Frequently asked questions

What's the best dose/how much should I take?

Each of our formulas is designed with the same total dose of 3g daily, in either powders (equivalent to 1.5 teaspoons) or capsules (6 capsules), and each formula label has specifics for the optimal number of doses per day, and timing. We recommend taking 3g total, daily, for at least 3 months in order to get the best results; after 3 months, you can consider reducing your dose to 1.5g total, daily, though benefits will continue to accrue at the therapeutic dose of 3g total daily. Benefits will usually diminish within a few weeks if you stop taking a formula.

Can I take my mushrooms with food?

Both the LUNGS and BRAIN & NERVES formulas are okay to take with food, but we recommend taking the IMMUNE formula away from food (liquids are okay) so that the active constituents can interact directly with the intestinal lining without interference. In general, optimal immune benefits from any medicinal mushroom are achieved on an empty stomach. Notably, we do not recommend blending our mushrooms with coffee, tea, or chocolate under any circumstances to prevent interference from tannins and other compounds found in these plants.

How do you verify the potency of your products?

Every batch of mushrooms is tested to a minimum potency standard based on the beta glucan content of each mushroom, as well as mushroom-specific constituent concentrations. Mushrooms are also tested to confirm the absence of alpha-glucans, a marker for contamination with mycelium or growth substrate. You can learn more about these standards here.

What does an 8:1 or 10:1 extract mean?

In short, it means certain active constituents are concentrated 8-10x compared to a typical extract. Let’s use 8:1 as an example (like our Cordyceps powdered extract found in the LUNGS formula). Fruiting body is harvested, dried, and extracted in water and/or alcohol before being powdered. If you start with 1g of dried mushroom, and the powdered extract yields 1g, this is a 1:1 extract. If the same 1g of powdered extract was obtained from 8g of pre-extracted dried mushroom, we call it 8:1, representing an 8x concentration. With mushrooms, this process leads to lower levels of beta-glucans but much higher levels of other key constituents like terpenes, which is why we use concentrated extracts specifically for Lion’s mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps, depending on the formula.

Can I take multiple formulas at the same time?

Absolutely - each formula is designed to be complimentary, with the following note: both the BRAIN & NERVES and LUNGS formulas offer some immune benefit, though they are not as strong as the IMMUNE formula. If you decide to take both BRAIN & NERVES and LUNGS, you don’t need to take IMMUNE in addition. Combining the IMMUNE formula with either BRAIN & NERVES or LUNGS, or LUNGS with BRAIN & NERVES is quite impactful in our clinical experience.

How long does it take to see the benefits?

On the optimal dose of 3g total, daily, of each formula, you will experience much of the benefit after 3 months. Additional benefits often continue to accrue over time.

Why does each formula only have 3 mushrooms?

Many brands sell either single mushrooms or “blends” that throw the kitchen sink at you. Single mushrooms lack synergism, while blends with 5+ ingredients lack focus and specificity. Our formulas are carefully crafted for each body system, informed by available scientific evidence and traditional use, using only the mushrooms that matter.

How can I carry Lucidum formulas at my clinic, dispensary, or retail location?

If you're a practitioner or have a retail location, we'd love to work with you. Potential wholesale partners can reach out to us at hello@lucidummedicinals.com, or fill out this form to request samples and sales materials. We look forward to hearing from you!

Have a questions we haven't answered? Ask us at hello@lucidummedicinals.com