Mushroom coffee has made waves on social media recently, boasting mental and immune-enhancing claims. But does it really work? This popular beverage combines traditional coffee with medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, lion’s mane turkey tail chaga reishi to produce cognitive-enhancing properties while decreasing caffeine and stimulants found in regular coffee – giving mushroom coffee its unique blend of cognitive enhancement, reduced inflammation, improved sleep quality and immune boosting qualities. But does it really work?

Medicinal mushrooms and herbs have long been used in traditional medicine, yet human studies assessing their effect are scarce. Furthermore, no proof exists to support claims that drinking mushroom coffee will help overcome fatigue, boost energy levels, improve digestion and treat conditions such as stress, chronic kidney disease or asthma – these claims being all marketing claims with no scientific basis whatsoever according to Natural Medicines database.

Lion’s mane fungus, widely touted for its cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties, is usually the star ingredient of mushroom coffees. Additionally, other herbs or mushrooms such as ashwagandha–a powerful adaptogen known to aid with stress–and reishi–a powerful anti-inflammatory with immune-enhancing capabilities–are often added.

A cup of standard coffee typically contains 150 milligrams of caffeine, according to Aziz. Most mushroom coffees, on the other hand, tend to contain only 50-60 milligrams per cup compared with standard coffee’s 150-milligram maximum; they’re often more expensive as well with prices typically running $15-30 per 12-ounce bag.

Although some of the health claims made about mushroom brews may be true, it’s important to keep in mind that there are numerous supplements with similar health claims. Without more clinical research into individual ingredients found within mushroom brews, it would likely be best to opt for standard coffee and complementary and alternative medicine treatments instead.

Before beginning taking any new supplements containing medicinal mushrooms and herbs, it’s wise to consult your physician. This is particularly important if you have preexisting health conditions or medications which could interact with these substances. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women who may be sensitive to caffeine are advised against trying mushroom coffee due to potential stomach upset and potential caffeine allergy side effects.