How Long Does it Take to Feel the Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms?

 

Commit to mushroom supplements as you would a new exercise routine - gradually and with realistic expectations.

Medicinal mushrooms have become an increasingly popular natural health supplement. 

Known for their immune-boosting and adaptogenic properties, mushrooms like reishi, chaga, lion's mane, and cordyceps promise a host of benefits. 

But a common question remains: how long does it take to actually feel the side effects from medication?

As someone who has experimented with medicinal mushrooms, I can attest that the timing varies based on the specific mushroom, dosage, and individual body chemistry. However, some general timeframes apply.

Anecdote: My Experience with Reishi

I first began taking reishi mushroom capsules to help manage stress and improve sleep. 

For the first 2 weeks, I did not notice any significant changes. But after about 3-4 weeks, I realized I felt more relaxed and my sleep quality had improved. The effects were subtle but noticeable.

I have continued taking Reishi sporadically over the past year. I find if I take it daily for at least a month, the calming and sleep-enhancing benefits are more pronounced. 

It seems reishi needs time to build up in the system before its effects are fully felt.

Adaptogens: Slow But Steady Immune Support

One reason medicinal mushrooms take time to work is that they are adaptogens, meaning they help bring the body into balance. 

Mushrooms contain compounds like polysaccharides, triterpenoids, ergosterols, and beta-glucans that modulate immune function and healthy inflammation pathways.

But these processes do not happen overnight. It takes weeks of consistent use for concentrations of the bioactive compounds to reach optimal levels.

For example, research on reishi found significant immunomodulating effects after 4 weeks, with benefits increasing after 8-12 weeks of daily use. Chaga and Cordyceps follow similar timeframes.

So a month or longer of daily supplementation seems necessary to experience the full immune-boosting potential of medicinal mushrooms. Those looking for quick results may be disappointed, but patience pays off.

Nootropic Mushrooms: Subtle Cognitive Enhancers 

Medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane and cordyceps are also popular nootropics, used to enhance cognitive function. Many report improvements in memory, focus, clarity, and mood.

However, like the immune effects, the nootropic benefits manifest slowly over time. 

In my experience, lion’s mane in particular took consistent daily use for 6-8 weeks before I noticed cognitive differences. 

The changes were nuanced but noticeable - easier recall, quicker thinking, and more focused work sessions.

Studies back up the prolonged timeline, with one showing that 8 weeks of lion’s mane extract significantly improved cognitive function in older adults. 

So to tap into mushrooms’ brain-boosting potential, commit to at least 2 months of use.

The Bottom Line on Timeframes

While humans love quick fixes, medicinal mushrooms simply do not work that way. 

Their effects build slowly, over weeks and often months of use. For most medicinal mushrooms, allow at least 4 weeks before expecting to feel any significant benefits, with 8-12 weeks ideal for full effects.