For ages, cultures worldwide have revered the mighty power of mushrooms. From ancient Indian Ayurvedic healers to Taoist monks in the Himalayas, these fungi have been key players in traditional medicine around the globe.

Even Ötzi the Iceman found frozen in the Alps, packed mushrooms on his journey 5,000 years ago—proof of our enduring bond with these adaptogenic fungi.

The bad news: To unleash their full potential, you’ve gotta break down their tough outer shell (chitin) because our bodies can’t do it alone.

Luckily, the Yamabushi Monks in Japan figured this out ages ago. They mastered the art of extracting mushrooms into tonics and teas, making sure to break down the cell wall for maximum benefits.

And today, modern science follows suit, using ethanol or hot water extraction to get every ounce of goodness out of these mushrooms.

That’s why we say the best way to get your fix of these adaptogenic mushrooms is in your morning coffee. It’s not just a trend—it’s a tradition rooted in centuries of wisdom.

1. Brain Food – Lion’s Mane

   There’s a reason the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” High in the Himalayas, monks stumbled upon a remarkable discovery – a mushroom with a striking resemblance to the human brain.

   This “brain-like” mushroom, known as Lion’s Mane, has been revered for centuries for its potential to support cognitive function. Buddhist Shaolin monks are known to have used this mushroom to help them in their meditation and to cultivate Chi or Qi (balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and the universe).


2. The Ageless Shroom – Reishi

   Reishi, often called the “10,000-year mushroom,” is traditionally associated with immortality. This remarkable mushroom was discovered over 2,000 years ago in the sacred Changbai Mountains of northeast China.

   In 100 A.D., Emperor Yan mentioned Reishi in a book on Chinese Medicine and it soon became a staple in Royal Chinese culture. Revered for its so-called ‘powers of immortality,’ Reishi’s reputation might be a bit exaggerated, but its ability to promote a healthy inflammatory response could explain these grand claims.

   Besides its health benefits, Reishi was also believed to foster a deeper spiritual connection, calm the mind and expel negative energy from the body.


3. The Spirit Spore – Turkey Tail

   A tale as old as time, the Turkey Tail mushroom. This hardy fungus is found on every continent except Antarctica. In Asia, it has symbolized longevity, good fortune and spiritual vitality for centuries. Among Native American tribes, Turkey Tail was often linked to the spirit realm and revered as a sacred gift from nature because of its immune-boosting properties.


4. The Fun-gi – Shiitake

   Around 1100 A.D., a woodcutter named Wu San Kwung stumbled upon a surprising discovery. After chopping some logs, he noticed mushrooms sprouting from the freshly cut wood! This event, now legendary in the world of mushroom cultivation, credited Wu San Kwung as the “Father of Shiitake” and sparked the very first documented log-grown mushroom cultivation operation in history.

   It is now the second most popular edible mushroom not only due to its delicious taste but also for its bioactive compounds that support the gut and overall health and wellness.


5. The Energy Shroom – Cordyceps

   This mushroom, discovered growing from a caterpillar’s corpse, was believed by ancient Tibetan physicians to boost semen production and libido. This discovery came about when Tibetan herders noticed their cattle grew friskier, acting like they were ‘in heat’ after grazing on what they thought was ‘brown grass,’ later identified as Cordyceps.

   For centuries, China’s royal families used Cordyceps as a tonic for energy, vitality, and endurance. In 1993, two unranked Chinese athletes broke multiple world records in swimming and running, later revealing it was their coach’s special Cordyceps drink giving them the record-breaking energy boost. The athletes were questioned about their use of banned substances, but it was mushrooms that helped them over the finish line.

   Today, Cordyceps is best known for boosting energy levels, making it a popular ingredient in natural pre-workout formulas.


6. The Mystery Mushroom – King Trumpet

   The King Trumpet boasts a rich history shrouded in mystery. While its exact origin story remains unknown, evidence suggests these trumpet-shaped treasures have been enjoyed in the Mediterranean, South America and beyond for centuries.

   In modern times, Turkey Tail has become a holy grail in the vegan community, finding its way into many dishes as a plant-based alternative to meat. Beyond its culinary uses, it has also been extensively studied for its rich content of beta-glucans, which are associated with supporting immune function and defending against signs of aging.

From the brain-boosting Lion’s Mane to the ageless wonder of Reishi these fungi have left their mark on history and continue to be celebrated, revered and researched for their incredible benefits.

Next time you sip your morning cup of Java Shroom™ - infused with these magical mushrooms - remember that you’re partaking in a tradition that spans millennia. Embrace the wisdom of ancient healers, monks and even Ötzi the Iceman to help you thrive in your modern life with your delish cup of adaptogenic mushroom coffee.