The Best Functional Mushrooms for Runners (And How to Use Them)

The Best Functional Mushrooms for Runners (And How to Use Them)

Running isn’t just about pace... it’s about rhythm, breath, focus, and recovery.

Whether you're training for a 5K or running to clear your mind, functional mushrooms can help support your body and brain, naturally.

As we get ready to run with OsStriders this month (27th July 2025), we’re diving into how Lion’s Mane and other functional fungi can become part of your running ritual.

Lion’s Mane: Mental Focus on the Move

Lion’s Mane isn’t an energy booster in the traditional sense — it’s a neural supporter. This mushroom contains two key compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which have been shown to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) — a protein responsible for the growth, maintenance, and repair of neurons.

So how does that help with running?

  • Sharper focus. Whether you're zoning in on your breath during a solo trail run or navigating uneven paths in a group 5K, mental clarity makes a big difference. Lion’s Mane supports that steady, focused awareness, helping your mind stay calm and alert without stimulants.
  • Mind-body connection. NGF support may improve neuromuscular coordination and reaction time, especially helpful for balance and footwork on varied terrain.
  • Mood and motivation. Early research also suggests Lion’s Mane can support mood regulation, which matters on days when getting out the door feels like the hardest part.

📍 How to use for running:
Take 1–2ml of Lion’s Mane tincture 30–60 minutes before a run. We love adding it to matcha or water.

Cordyceps: Oxygen + Energy Support 

If there’s one mushroom runners should have on their radar, it’s Cordyceps.

Traditionally used to support stamina and endurance, Cordyceps has become a go-to for athletes looking to boost energy naturally — no stimulants needed.

Here’s why:

  • Improved oxygen uptake and VO₂ max
    Studies show Cordyceps may enhance how efficiently your body uses oxygen, helping you sustain effort for longer without feeling gassed.
  • More cellular energy (ATP)
    Cordyceps supports the production of ATP — your body’s main source of energy at the cellular level — giving you that extra push when you need it.
  • Better lung function + reduced fatigue
    Cordyceps may also support healthy respiratory function, which is key for both endurance and recovery during training blocks.

📍 How to use:
Cordyceps works best when taken consistently over time — especially before training. You can also find it in some of our drinks at the café if you’re looking for a gentle energy boost. 

Reishi: Recovery, Calm & Restful Sleep

Reishi is the unsung hero of a well-rounded running ritual — not for speed or stamina, but for what comes after.

Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi supports the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” mode that helps your body recover from physical stress.

Here’s why that matters:

  • Deep recovery. Reishi is rich in triterpenes, which are linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This supports muscle repair and may help reduce post-run soreness.
  • Better sleep. Consistent Reishi use can promote deeper, more restful sleep — the kind that helps your body recharge and rebuild after training.
  • Hormonal balance. For women, Reishi is sometimes used to help ease mood swings, night sweats, or hormonal disruptions — especially around menopause or high-stress periods.

📍 When to take:
Use Reishi in your evening routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Add it to herbal tea or warm oat milk for a post-run calm-down drink.

(Keep an eye out — Reishi is the next batch we’re growing on the farm and will soon be sent off to be made into tinctures. A full blog on Reishi is dropping soon!)

How to Use Lion’s Mane for Running

  • Take 1–2ml of tincture 30–60 mins before a run
  • Add to water, herbal tea, or your pre-run matcha
  • Best used daily for long-term cognitive benefits

Final Thoughts:

Mushrooms aren’t a shortcut, but they are a tool.

Lion’s Mane helps you stay focused, present, and connected to your breath and body. It's the kind of quiet support that makes a real difference over time.

Running with us?
Join Shrooma + OsStriders for a 5K this month — and feel how mushrooms can support every step.

Try our Lion’s Mane tincture in the café or online now.


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