Functional mushrooms are one of the biggest wellness search trends in the UK right now — and in 2026, the three names people keep seeing everywhere are:
- Lion’s mane
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
They’re often lumped together, but they’re actually used for very different goals.
In this guide, we’ll compare lion’s mane vs reishi vs cordyceps in plain English — including benefits, what they feel like, best timing, side effects, and which one is best for sleep, stress, focus or energy.
This article is educational and not medical advice.
Quick answer: which mushroom should you choose?
If you want the fast breakdown:
- Choose lion’s mane if your goal is focus, brain fog, memory, productivity.
- Choose reishi if your goal is sleep, calm, nervous system support.
- Choose cordyceps if your goal is energy, workouts, stamina, motivation.
Many people get the best results by using two:
- A daytime mushroom (lion’s mane or cordyceps)
- An evening mushroom (reishi)
Lion’s mane benefits: focus, brain fog & memory
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is often called the “brain mushroom” because it’s commonly used to support:
- Focus and concentration
- Brain fog
- Mental clarity
- Memory support
- Motivation and productivity
What lion’s mane feels like
Most people describe lion’s mane as:
- Subtle but noticeable mental clarity
- Smoother focus (less distracted)
- Less mental fatigue in the afternoon
It’s not usually a stimulant like caffeine. It’s more like your brain feels cleaner and sharper.
When to take lion’s mane
- Morning (best for focus)
- Early afternoon (if you want a productivity boost)
- Avoid late evening if it makes you feel too switched-on
Reishi benefits: sleep, calm & stress support
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is widely used for calming and wind-down support. It’s most associated with:
- Evening relaxation
- Sleep routines
- Stress resilience
- Nervous system calm
- “Wired but tired” burnout-style fatigue
What reishi feels like
Reishi is rarely an “instant” effect. Most people notice it more like:
- Less evening tension
- Better sleep quality over time
- Fewer night wakings
- Feeling calmer without feeling sedated
When to take reishi
- Evening (best time)
- 1–2 hours before bed
- Often used as a warm drink ritual
If you want an easy way to add reishi into your evening routine, our Reishi Cacao Powder is designed exactly for that: a cosy, calming bedtime cacao with functional mushroom support.
Cordyceps benefits: energy, workouts & stamina
Cordyceps is the performance-focused mushroom. People use it for:
- Workout stamina
- Energy and drive
- Endurance training
- Low motivation and fatigue
- Supporting physical output without caffeine jitters
What cordyceps feels like
Cordyceps tends to feel more energising than lion’s mane. Many people describe it as:
- More “get up and go” energy
- Better workout stamina
- Less sluggishness
When to take cordyceps
- Morning
- Pre-workout
- Avoid at night (it may interfere with sleep)
Side effects & who should avoid functional mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are generally well tolerated, but side effects can happen — especially at high doses or if you’re sensitive.
Possible side effects
- Digestive upset (nausea, bloating, loose stools)
- Headaches (rare)
- Skin reactions (rare)
- Feeling overstimulated (more likely with cordyceps)
Be cautious or avoid functional mushrooms if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless advised by a professional)
- Have autoimmune conditions (some mushrooms influence immune signalling)
- Take blood thinners or immunosuppressants
- Have allergies to mushrooms
If you take prescription medication, speak to a healthcare professional before adding any mushroom supplement.
How to take functional mushrooms (timing & routine)
The best way to take functional mushrooms is to treat them like a routine, not a one-off.
General timing guide
- Lion’s mane: morning / early afternoon
- Cordyceps: morning / pre-workout
- Reishi: evening / bedtime
How long do mushrooms take to work?
Some people feel subtle effects in the first few days, but most benefits are reported after 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
Best stacks: mushrooms + magnesium + CBD
If you want the biggest real-world impact, mushrooms work brilliantly when stacked with other calming tools.
Stack 1: Sleep + nervous system calm
- Reishi in the evening (e.g. Reishi Cacao Powder)
- Magnesium Sleep Blend before bed: Magnesium Sleep Blend
- Sleep CBD Oil 30–60 mins before bed: Sleep CBD Oil
Stack 2: Daily stress + balance
- Lion’s mane in the morning
- Flow CBD Oil for daily calm: Flow CBD Oil
Stack 3: Recovery + physical tension
- Cordyceps pre-workout
- Relief CBD Oil for recovery: Relief CBD Oil
- CBD Balm for targeted areas: CBD Balm
And if you prefer capsules instead of oil, you can also explore: Evopure CBD Capsules.
Frequently asked questions
Which mushroom is best for anxiety?
Reishi is the most commonly used mushroom for calm and stress support. Lion’s mane is better for mental clarity, and cordyceps is more energising.
Which mushroom is best for sleep?
Reishi is usually the best choice for sleep support, especially when taken consistently in the evening as part of a wind-down routine.
Which mushroom is best for energy?
Cordyceps is the best-known mushroom for physical energy, stamina and workout support.
Can I take lion’s mane and reishi together?
Yes. Many people take lion’s mane in the morning for focus and reishi in the evening for calm and sleep.
Do functional mushrooms have side effects?
They’re usually well tolerated, but possible side effects include digestive upset, headaches, or feeling overstimulated (especially with cordyceps). Start low and increase gradually.
Final thoughts: which mushroom is best?
If you want the simplest way to choose:
- Lion’s mane = focus, brain fog, productivity
- Reishi = calm, stress, sleep support
- Cordyceps = energy, workouts, stamina
If you want the easiest “evening ritual” option, our Reishi Cacao Powder is designed to make reishi feel genuinely enjoyable — not like a bitter supplement chore.
And if you’re building a full stress + sleep stack, explore:
