Sunday Edit
  • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Nails
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Health
    • Holistic & Spiritual
    • Love
    • Sex
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Sustainability
    • Culture
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Gifts
  • Shop
  • About Us
Close up of lions mane mushrooms.
David Alley/EyeEm/Getty Images

Wellness » Health » Nutrition

6 Functional Mushrooms for Wellness Junkies

Authored by Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn
August 24, 2020

Adding mushrooms into our beauty and health routines is exciting but also a tad confusing. And despite a lot of overlap in the beauty properties of mushrooms, knowing which mushrooms offer specific health benefits can help us better determine where to dip our toes. “The reason why incorporating mushrooms for skin health as a food source rather than topically to the skin is that many of the immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms is best absorbed by the body orally instead of topically … The body will be able to recognize it and use it as it is found in nature. This is why, although I like using supplements when patients have diseases … that may cause nutrient deficiencies, my favorite way to help patients optimize their health is by using food as medicine,” says Alissia Zenhausern, N.M.D., a naturopathic physician at NMD Wellness of Scottsdale. 

Reishi
AbbieImages/Getty Images
1

Reishi

Considered an adaptogen — thanks to its natural reduction of physical and mental stress — reishi mushrooms provide a feeling of balance. “Reishi can also help regulate an overactive immune system and is known for its ability to provide cardiovascular support,” says Sandra Carter, Ph.D., founder of Om Mushrooms.

Chaga
James Aloysius Mahan V/Shutterstock
2

Chaga

Carter considers Chaga a “must-have mushroom” — and for good reason. “Thanks to its antioxidant makeup, this type of mushroom might support anti-aging properties for a youthful glow,” she explains. “Chaga is also known to have some of the highest antioxidants of all the mushrooms, which helps prevent free-radical damage to protect our DNA in skin cells,” she adds.  

Lion’s Mane
David Alley/EyeEm/Getty Images
3

Lion’s Mane

If you are looking for brain support, the lion’s mane is your guy. “Sometimes referred to as ‘the smart mushroom,’ lion’s mane can lend support to nerve health and cognitive function, explains Carter. “Lion’s mane is a type of nootropic, which is a type of substance that enhances nerve conduction and cognition for better coordination and agility,” she adds. Because of that, this type of mushroom can particularly benefit athletes or those looking to improve their focus on performance and training. 

Turkey Tail
Ron Mellott/Stocksy
4

Turkey Tail

When it comes to holistic healing, turkey tail mushrooms can come in handy. “Turkey tail has complex forms of beta-glucans that help to potentiate our immune defense and has shown to be very effective as a form of prevention,” she adds. 

Cordyceps
Mamsizz/Shutterstock
5

Cordyceps

Thanks to its impressive anti-inflammatory effects, cordyceps can benefit both beauty and wellness in large ways. Decreasing inflammation from the inside out can help with skin concerns like acne and rosacea and can benefit gut health. On top of that, cordyceps are well-known for their ability to increase endurance. “Cordyceps helps you build energy naturally, [which] increases your vitality and stamina throughout your day or workout,” says Carter. 

Tremella
Igor Cheri/Shutterstock
6

Tremella

Also known as the snow mushroom, Sousa says the tremella mushroom has “extraordinary performance in skincare formulas.” Thanks to its lightening and moisturizing properties (which, as we mentioned previously, are similar to that of hyaluronic acid), the tremella mushroom has a “skin smoothing effect” that, when mixed into a formula, can leave the skin looking and feeling plumper, softer and well-nourished. 

We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.

Wellness Health Nutrition

Sundays should be special.

Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on all things skincare and beyond.

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Most Popular

  • Relationship Age Gap Rules – Does Age Matter in Love?

  • Is Drinking Decaffeinated Tea Good For You?

  • What Are The Benefits of Magnesium?

Read More
Closeup of turkey tail turkey tail polyspore mushroom from a wildlife refuge in Indiana.

Functional Mushrooms are Not Your Average Fungus

By Jessie Quinn
An illustration of beauty supplement pills and cup of coffee on a marble counter.

Everything You Wanted To Ask About Beauty Supplements

By Molly Shea
A triptych of IV bags on a green background.

Doctors Dish on IV Treatments

By Macaela Mackenzie
Overhead shot of turmeric powder and a wooden spoon on a light blue background.

Why is Everyone Obsessed With Turmeric?

By Mellanie Perez
by
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Our Contributors
  • Terms + Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Contact Us
Make Sundays special! Stay in the loop on all things skincare (and beyond) with our weekly newsletter.
© 2025 Sunday Edit

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our site. By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of cookies. Learn more here

heart-envelope-email

No more Sunday scaries.

Make Sundays special again! Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on topics that spark a conversation for everyone.
No Thank You!

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy