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Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Mushrooms

 

General Mushroom Education & Functional Benefits

Please reach us at sporgymushrooms@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Functional mushrooms are a category of fungi known for their health-promoting benefits. Unlike culinary mushrooms like portobello or white button, functional mushrooms contain unique compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, terpenes, and antioxidants. These compounds have been linked to immune support, mental clarity, energy, stress resilience, and gut health. Popular examples include Lion's Mane (focus), Reishi (stress), Turkey Tail (immune and gut), and Cordyceps (energy).

At Sporgy Mushrooms, we use organic functional mushrooms in our herbal extracts and caffeine-free mushroom teas to help you incorporate these powerful fungi into your daily wellness routine.


Functional mushrooms work by interacting with your body’s systems to promote balance and resilience. Lion’s Mane stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) to support brain health, Cordyceps enhances ATP production for natural energy, Turkey Tail promotes gut microbiome balance through prebiotic compounds, Reishi helps regulate the immune system and reduce stress, and Maitake may support blood sugar regulation and overall immune health through D-fraction polysaccharides.

These mushrooms are considered adaptogens, meaning they help your body adapt to stress. Our Relax Extract and Blue Dream Tea feature a calming combination of Lion’s Mane and Maitake for nervous system and cognitive support. Our Energy Extract and Sun Tea blend Cordyceps and Maitake for energy, circulation, and stamina. Awaken Tea combines Turkey Tail and Reishi to support immune and gut health, while Boost Extract offers full-spectrum support with Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps for mood, immune resilience, and vitality. For focused mornings and digestive support, our Mushroom Coffee Alternative features a caffeine-free blend of roasted chicory, dandelion, carob, Lion’s Mane, and Maitake mushrooms.  Our Poly Power Extract is made with 100% Turkey Tail and nothing else—renowned for its potential in supporting gut health, chronic inflammation, and even studied for its powerful anti-cancer properties, especially in combination with traditional therapies.


Lion's Mane — Cognitive health, memory, focus, nerve regeneration. Found in our Mushroom Coffee Alternative, Relax Extract, Boost Extract and Blue Dream Tea.

Reishi — Stress support, immunity, sleep. Found in our Awaken Tea and Boost Extract.

Cordyceps — Energy, stamina, respiratory function. Featured in Energy Extract, Boost Extract and Sun Tea.

Turkey Tail — Immune support, digestion, and a prebiotic. Featured in Poly Power Extract and Awaken Tea.

Maitake — Blood sugar balance, immunity, antioxidant support. Found in Sun Tea, Blue Dream, Mushroom Coffee, Relax Extract, and Energy Extract.

These mushrooms are supported by modern studies and thousands of years of traditional use in Chinese and Japanese medicine.


Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are best known for their ability to support immune and gut health. They contain powerful compounds like beta-glucans, PSP (polysaccharopeptide), and PSK (polysaccharide-K), which help modulate and strengthen the immune system. These mushrooms act as natural prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy digestive balance.

Scientific studies-- especially from Japan and China-- have explored turkey tail’s potential in supporting the body during chronic inflammation and as a complementary therapy for people undergoing treatment for certain cancers. While not a cure, turkey tail is valued for its broad-spectrum immune support and ability to enhance the body’s natural defenses.

Our Poly Power Extract features 100% pure turkey tail mushroom extract, carefully prepared to preserve these beneficial compounds.n and even tumor-related conditions. 


 

Yes, you can forage your own mushrooms—but you should do so with extreme care. While many wild mushrooms are edible and even delicious, others can be toxic or deadly, and identifying them correctly takes experience and attention to detail.

If you're new to foraging, we recommend starting with our Sporgy beginner-friendly grow kits. They’re a safe, fun way to learn how mushrooms grow and develop your identification skills from home before heading into the wild.

Still curious about a mushroom you found? We’re here to help. Sporgy co-founders Carlee and Adam are expert mushroom identifiers and longtime foragers. If you find something in the wild, feel free to reach out with clear photos—especially of the cap underside, surrounding ecology, and nearby trees or grass. The more details, the better.

📱 Text us at 707-408-3534
📧 Email: sporgymushrooms@gmail.com

And remember: when in doubt, think four or five times (or more!) before ever tasting a wild mushroom. It’s always better to ask than to guess.


