How Adaptogens Actually Work: The Science Behind Medicinal Mushrooms

Few health terms have risen in popularity as dramatically as “adaptogens.” Once the purview of traditional herbalists and Eastern medicine practitioners, adaptogens are now a cornerstone of many modern health routines.

Among the most celebrated of these natural substances are medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane, and reishi. But what are adaptogens, exactly? And why are so many mushrooms considered adaptogenic?

In this article we’ll dive into some of the science that explains how adaptogens help the body "adapt", and why mushrooms are among the most powerful examples of this phenomenon.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a class of natural substances, typically herbs, roots, and fungi, that help the body resist and adapt to physical, chemical, emotional, or biological stress. Rather than forcing a specific pharmacological effect (like a stimulant or depressant), adaptogens work by restoring balance, or homeostasis, within the body’s stress response systems—particularly the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and the sympathoadrenal system.

The concept originates from mid-20th-century Soviet research, particularly the work of Dr. Nikolai Lazarev, who coined the term “adaptogen” in 1947. For a substance to qualify as an adaptogen, it must:

• Help the body resist stressors of all kinds (physical, emotional, chemical, etc.).
  
  
• Maintain or restore homeostasis without causing significant side effects or imbalances.
  
  
• Exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes, rather than stimulating or depressing specific functions.

How Adaptogens Work in the Body

At the molecular level, adaptogens influence key stress mediators such as:

• Cortisol: the body’s primary stress hormone.
  
  
• Nitric oxide (NO) and heat shock proteins (HSPs): molecules related to cellular protection.
  
  
• AMPK and mTOR: cellular energy sensors tied to metabolism and longevity.
  
  
• Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

Many adaptogens also are thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, enhancing cellular resilience across multiple body systems.

When you take an adaptogen:

• Your adrenal system may become more efficient at managing cortisol production.
  
  
• Your brain's synaptic plasticity may improve, boosting mental performance and emotional stability.
  
  
• Your immune system may respond more accurately to threats, without becoming overactive (autoimmunity) or sluggish.

Why Are Mushrooms Adaptogens?

Mushrooms occupy a fascinating space between food and medicine. The fungi kingdom produces a range of unique compounds not found in plants or animals—compounds that influence immunity, cognition, inflammation, and cellular protection.

Not all mushrooms are adaptogens, but a few stand out for their remarkable ability to restore balance and resist stress, and you will see these in many of our adaptogen supplements here at Raw Revelations.

Let’s take a look at three of the most celebrated examples: chaga, lion’s mane, and reishi.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga is a slow-growing fungus found primarily on birch trees in cold climates, and has been used medicinally for hundreds of years.

How Chaga Works as an Adaptogen:

• Immune Modulation: Chaga contains beta-glucans—polysaccharides that may enhance the body's immune response, stimulating underactive immune systems while calming overactive ones (key for autoimmune conditions).
  
  
• Antioxidant Mastery: Chaga has one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) values of any known food. This is thought to translate to exceptional protection against oxidative stress, which is a major driver of aging, inflammation, and disease.
  
  
• Stress Buffer: Chaga's triterpenes and melanin compounds support adrenal health and help regulate cortisol levels, improving the body’s resilience to both short- and long-term stress.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane is a striking white mushroom with cascading spines that resemble a shaggy mane. It’s prized not just for its culinary value, but for its impact on the brain.

How Lion’s Mane Works as an Adaptogen:

• NGF Stimulation: Lion’s Mane is one of the few natural substances known to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF)—a protein that promotes the growth and repair of neurons.
  
  
• Brain Fog Fighter: It supports cognitive function, memory retention, and focus, making it a go-to for students, professionals, and those seeking neuroprotective benefits as they age.
  
  
• Mood Regulation: By supporting serotonin and dopamine pathways, Lion’s Mane can potentially reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while supporting long-term brain health.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi has been used for over 2,000 years in Eastern medicine and spiritual practice. Known for its bitter taste and woody texture, it's not eaten directly, but typically brewed or extracted.

How Reishi Works as an Adaptogen:

• Cortisol Regulation: Reishi helps balance the HPA axis, reducing excess cortisol and calming the body’s fight-or-flight response.
  
  
• Sleep Support: Reishi promotes deeper, more restorative sleep, thanks to its action on GABA receptors and influence on melatonin cycles.
  
  
• Immune Balance: Like chaga, reishi contains beta-glucans and triterpenes, which are thought to balance immune activity—useful in chronic inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.
  
  
• Emotional Resilience: Traditionally considered a “shen” tonic (spirit-nourishing herb), Reishi supports mental and emotional clarity, making it ideal for meditation, burnout recovery, or spiritual work.

Our popular adaptogen powder, Bag of Tricks, contains Reishi mushroom (along with many other adaptogens) for these very reasons.

The Synergy of Mushroom Adaptogens

One of the most exciting aspects of medicinal mushrooms is their synergistic potential. While each mushroom has its own specialty, they often complement one another:

• Chaga grounds and protects the immune system.
  
  
• Lion’s Mane sharpens the mind and enhances nerve health.
  
  
• Reishi soothes the spirit and supports long-term resilience.
  

When combined, they create a multi-layered defense system—calming the nerves, fortifying the body, and sharpening the mind.

Why Mushroom Adaptogens Matter

In a world overloaded with digital noise, chronic stress, and environmental toxins, the adaptogenic power of mushrooms offers a return to biological intelligence, working with the body rather than against it.

Mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, and reishi are not quick fixes or hype supplements. When used consistently and mindfully, they can potentially help the body defend against stress and simply provide support to your body as a whole.

Here at Raw Revelations, we offer a wide range of adaptogen supplements that you can add to your wellness routine to potentially bolster your body’s natural systems. If you have any questions about which of our supplement powders might be right for you, get in touch with us!