve worked out or had strenuous day, but it’s completely optional.
*Note: I have a huge, 16 ounce Minnie Mouse mug so this recipe is quite a lot. Cut in half for one person or make hot cocoa for two!
Ingredients (Makes one, 16 ounce drink or two, 8 ounce drinks)
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1 pack of Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Hot Cacao with Reishi
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1 pack of Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Elixir Mix with Chaga
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12 ounces of organic, coconut milk (I like this brand because it has less weird ingredients and is BPA-free)
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4 ounces of distilled water
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1/2 tsp. of organic, ground cinnamon
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1/2 tbsp. of White Gold Honey
(optional)
(optional)Instructions
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Before anything, empty your packets of cocoa reishi and chaga into a large mug or divide into two mugs.
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Put the distilled water in a kettle and place on high heat. Wait for it to boil.
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While the water is heating up, put the coconut milk in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk continuously, but not too vigorously. You’re trying to steam the milk, but it’s almost impossible to create foam out of coconut milk manually. Continue to whisk until the water starts to boil. (*Note: Make sure the coconut milk does not come to a boil!)
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Once the water is hot enough, put your coconut milk aside and pour the water into the mug with chaga and cocoa reishi. Stir until the mixture dissolves. At this point, your mug should be a quarter full.
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Add the coconut milk into your mug(s). If you prefer really sweet cocoa, add the tablespoon of honey.
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Add the cinnamon on top and enjoy!
London Fog Tea with Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane
Cordyceps is probably my second favorite adaptogen! As an adaptogen, cordyceps provide consistent energy, so you won’t crash like you would with a stimulant. Cordyceps help build lasting energy by increasing maximum oxygen intake and increasing the speed of ADP (adenosine diphosphate), which transforms into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATPs are coenzymes that transport energy within the cells which results in a lot more energy!
Lion’s mane is an all-natural brain booster that helps to improve memory, boost creativity, and help increase focus. Lion’s mane active ingredients such as hericenones and erinacines help stimulateNerve Growth Factor production in the body.
Lately, everyone’s been talking about Mushroom coffee (which you can get here). Because I’m the weirdest person on the planet and ALLERGIC TO COFFEE, I’m a bit of a tea freak.
So while most are enjoying the serious rush that comes with mixing Four Sigmatic’s coffee with cordyceps, lion’s mane, and chaga, I thought I’d try my own version of bliss by mixing my favorite tea latte with some shrooms. This is perfect for the beginning of your day, before your workout or while working on a big assignment.
Ingredients (Makes one, 8 ounce drink)
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1 pack of Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Elixir Mix with Cordyceps
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1 pack of Four Sigmatic Organic Mushroom Elixir Mix with Lion’s Mane
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1 organic Earl Grey tea bag
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5 ounces of organic, unsweetened almond milk
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4 ounces of distilled water
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1/2 tbsp. of White Gold Honey
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1/2 tsp. of organic vanilla extract
Instructions
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Put the water in a kettle over high heat. While you wait for the water to boil, put the contents of the lion’s mane and cordyceps pack into a mug along with your Early Grey Tea Bag.
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When the water has come to a boil, pour its contents into the mug. The mug should be halfway full at this point. Stir until the adaptogenic herbs dissolve and let the Earl Grey steep for 5-7 minutes. (*Note: The boiling water does not effect the nutritional value as the adaptogenic herbs are double extracted).
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While the Earl Grey is steeping, pour the almond milk into a medium sauce pan on medium heat. Hand whisk vigorously as foam starts to peak. If you can whisk the entire 5 minutes, the better. Don’t let the almond milk come to a boil.
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After 5 minutes, turn off the heat put the almond milk aside briefly. Remove the tea bag and add the honey and vanilla extract. Stir until it dissolves.
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Finally, pour the almond milk into the tea mixture. Add remaining foam to your tea with a spoon and enjoy!