Mushrooms grow from microscopic spores rather than seeds. These spores develop into a root-like network called mycelium, which spreads through a nutrient-rich material such as sawdust, straw, or wood chips. Once the mycelium is well established and the environment is right—usually high humidity, indirect light, and proper airflow—it begins to form mushrooms, also called fruiting bodies.

At Sporgy Mushrooms, our grow kits simplify the process by using pre-inoculated blocks—meaning the mycelium has already colonized the substrate. You just need to follow our step-by-step instructions to maintain the right conditions, and within days to weeks, you’ll see mushrooms begin to fruit.

It’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to learn how mushrooms grow and harvest your own fresh fungi at home—no green thumb required.


Yes! Functional mushrooms like those used by Sporgy Mushrooms are safe for daily use when properly extracted and dosed. Our teas and extracts are made with food-grade ingredients and are suitable for long-term wellness routines. Our herbal extracts are dosed at 1 mL daily, with the option to increase up to 3 mL based on your needs and tolerance.


  • Powder: Ground dried mushrooms, less bioavailable unless cooked.
  • Extract: Concentrated form using water or glycerin/alcohol to isolate active compounds. More potent and bioavailable.
  • Capsule: Often powdered form, convenient but may absorb more slowly. Studies suggest the body may absorb only around 60% of the active compounds in capsules, with the remainder passing through the digestive system unused. This reduced bioavailability is due to slower breakdown and digestion.
  • Tea: A traditional preparation that combines water-extracted compounds with herbs for synergistic support.

Sporgy offers glycerin-based dual-extracts (alcohol-free) for high bioavailability and loose-leaf mushroom teas that include fruits, roots, and flowers for added wellness benefits.


Mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi contain beta-glucans that help regulate the immune system, encouraging a balanced response to stress, pathogens, and inflammation. Turkey Tail also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut, where much of your immune system resides.

We recommend our Awaken Tea or Poly Power Extract as part of a daily immune support routine.


Lion's Mane is widely recognized for supporting cognitive health, focus, and memory. Clinical research has shown it may help stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth and survival of neurons.

For mental clarity, try our Blue Dream Tea, Mushroom Coffee, Boost or Relax Extract, all of which include Lion’s Mane.


Cordyceps helps the body produce more ATP (cellular energy), making it popular with athletes and those managing fatigue. It also supports oxygen uptake and respiratory health.

We use Cordyceps in our Sun Tea, Energy and Boost Extract for natural, sustained vitality without caffeine.


Dual extraction means pulling both water-soluble (beta-glucans, polysaccharides) and fat-soluble (terpenes, sterols) compounds from mushrooms. Sporgy uses a glycerin + water base (not alcohol) to create full-spectrum extracts that are potent, shelf-stable, and safe for everyone.

Explore our extracts here.


No. Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, and Cordyceps are non-psychoactive and legal to sell and consume as food supplements.

Psychedelic mushrooms, such as those containing psilocybin, are currently being researched for therapeutic use in mental health. While Sporgy does not sell psychedelic mushrooms, we support education and safe, informed exploration. If you ever have questions about any of these mushrooms—or any mushrooms at all—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Founders Carlee and Adam are lifelong mushroom educators who are happy to share knowledge and guidance in a friendly, non-judgmental way. Whether you're a total beginner or already mushroom-obsessed, we're here to help you grow with confidence.


Schedule a private consultation here.


When consumed at recommended doses, functional mushrooms are generally very safe. Over regular use, however, many users begin to notice deeper, long-term benefits such as improved immune function, reduced inflammation, better mental clarity, and more balanced energy levels. If you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider first.


In general, functional mushrooms can be safely combined with most supplements. However, some mushrooms may interact with immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, or blood pressure medications. Consult your healthcare provider before combining them with medications.


Some people feel immediate effects (like energy or calm), while others notice benefits after consistent use over 2–4 weeks. Adaptogenic mushrooms work subtly over time to support long-term balance and vitality.

To build a sustainable ritual, check out our daily-use extract line or gentle, caffeine-free teas.


Yes, but doses should be smaller and tailored to each individual. Seniors often use functional mushrooms for immune, joint, or cognitive support. Children should only use products approved by a healthcare professional.

Our teas are crafted with whole fruits, roots, and mushrooms, making them gentle and enjoyable for all ages. Our extracts, on the other hand, are concentrated blends of mushrooms, herbs, and roots—designed for maximum potency and fast absorption. While safe for seniors and adults, these extracts may be too strong for younger children. We recommend consulting with us directly or speaking with your doctor before use in children under 12. If you're looking for a family-friendly option, our teas or Poly Power (pure Turkey Tail extract) are an excellent and approachable choice for daily mushroom wellness.


