How Mushrooms Help Your Brain Health

Turns out…mushrooms ARE the moment. You’ll find them in everything from supplements and trendy coffees to functional wellness drinks like our very own functional mushroom beverage,  Focus+.

But this mushroom moment on the rise isn’t exactly new. In fact, mushrooms have been used for generations in natural medicines to nourish the body and fuel the mind.

Now, science is finally catching up to what traditional healing practices have known all along: certain mushrooms may help with memory, focus, and even managing everyday stress. These fungi are earning their reputation as nature’s brain boosters, and we’re here for it.

With so many brain-boosting blends filling shelves, it’s easy to overlook the natural wonders that have been quietly doing their thing all along.

So let’s break it down: how mushrooms help with mental clarity, the science behind them, and which ones we’re loving most.

Mushrooms & Brain Health: Why We’re Obsessed (And You Should Be Too)

Think of mushrooms as little wellness wizards for your brain… seriously. Some varieties are packed with compounds that help your mind feel clearer, calmer, and more energized.

That’s exactly why we’ve blended powerhouse ingredients like Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, Reishi, and other plants like Bacopa into one delicious drink that works hard so your brain doesn’t have to. Whether you’re juggling a busy day or just trying to remember where you put your keys, Focus+ is here to help you feel more alert, balanced, and grounded.

Here’s a closer look at the mushrooms and herbs we love, and why your brain will love them too.

Lion's Mane: The Mushroom for Cognitive Function

This mushroom doesn’t just wear its mane—it earns it. Lion’s Mane is known for its powerful brain-supporting properties, and it takes pride in helping your memory, focus, and clarity stay strong.

In a recent study, researchers from the University of Queensland observed that participants taking Lion’s Mane supplements experienced noticeable improvements in cognitive function.

The magic behind it? A natural compound that boosts something called nerve growth factor (NGF)—a protein your brain needs to grow new neurons, repair damaged ones, and strengthen communication between brain cells.

Translation: better memory, quicker recall, and sharper thinking, all while giving your brain long-term protection as you age.

Bacopa: The Brain Booster

Okay, so truth be told, Bacopa isn’t a mushroom. But it is such a legendary brain booster that we had to include it in Focus+.

Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, Bacopa is now recognized as a natural aid in reducing anxiety and supporting cognitive function. It supports acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter tied to learning and memory, and is loaded with antioxidants that help your brain take in and retain information more easily.

Whether you’re studying, multitasking, or trying to remember where you left your keys, Bacopa’s here to help your brain stay sharp and steady.

Stress Less, Think More: Adaptogens for Brain Health

We all know that stress can mess with your head, but as it turns out, it’s doing more than just making you feel overwhelmed.

Chronic stress increases levels of cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone, which can lead to brain fog, fatigue, irritability, and even memory issues.

That’s where adaptogens come in. These natural herbs and mushrooms help your body adapt to stress (hence the name) by bringing your nervous system back into balance.

Two of the stars in our Focus+ blend—Ashwagandha and Reishi—are especially helpful in calming your mind and keeping your focus on point.

Ashwagandha: The Cortisol Calmer

Ashwagandha had its viral moment online, and for good reason! This well-known adaptogen,

Ashwagandha, works by supporting your HPA axis (that’s short for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal), the system that controls how your body responds to stress. When your HPA axis is functioning smoothly, cortisol levels stay in check, and so does your mental energy.

Perfect for high-achievers, creatives, and anyone whose brain is “on” all day long. Ashwagandha helps take the mental edge off, making focus feel effortless again.

Reishi: Balance The Nervous System Supporter

Nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi is a functional mushroom, famous for its calming, grounding properties, and helping your body unwind while your brain has a chance to reboot.

Reishi works alongside Ashwagandha by helping regulate your adrenal glands, which play a big role in stress hormone production. But it also does something special: it calms your nervous system, promoting relaxation that leads to better sleep and, in turn, better brain function.

While you sleep, your brain is busy clearing out toxins, forming memories, and making repairs. Reishi’s soothing compounds, like beta-glucans and triterpenes, support that nighttime magic, helping you wake up feeling clear, refreshed, and mentally recharged.

So, How Much Mushroom Is Just Right?

Research suggests that consuming around two cups of mushrooms per week may help  improve brain function, but the right amount really depends on you. Are you looking for a quick mental boost, or long-term brain support?

If the earthy flavor of mushrooms isn’t your thing (or you just want a fast and functional option), functional beverages like Arden’s Garden’s Focus+ are a delicious and easy way to get your daily dose. No sautéing required!

Prefer to take the scenic route? Try adding functional mushrooms to your meals. From stir-fries to soups to smoothies, there are plenty of ways to invite these fungi into your kitchen.

Your Brain's New Best Friend

Mushrooms are some of nature's most powerful brain protectors, rich in antioxidants, stress-fighting compounds, and nutrients that help keep your mind clear and balanced.

Whether you’re sipping Focus+ on the go or cooking up your own mushroom-packed meals, you’re giving your brain the tools it needs to thrive. From Lion's Mane and its memory-boosting magic, to Bacopa’s learning support, to Ashwagandha and Reishi keeping stress at bay, these natural powerhouses work together to help create the perfect environment for cognitive clarity—now and for the long haul.

Find your Focus+ at one of our 19 Arden’s Garden stores and your neighborhood Publix!