Why Lion's Mane's Good for Your Gut in 2 Studies ⭐️ + Our Giveaway!

5K GIVEAWAY

Good morning! We reached 5,000 subscribers just in time for the Fall Equinox this weekend, and I want to give back as a thanks for your support as we spread the spores.

Over the next week, enter to win one of five limited-edition shirts by simply sharing shroomer with your friends and family. For every person who signs up for our email list, you’ll earn a raffle ticket. For every 3 referrals, you’ll also activate a ShroomBoost, doubling your total ticket count for the rest of the giveaway!

To enter to win, share this link.

—Shannon Ratliff

IN CONVERSATION

East Forest, a pioneer in the psychedelic music scene, is making a leap to the silver screen with his documentary, Music for Mushrooms.

The film explores Krishna-Trevor Oswalt’s journey in introducing the symbiotic relationship between music and psychedelics to people around the world, casting light on the collective power and birthright we share in healing. ➡️ Read more.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Good for your gut 💓 A recent study showed how shiitake (Lentinus edodes), button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), and lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) are unique in their ability to produce different short-chain fatty acids—acetate, propionate, and butyrate—that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote beneficial gut bacteria.

Reviewing the material 🧠 A systematic review analyzed 16 studies on lion’s mane mushrooms, with most showing positive effects, finding that compounds like erinacines and hericenones support nerve growth, reduce anxiety, and help protect against brain diseases.

Delicious you say 😋 A recent review gathered findings from multiple studies on the saffron milk-cap mushroom (Lactarius deliciosus), showing it's rich in protein and minerals while being low in calories, also suggesting it may boost your immune system and offer anti-cancer properties. They’re also famous—find them in a fresco in the Roman ruins of Herculaneum.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Colorado’s psychedelic therapy program 🚀 In a recent Remind webinar, Henry Winslow of Tricycle Day, Tasia Poinsatte, and Joshua Kappel dove into Colorado’s final rules on psilocybin therapy in a really informative take that breaks it down.

Natural vs. synthetic 🧬 Writer Habiba Rabiu explored how synthetic psilocybin compares to the natural version found in mushrooms, revealing that while synthetic offers dosing precision, natural psilocybin may have additional benefits due to its unique compounds, possibly leading to stronger and longer-lasting therapeutic effects.

Reports from the underground 🌲 A survey of 107 underground psychedelic-assisted therapy practitioners revealed that despite only 40.2% being licensed, most clients using psilocybin reported positive outcomes. Almost all participants reported pre-screening clients before treatment, offering preparation, integration, and trip-sitting services.

Calling all filmmakers 🎬 The Mycoskie-UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship is offering two $25,000 general fellowship grants and three $10,000 student fellowship grants exploring untold stories in psychedelics.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Sustainable shift 🍄 An old chicken farm in Norfolk, England, has been transformed into a mushroom-growing facility. Led by chef and Veganuary ambassador Derek Sarno, the project showcases the potential for farms to be repurposed for sustainable, cruelty-free, and plant-based agriculture.

New species alert 🇮🇳 Researchers identified two new species of boletes: Anthracoporus indohimalayanus and Boletus dhakuricus from Sikkim and Uttarakhand in India. A. indohimalayanus marks the first record of its genus in India, while B. dhakuricus joins the ranks of wild edible porcini mushrooms.

Fairy rings for a reason 🧚 A study of fairy ring fungi in grasslands revealed that these fungi act as ecosystem engineers, increasing bioavailable nitrogen in soil by speeding up organic nitrogen mineralization and nitrification.

FORAGED FINDS

Here are five mushroom things I foraged around the internet this week.

1. Ruffwear FUNgi™ Dog Toys 🐶 These enrichment toys for pups come in the absolutely fabulous styles of porcini, toadstool, and morel, and have a cool, gel-pen like marble effect.

2. Abi Toads collaboration with Steady Hands 🐸 Abi Toads’ beloved Mushling art warms me up from the inside out and translated onto a sweater? Too cozy. Find her on Instagram.

3. The best mushroom books for kids 📚️ Editor Seraiah Alexander rounded up the coolest guides to inspire young mycologists, especially since fall is the perfect time to get outside with the leaves changing.

4. Psychedelic Mushroom Playing Cards 🎴 These cards are so cute (even featuring cats!) and his Kickstarter ends Sunday. Back for as little as ~$16 USD and you’ll have them by November.

5. Pela Cases 📱 After replacing my OtterBox phone case three times in four years, I switched to a mushroom-themed Pela Case. It’s made from fully compostable materials, is plastic-free, and has these round, luscious buttons I’m now obsessed with.

MUSH MORE

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