Adaptogens are substances that help your body maintain homeostasis and respond to fatigue, anxiety, illness, or stress - in other words, they support the body's ability to adapt. Research suggests that in addition to exerting anti-fatigue, pro-cognitive, and immunomodulatory effects, adaptogens might also help play a role in balancing levels of our stress-inducing hormone, cortisol.

Medicinal Mushrooms are one of the few naturally-ocurring sources of adaptogenic compounds, and some Medicinal Mushrooms that have been used in healing for centuries such as Reishi (Ganoderma sp.), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus),and Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)are now often referred to as 'adaptogenic mushrooms' for their supportive role in the body's natural regulation functions.

The cell walls of mushrooms boast a special type of adaptogenic polysaccharide known as beta-glucan. The basic role that beta-glucans play within the structure of mushroom cell walls seems to mirror the overall immunomodulatory effect that beta-glucans have on our bodies. These compounds are thought to have a meaningful beneficial impact on the immune system, as research suggests that beta-glucans effectively stimulate the host immune response to defend against bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection.

Polysaccharides are a complex carbohydrate and are one of the most commonly occurring bioactive adaptogenic compounds in fungi. Thought to play an immunomodulatory role while simultaneously boosting cognitive function and mood, specific types of mushrooms, like Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Maitake, all possess high levels of polysaccharides such as alpha- and beta-glucans. Along with many other bioactive compounds, a high level of beta-glucans is what characterizes our Medicinal Mushroom Tinctures.

Commonly found in Reishi and Chaga, triterpenes are noted to have significant potential to support the human immune system. They are implicated in the mechanisms of action and pharmacological effects produced by many plants and fungi that are used in folk medicine against diseases. As well as being immunomodulator compounds, they have been described as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial agents.