Mental Health Awareness: How Mushrooms Can Support Your Mind-Body Wellness

As the conversation around mental health grows louder and more vital than ever, Mental Health Awareness Month offers a timely reminder of how essential it is to prioritise our psychological wellbeing. Around one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. (1) The increasing pace of modern life, compounded by global uncertainty and digital overload, has only heightened the need for effective, holistic tools to support our minds and bodies.

 

At DIRTEA, we believe that ancient wisdom and modern science can work hand-in-hand to offer natural solutions to today’s mental health challenges. Enter functional mushrooms—an adaptogenic treasure trove of wellness that’s been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now backed by emerging research. In this blog, we explore how our core mushroom blends—Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga—can offer gentle yet powerful support for your mental and emotional health.

 

The State of Mental Health: A Global and National Concern

 

Globally, mental health disorders are one of the leading causes of disability. The World Health Organisation estimates that over 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental health disorder in 2019 (2), a number that has continued to rise, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UK alone, mental health issues are responsible for over 70 million sick days each year, impacting not only individuals but also communities and the economy at large.

 

Despite growing awareness, mental health is often overlooked or misunderstood. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but incorporating natural, science-backed practices into your daily routine can be a powerful step toward balance and resilience.

 

 

Adaptogens and the Mind-Body Connection

 

At the heart of DIRTEA’s philosophy is the concept of adaptogens—natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and restore equilibrium. Functional mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga are adaptogens with distinct properties that can support mental wellbeing, cognitive clarity, and emotional calm.

 

 

Here’s how these mushrooms can become your daily allies in mind-body wellness:

 

 

Reishi: The Mushroom of Calm

 

Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is revered for its calming and restorative effects. While it won’t make your problems disappear, it can help you respond to life’s challenges with more ease.

 

• Supports stress regulation: DIRTEA Reishi fortified with B12 helps balance the body's stress response by modulating cortisol levels and supporting the nervous system.
• Promotes better sleep: Many users report deeper, more restorative sleep, key for maintaining emotional stability and resilience.
• Calms the mind: Reishi’s adaptogenic nature can reduce feelings of anxiety and irritability, helping you cultivate a grounded, centred state of being.

 

DIRTEA Reishi is ideal as an evening ritual—think of it as a warm hug for your nervous system. Sip it slowly before bed or when winding down from a hectic day to usher in a sense of peace and stillness.

 

 

Lion’s Mane: Focus and Neuroplasticity

 

If brain fog, low motivation, or lack of focus are weighing on your mental health, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) could be your secret weapon. Often dubbed “nature’s nootropic,” this mushroom is prized for its ability to support cognitive function.

 

• Boosts memory and concentration: Lion’s Mane may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for nerve cell regeneration and brain plasticity.
• Supports mental clarity: Improved focus and mental stamina can make daily tasks feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

 

By enhancing brain health at a cellular level, DIRTEA Lion’s Mane with added zinc helps foster a sense of purpose, clarity, and mental sharpness—key foundations for a more resilient mind.

 

Chaga: Natural Energy and Immune Support

 

While often associated with immunity, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) also plays an indirect yet meaningful role in mental health. Fatigue and low energy are frequently linked with low mood and mental exhaustion. Chaga’s antioxidant-rich profile can help uplift both body and spirit.

 

• Natural energy booster: Unlike caffeine, Chaga delivers sustainable energy without the crash, supporting your ability to stay productive and present.
• Strengthens immune defence: A strong immune system is closely tied to mental resilience. Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression and anxiety, and Chaga’s anti-inflammatory properties help tackle that head-on.
• Rich in antioxidants: Chaga is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet, helping to combat oxidative stress, a key contributor to mental and physical fatigue.

 

DIRTEA Chaga with added vitamin B12 is perfect for those mid-morning or afternoon slumps when you need a steady boost to stay focused and energised.

 

The Gut-Brain Connection: Mushrooms and Mental Health

 

An often-overlooked aspect of mental wellbeing is gut health. The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve and share over 90% of the body’s serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Mushrooms, particularly those with prebiotic fibres and anti-inflammatory properties, can support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports a healthy mind.

 

All DIRTEA mushrooms are finely tuned to support this gut-brain axis. With each cup, you’re not only feeding your mind but also nourishing your body from the inside out.

 

 

Creating Your Mushroom Ritual

 

Integrating functional mushrooms into your daily life doesn’t need to be complicated. At DIRTEA, we’ve crafted our blends to be easy, delicious, and effective—because mental wellbeing starts with consistency.

 

Here’s a simple routine to get started:

 

• Morning: Start your day with Lion’s Mane for mental clarity and focus.
• Midday: Recharge with Chaga to keep your energy flowing and stress levels in check.
• Evening: Wind down with Reishi to release tension and prepare for deep, restorative sleep.

 

All our mushroom powders are organic, vegan, and third-party tested, ensuring purity, potency, and peace of mind.

 

 

Taking Mental Health Seriously

 

Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. While mushrooms are not a replacement for therapy, medication, or professional help, they are powerful allies that can support your journey towards emotional equilibrium and cognitive wellness. The more we normalise daily mental health practices, the better we can support ourselves and each other.

 

 

References

1. NHS England. "Adult and Older Adult Mental Health." NHS England, https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/. Accessed 8 May 2025.
2. World Health Organization. "Mental Disorders." World Health Organization, 8 June 2022, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders. Accessed 8 May 2025.