Many functional mushrooms, especially Turkey Tail, are safe for pets and may even provide immune and anti-inflammatory benefits. Turkey Tail is one of the most studied mushrooms for veterinary support, particularly in dogs undergoing cancer treatment or needing gut and immune support.

Our Poly Power Extract, made from pure Turkey Tail and nothing else, is a great option for pets. The recommended dosage is 1 mL per day, mixed into your pet's food, water, or administered directly into their mouth. As with all supplements, consult your veterinarian before beginning any new protocol.


Yes! Mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support skin clarity, reduce redness, and promote an overall healthy glow. Nettles, found in our Energy Extract, also provide mineral-rich support for skin, hair, and circulation. They contain silica, which is one of the key nutrients your body uses to produce collagen, making nettles a valuable ally for skin and joint health. Our Boost Extract, featuring Reishi, Cordyceps, and soothing rose, is a great internal wellness blend that supports not only mood and immunity but also skin health from within.


Reishi, Ashwagandha, Lion’s Mane, and Chamomile are all known to promote calm and emotional balance. Reishi contains triterpenes that help regulate cortisol and improve sleep quality and chronic stress, while Lion’s Mane supports nervous system health and cognitive clarity. Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen that helps the body manage daily stress and lower anxiety-related symptoms. Chamomile has a long history of use for relaxation, reducing anxiety, and easing digestion. Our Boost Extract, which includes Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane, is crafted to help manage daily stress, mood fluctuations, and immune balance. In contrast, our Relax Extract and Blue Dream Tea are more focused on nervous system support and deeper rest, using herbs and mushrooms like Valerian, California Poppy, Chamomile, Maitake, and Lion’s Mane to promote calm, ease anxiety, and support quality sleep. With consistent use, customers often report better emotional regulation, improved sleep, and greater resilience to stress.


Mushrooms are one of the most sustainable foods on the planet. They require minimal water and space to grow and can be cultivated using agricultural waste. However, not all mushrooms are equally sustainable—Chaga, for example, must be harvested from living birch trees and takes years to regrow, making it unsuitable for large-scale, ethical production. For this reason and others, Sporgy chooses not to use Chaga. Instead, we focus on mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Maitake—all of which can be grown sustainably with minimal environmental impact. Sporgy supports regenerative practices and indoor mushroom farming to minimize our footprint while promoting accessibility and long-term planetary health.


Yes! Combining different mushrooms is often encouraged for synergistic effects. For example, pairing Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane supports both energy and brain function. Our Boost Extract is formulated with a full-spectrum blend to offer this kind of layered benefit.


Fruiting body is the actual mushroom you would see growing above ground—it’s the part that produces spores, much like the fruit of a tree. Mycelium, on the other hand, is the underground network of root-like threads that support the mushroom's growth.

Think of it like this: choosing fruiting body is like eating the apple, while choosing mycelium on grain is like eating the bark or roots of the apple tree. While mycelium has some value, fruiting bodies contain the highest concentrations of beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes.

At Sporgy, we only use organic fruiting bodies in all of our teas and extracts—no fillers, no mycelium on grain, and no compromises. This ensures you're getting the most potent, nutrient-rich form of each mushroom in every dose.


Some functional mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail are known to modulate immune function rather than overstimulate it. This means they help balance immune activity, which is important for individuals with autoimmune conditions. While Reishi and Turkey Tail are primarily known for their immunomodulating and gut-supportive effects, Cordyceps has been shown in studies to support both innate and adaptive immunity by promoting natural killer (NK) cell activity and balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

In particular, Cordyceps sinensis has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and may help regulate immune overactivity, making it a candidate for immune system balance rather than stimulation.

If you have an autoimmune condition or are taking immunosuppressive medications, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before adding mushrooms to your regimen. Our Awaken Tea, Sun Tea, Poly Power, Boost and Energy Extract all include mushrooms recognized for their immune-modulating properties and may be suitable under professional guidance.


While many functional mushrooms are considered safe, there is limited research on their effects during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, we recommend consulting your OB-GYN, midwife, or naturopathic doctor before using any herbal or mushroom product. Our teas may be gentler options than extracts in these cases, but professional guidance is always advised to ensure safety for both parent and baby.


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