Functional Mushrooms Compared

Lion's mane is the brain mushroom: focus and cognition. Available as a 100 ml liquid extract, coffee beans and filter grind.

Problems it addresses

• Brain fog and mental fatigue
• Poor focus and concentration
• Memory lapses and cognitive decline
• Slow nerve recovery
• Low mood and motivation
• Cognitive impairment after illness
• Age related decline in mental sharpness

What it supports

• Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF)
• Supports neuroplasticity and learning
• Improves working memory and recall
• Promotes myelin sheath regeneration
• Supports serotonin and dopamine balance
• Anti inflammatory effect in the brain
• Long term neuroprotective effect

Biohacker protocol

2 ml of extract in your morning coffee, plus 1 ml in the afternoon for deep work sessions.

Cordyceps is the performance mushroom: energy and endurance. Available as a 100 ml liquid extract.

Problems it addresses

• Low energy and chronic fatigue
• Reduced athletic performance
• Poor oxygen use
• Slow recovery after training
• Low libido and hormonal imbalance
• Afternoon energy dips
• Mitochondrial inefficiency

What it supports

• Increases ATP (cellular energy) production
• Improves VO2 max and oxygen use
• Increases endurance and physical output
• Speeds up muscle recovery after training
• Supports testosterone and hormonal balance
• Stabilises energy levels through the day
• Activates mitochondrial biogenesis

Biohacker protocol

2 ml 30 minutes before training, or 1 ml in the afternoon against an energy dip. Combine with lion's mane for a physical and mental peak.

Chaga is the king of antioxidants: cell protection and immunity. Available as a 100 ml liquid extract.

Problems it addresses

• Chronic low grade inflammation
• High oxidative stress
• Weakened immune system
• DNA damage from free radicals
• Poor gut microbiome
• Acidic internal environment
• Sluggish detox pathways

What it supports

• Highest ORAC antioxidant value of all mushrooms
• Powerful anti inflammatory compounds
• Immune modulation and strengthening
• Protects DNA from oxidative damage
• Supports gut health and the microbiome
• Alkalising effect on the body's pH
• Supports the liver and detox pathways

Biohacker protocol

2 ml in your morning coffee. Goes very well with lion's mane to protect brain and body.

Shiitake is the kitchen mushroom: immunity, vitality and natural umami. Available as coffee beans, filter grind, a 40 g powdered extract and in Maté Magic tea.

Problems it addresses

• Weak immune defence and frequent colds
• Weak mucosal immunity (low sIgA)
• Low grade inflammation (raised CRP)
• High cholesterol
• Oxidative stress
• Imbalanced gut microbiome
• Low energy and vitality

What it supports

• Lentinan, a beta glucan that activates immune cells such as T helper and NK cells
• In a 4 week human study, 5 to 10 g of shiitake a day improved immune cell activity and raised sIgA
• Lower CRP in the same study, a less inflammatory state
• Eritadenine, which supports healthy cholesterol metabolism in animal studies
• Ergothioneine, one of the strongest antioxidants in food
• Prebiotic fibre that feeds the gut microbiome
• Natural umami for coffee, broth and soup

Biohacker protocol

One cup of shiitake coffee (14 g) in the morning or at midday, plus half a teaspoon of powder (about 690 mg) in soup, broth or a smoothie. Use daily for at least 4 weeks: in the human study the results came after 4 weeks of daily use.

Maitake, the hen of the woods or dancing mushroom: nourishment, balance and vitality. Available as a 40 g powder, in tremella coffee and in Moody Blues tea.

What it supports

• Nourishment, balance and vitality
• Traditionally used to support immune defence
• Traditionally used for metabolic balance
• Beta glucans, standardised to at least 20% in the powder
• A rich, savoury umami taste

Biohacker protocol

Half a teaspoon of powder in broth, cacao or coffee, or a cup of Moody Blues tea.

Tremella is the beauty mushroom: beauty and hydration. Available as a 100 ml liquid extract, coffee beans and filter grind.

Problems it addresses

• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Loss of skin elasticity and collagen
• Fluid retention and puffiness
• Signs of early ageing
• Poor cellular hydration
• Dry, stiff joints
• Dull complexion

What it supports

• Stimulates natural collagen production
• Binds up to 500 times its weight in water, similar to hyaluronic acid
• Regulates fluid balance in cells and tissues
• Powerful antioxidant to protect the skin
• Supports joint lubrication
• Promotes a radiant, hydrated complexion
• Neuroprotective and slows ageing at cellular level

Biohacker protocol

1 ml in the evening. Combine with reishi for a beauty and recovery night protocol. Tremella filter coffee in the morning.

Reishi is the adaptogenic mushroom: calm and balance. Available as a 100 ml liquid extract and espresso grind.

Problems it addresses

• Chronic stress and burnout
• Poor sleep quality
• Overreactive immune system
• Liver overload and toxin build up
• High cortisol levels
• Anxiety and nervous system dysregulation
• High blood pressure

What it supports

• Modulates cortisol and the stress response
• Supports deep sleep and recovery
• Regulates the immune system up or down
• Hepatoprotective, supports liver detox
• Promotes the parasympathetic nervous system
• Adaptogenic, helps the body find balance
• Supports healthy blood pressure

Biohacker protocol

1 ml in the morning plus 2 ml in the evening. Espresso for everyday calm. Not before intense training.

All Ra Hygge extracts are double extracted from fruiting bodies only, not mycelium. This gives the full spectrum of water soluble (beta glucans) and fat soluble (triterpenes) compounds. Start with 50% of the dose in the first week. Results build over 2 to 8 weeks of consistent use: functional mushrooms are not a quick fix but a long term protocol.