Amy Charnay and Lily Mazzarella began experimenting with adding woody medicinal mushrooms to ground coffee as an unconventional approach to creating a satisfying beverage without caffeine but still needing something stimulating in the morning. Their goal was to craft something flavorful that would appeal to people looking for an energy boost without succumbing to caffeine-induced sleeplessness.

Reishi Roast has since created a blend of coffee-like grounds with reishi mushroom powder, milk thistle seed pods, dandelion roots, cacao bean nibs and cinnamon bark that has become their signature product for eight years. Fans claim its benefits include increased energy balance, better mental focus and digestion, improved sleep patterns and overall wellness benefits.

Reishi mushroom has potency anti-inflammatory effects that may help the body manage stress better by regulating cortisol levels and supporting relaxation. Chaga medicinal mushroom, another popular choice in mushroom coffee, is widely known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer benefits while Lion’s mane herb often included is also an adaptogenic one which may regulate cortisol and promote relaxation.

Reishi mushrooms offer one of the longest lists of benefits among medicinal mushrooms and are often referred to as the “king of all herbal medicines.” Reishi increases energy, helps balance hormones, boost immunity, extend longevity, promote well-being and enhance longevity. Reishi contains polysaccharides, proteoglycans and beta-glucans – all known for their beneficial effects – though their levels differ across parts of its plant – for instance fruiting bodies contain four times as many polysaccharides as mycelium contains.