Cordyceps has been used for centuries in Chinese and Tibetan medicine for lung support, and modern research validates cordyceps’ ability to reduce lung damage and inflammation associated with smoke inhalation. In a meta-analysis, patients with moderate obstructive lung disease taking cordyceps alongside Western medicine show improved lung function tests and functional outcomes compared to patients using Western medicine alone. Cordyceps also improves respiratory allergic responses by moderating TH2 immune activity.
Mechanisms of action
Action
Mechanism
Adaptogenic (stimulating)
Unknown
Anti-allergic
Attenuates IgE production; reduces eotaxin, ICAM-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 production
Respiratory tonic (reduces airway reactivity and remodeling)
Inhibits inflammatory airway remodeling via down-regulation of TGF-β
Vascular tonic
Vasorelaxant via production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)
Reishi
Reishi is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to ‘replenish Qi’ and relieve cough and associated conditions. Modern research has corroborated Reishi’s effects on the lungs, demonstrating anti-histamine, anti-allergic, and immune-modulating mechanisms. Clinical trials demonstrate improvements in aerobic endurance in women with fatigue and chronic pain, and a combination of reishi and cordyceps improves exercise recovery in athletes.
Oyster mushroom is best known as a delicious food, and is rich in immune modulating polysaccharides. Clinical studies have demonstrated that formulations containing oyster mushroom polysaccharides raise levels of natural killer (NK) cells, and help to prevent recurrent respiratory infections in children and athletes partially via anti-allergic mechanisms.
Increases NK cells; reduces frequency of respiratory infections
Inflammation modulating (topically)
β-glucan-induced modulation of inflammation
Neuroprotective; antioxidant
Reduced neuronal oxidative stress
The Lucidum Difference
Physician-founded, physician-formulated
Lucidum Medicinals is the only mushroom brand founded and formulated by physicians. Dr. Anna brings her decade of experience in mycology and natural medicine to each formulation so that every patient gets what they need, and none of what they don’t. See what other practitioners are saying about Lucidum formulas below.
Guaranteed quality & potency
Our mushrooms are tested extensively to guarantee not only safety but potency. Each is tested for key active ingredients, like beta-glucans and terpenoids, as well as for the absence of the alpha-glucans you would find in myceliated grains or “full spectrum” mushroom products.
100% fruiting body, no mycelium or grain
What we know as a mushroom is the fruiting body - what we see above ground, and can harvest in the wild. The below-ground mycelium part of the fungus has no traditional use, and, crucially, cannot be separated from what it’s growing on. Commercial mycelium products are grown on fermented grain - which makes up a substantial portion of the final product. We use potent 100% fruiting body only, so you get the most out of each mushroom.
Formulas, not "blends"
Other 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.
Extracted for maximum potency
The active molecules in mushrooms are a major component of the fungal cell wall, making them hard to digest and absorb. Our formulas use fruiting body extracted in water and alcohol that is easy to absorb and highly bioavailable so you get the most out of your mushroom medicine.
Committed to mushroom medicine
Mushrooms and natural medicine are not a trend for us - we founded Lucidum Medicinals on a backbone of 10+ years of experience in mycology and natural medicine. We use mushrooms to support a deep life of connection, love, and vitality for our families, our communities, and our patients. We hope you will too.
The Lucidum Story
Dr. Anna Sitkoff, ND
Co-founder, Chief Science Officer
I embarked on my journey into the world of medicinal mushrooms during a deeply challenging time: my father's treatment for leukemia. This pivotal experience led me to begin researching, writing, and teaching about medicinal mushrooms, and, after his death, to complete my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine.
During my medical training I completed laboratory research on the impacts of medicinal mushroom extracts on leukemia cells, published in the prestigious Journal of Immunology, and authored the Medicinal Mushrooms chapter for the industry standard Textbook of Natural Medicine.
I was disappointed with the quality and effectiveness of commercially available mushroom products as I started clinical practice, so I co-founded Lucidum Medicinals with a clear mission: to harness the therapeutic power of mushrooms, providing a foundation for health and wellness rooted in nature, and validated by science.
Take your formula for 90 days at the therapeutic dose:
3g (6 capsules) daily
Assess benefits
After three months, benefits have started to accumulate
Reassess your daily dose and continue compounding benefits
CHOOSE LUCIDUM
Lucidum
others
Physician-formulated
Formulas, not "blends"
100% fruiting body
Mycelium with grain
Bioavailable extracts
Dosage informed by clinical trials
Verified active ingredients
OUR FORMULAS
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
