What’s the Deal with Medicinal Mushrooms?

Gemma's journey into the world of functional mushrooms began while working as a retreat chef. “Another chef brewed a Chaga tea and it absolutely blew my mind,” she recalls. “I came back to England and started drinking it daily. I gave it to my kids. I felt better, got fewer colds and had more energy.”

Since then, Gemma has founded Mama Shrooms, high-quality, no-filler mushroom supplements aimed at busy women and families. I spoke to her to find out just what is the deal with ‘shrooms, which ones are best for what, and what we should look for when buying these products to make sure we are getting the best for our bodies.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to start Mama Shrooms?

I'm a 40-something mum of two based in Brighton. Before launching Mama Shrooms I worked as a plant-based chef for eight years through my business, Gem's Wholesome Kitchen. My journey actually started earlier though, in Barcelona. We moved there with the kids when they were little, and I began cooking for DJ friends—bento boxes for long-haul flights, that sort of thing. It all grew from there.

Before food, I was an addiction counsellor. I worked across various NHS and private services, including Clouds House and a women’s project in Hackney. Cooking always followed me - I'd find myself in the kitchen even when I was meant to be counselling. Soup and a sandwich often opened up more honest conversations than anything else. That’s when I first saw the deep connection between food and mood.

So when did mushrooms become part of your story?

About eight years ago, while working as a retreat chef. I was introduced to functional mushrooms by another chef during a retreat in Ibiza. She brewed a Chaga mushroom tea that absolutely blew my mind. I came back to England, started drinking Chaga daily, gave it to my kids, and slowly got hooked. I felt better, got fewer colds, and saw changes in my energy and wellbeing.

Functional mushrooms are huge now in the wellness world. Did you see this coming?

When I first started posting about them on Instagram, people were like, "Are they legal? Are they safe?" There was a lot of confusion. But since COVID, there's been a real shift. People want to feel empowered about their health, and mushrooms feel like nature's superfood. It's very reminiscent of the early CBD days; loads of curiosity and a wave of brands popping up. I was worried I’d missed the moment, but actually, it feels like we’re still just at the beginning.

What are some of the key benefits of the mushrooms you’ve used in your blends?

Lion's Mane is amazing for focus and cognitive health. There's emerging research into its potential to support conditions like Parkinson's and ADHD. I use it with my own kids, who are neurodivergent, and it seems to help.

Tremella is my go-to for skin and hydration. People call it the “beauty mushroom” - it’s like a natural collagen boost. Reishi is brilliant for sleep and anxiety; it’s the one I use most, especially in my night blend. It helps you fall asleep and even makes your dreams more vivid. Cordyceps is all about energy and stamina which was a lifesaver for me when I was deep in perimenopause. And Maitake is great for hormone balance and gut health.

Not all mushroom products are created equal. What should people look for when choosing a supplement?

You need to check the extraction method. Dual extraction (both water and alcohol) is best for getting the full spectrum of benefits. Look for beta-glucan content too (at least 20-30%), no fillers, and clear labelling on strength (like 10:1 or 18:1 extract ratios). My products use certified extracts and minimal ingredients. It should be easy to see how much mushroom you’re actually getting.

Are there any cautions people should be aware of with functional mushrooms?

Yes; Lion’s Mane isn’t recommended if you have blood clotting issues (or are preparing for surgery). If you have a mushroom allergy, obviously be careful. Always check with your doctor if you're on medication, especially antidepressants or ADHD meds. These are powerful supplements. I always suggest starting small and seeing how your body reacts. It’s very individual.

Where do you see mushrooms heading in the health and wellness space?

It’s only going to grow. When you see Lion’s Mane milkshakes in supermarkets like we are doing now, you know it’s hit the mainstream. I think we’ll see more science-backed research, especially around cognitive health and mental wellbeing. Psychedelic mushrooms are having a moment too, and there’s serious research happening there, especially around addiction and trauma.

For me, mushrooms are about empowerment - giving people natural tools to support their health. Whether it's a mum trying to get through the school run or someone navigating chronic illness, mushrooms can be part of that toolkit.

Explore Mama Shrooms blends here and follow on Instagram.