Mushroom coffee combines traditional coffee with medicinal mushroom extracts to offer cognitive, immune and energy benefits. Often promoted as a replacement for morning cups of joe, mushroom coffee can be found at many health food stores and online. While there have been preliminary research findings regarding various ingredients used in mushroom coffee blends, more human studies are necessary before conclusively verifying any claims of benefits or safety made for it. Individuals with autoimmune conditions, underlying health conditions or taking prescription medication should first consult their healthcare provider prior to adding mushroom coffee into their routine.

Mushroom coffee blends do not typically use the same kind of mushrooms found in magic mushrooms that contain psilocybin and cause mind-altering effects, however. Instead, medicinal varieties used such as lion’s mane, chaga and turkey tail have been shown to support immunity while decreasing inflammation levels; furthermore these mushrooms have also been linked with cancer prevention and helping with chemotherapy-induced side effects like nausea and vomiting.

Other mushroom coffee brands utilize ingredients that have been studied to potentially help with anxiety and stress relief, heart disease, gastrointestinal conditions and diabetes. Peruvian maca root, ashwaghanda and Siberian ginseng are some of the adaptogenic herbs commonly found in mushroom coffee that may help balance out its caffeine content; some companies even offer products with reduced acidity with each serving providing only 45 milligrams of caffeine!

Evidence exists suggesting mushroom coffee’s ability to reduce inflammation and boost antioxidant levels, although more research needs to be conducted. Reishi and cordyceps mushrooms in particular have been discovered to lower cortisol levels associated with stress, helping prevent fatigue and burnout according to Czerwony.

Under certain conditions, it may be difficult to meet daily mushroom intake needs from one cup of mushroom coffee depending on its brand and serving size. To use it as an alternative coffee alternative, she advises starting out slowly by increasing gradually from small quantities up. People with autoimmune conditions or histories of liver or kidney disease should avoid the beverage as it could interfere with medications they’re currently taking, she notes.

As is true of all complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products, mushroom coffee should only be taken after consulting with a health care provider first if pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals sensitive to coffee, digestive or heart conditions as well as those taking specific medicines like blood thinners or immunosuppressants should refrain. No research exists yet indicating any negative interactions with specific medicinal mushrooms used in mushroom coffee products but the CDC strongly advises people discuss any CAM treatments with their physicians first, even if there has been promising preliminary research results; especially those taking blood thinners or immunosuppressants when beginning any alternative CAM regiment first before starting any alternative therapy program of any sort – particularly before starting any complementary and alternative medicine such as mushroom coffee products containing specific medicinal mushrooms used within.