I am working on a series of short writings about nootropics and other supplements that can possibly improve daily function. Nootropics are drugs, supplements, or other substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.
My focus will be on those that come from mushrooms since that is where my interests lie. And it is a pretty hot topic right now.
I have to throw in a disclaimer, I am not a medical professional and this is not an attempt to diagnose any condition. The efficacy and safety of the items described in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA or other health organizations.
You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice relating to treatment or standard of care because of the information you read on a website.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s continue with the good stuff.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want a little help occasionally with tiredness, lack of mental clarity, or just the energy to get things done. For me, this is where nootropics come in. I work a lot, both physically and mentally, and I am not getting younger. So I do need a little boost on occasion.
Well, on a lot of occasions.
After researching my options, I settled on trying some mushroom supplements to see how they worked. The results have been pretty amazing and I want to share them with you.
Reishi mushrooms as Nootropics
This was my first attempt to increase my energy and mental clarity. So I grew some, then we made a double extraction tincture. I took it, and Bingo! It wasn’t a huge change, but it was noticeable. I was more awake, and it seemed I could think more clearly.
I increased the dose until I got to the place where I wanted to be. I was awake but not shaky or jittery like caffeine and my mind was working. These things really do work, but I should explain a little about it to you.
Chinese medicine has been using mushrooms and other herbs for centuries. Reishi is one of these. It is used for fighting infections, improving immune function, reducing stress, improving sleep and to lessen fatigue. It is also used as an adjunct to chemotherapy treatments.
Reishi is called “Lingzhi” (Mushroom of Immortality) in Chinese Medicine. Here is a link to the WebMD page about it. From my personal experience, I would not start at the dosages they recommend. I would be bouncing off the walls, but then, I am sensitive to it. I started with 2 drops and settled on 5 as my dosage. We have friends who take 10 drops daily. That is about half a milliliter. Some people do have reactions. It isn’t common but not unheard of.
If you have allergies to mushrooms caution is recommended. They also recommend those with diabetes monitor their blood sugar closely when taking supplements like these for the first time. There has been some evidence that it can lower blood sugar levels. Nothing conclusive but enough to warrant caution, especially those with more brittle blood sugar levels. If you are interested in more in-depth information about Reishi, its properties, and the studies done on efficacy, here is a place to start your research.
If you are interested in trying Reishi mushrooms, this is a very reputable brand that I have taken before.
Now for the reason for these posts. I am working on something to provide to the community. It is in the R&D phase right now, but keep your eyes open for announcements coming up.
Next up … Cordyceps Mushrooms and its energy-boosting properties.