- The Life Larder
- Posts
- What's the deal with medicinal mushrooms?
What's the deal with medicinal mushrooms?
We chat to Mama Shrooms and break down the benefits for you.
Hi there,
Welcome to The Life Larder! This weekly newsletter serves up a bite-sized menu of stories and ideas about making food that’s not only delicious but also healthy and sustainable.
Each issue is packed with inspiring articles, flavourful ideas, and voices from across the vibrant food world. Think of me as your friendly guide, helping you create meals that nourish your body, delight your taste buds, and care for our planet. Treat this newsletter like a personal larder—always stocked with something you’ll love.
It will come as no surprise to you that I have a soft spot for ‘shrooms. Whether on toast, as ‘crisps’ or in pasta I would have them for every meal of the day if I could.
Medicinal mushrooms have boomed over the past few years, so this week I wanted to learn a little more about which does what, and what to look for when choosing a supplement. Take a read below of my interview with Gemma of Mama Shrooms to learn everything you need to know. I’ve even created a little superpower cheatsheet for you this week to help you decide which ‘shrooms are right for you.
If you’re enjoying The Life Larder don’t keep it a secret - share with someone who you think might enjoy.
Before you tuck in…
Here’s some ways you can work with me 👇
🔪 Private Cheffing & Retreats – Bespoke menus that nourish, fuel, and taste incredible. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a wellness retreat, or high-performance nutrition, I bring the flavour and the science.
📢 Speaking & Workshops – From corporate wellness to food sustainability, I deliver engaging, no-fluff talks that connect the dots between soil health, nutrition, and better living.
📦 Brand Consulting – Helping food brands create products that are as good for people as they are for the planet. Strategy, product development, and nutrition-led storytelling.
📝 Writing & Editorial – As a Guild of Food Writers member, I contribute to leading publications on all things food, health, and sustainability.
📩 Interested? Say hello at [email protected]

Bites
My three favourite mushroom recipes from around the internet.
A super seasonal mushroom risotto
This mushroom shawarma is a dinner party fave in my house
An true one-pot mushroom dinner

Stories and insights from experts and yours truly
What’s the Deal with Medicinal Mushrooms?
What does what? Do they actually work? Gemma shares all.

Gemma Ogston - the actual Mama Shrooms
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.

A Mushroom Cheatsheet
Cut out & keep safe.

A little gift for you to look at when you’re choosing your next ‘shroom fix.
How was today's Life Larder?Let us know so we can improve... |