Adaptogens & Functional Mushrooms: What’s The Difference & Do I Need Both?

They’re sometimes grouped together, which can cause confusion, but while there is some overlap, they aren’t the same thing. “While both are popular for offering natural stress, energy, and mind support, understanding the difference can help you make the right decisions for your own wellness goals,” explains Natalie Rouse, Registered Nutritionist (ANutr) and Head of Nutrition at Free Soul. 

We’re here to explain what defines an adaptogen and functional mushroom, how they differ, and how they can work together to help you feel calmer and more resilient, naturally. 

What are Adaptogens?

The name itself is a hint; adaptogens are so-called because they are believed to help the body adapt to physical and mental stress. Adaptogens include plants like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil, Maca Root, and Lion’s Mane, which are traditionally used to support resilience and balance. 

Here are a few ways in which adaptogens may help well-being:

• Stress support – Ashwagandha, for example, has been studied for its role in cortisol regulation
• Mental clarity – Adaptogens like Lion’s Mane are popular for their potential cognitive benefits, including focus and memory
• Reduced fatigue – Plants like Rhodiola Rosea are traditionally used to support energy levels and tiredness
• Restful sleep – Many adaptogens are valued for promoting feelings of relaxation, making them common additions to evening wind-down routines

“Adaptogens long used in traditional medicine are now being backed by emerging research, as we begin to understand their influence on the HPA axis – our stress response system – and cortisol regulation” says Natalie.

What are Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are a type of fungi that are considered to have health benefits, over and above basic nutrition. Used in eastern healing traditions for centuries, mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail are now getting mainstream attention for their potential health benefits. 

Here are a few ways these fun guys (ahem) may support well-being:

• Cognitive function – Cordyceps and Lion’s mane have been researched for potential benefits related to memory and focus
• Cholesterol and blood sugar – Studies have suggested that Chaga may help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol
• Immune function – Mushrooms like Turkey’s Tail have been linked to supporting the body’s natural immune defences
• Stress response – Reishi has been traditionally used for its calming properties during high-stress periods

As Natalie explains, “Functional mushrooms contain active compounds like beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which studies show may contribute to immune health and cognitive function.”

Adaptogens vs Functional Mushrooms - the key differences

Are functional mushrooms adaptogens? Or, are all adaptogens functional mushrooms? We’ve set out the fundamentals below to help you understand the difference. 

What’s the overlap? Not all functional mushrooms are adaptogens, and not all adaptogens are mushrooms, but there are exceptions. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi are classed as both. 

The main distinctions are in their nature and scope: adaptogens can be part of any plant that supports the body’s stress response, while functional mushrooms are fungi specifically recognised for their wider health-supporting properties. 

Do I need both?

It depends on what your needs are. Adaptogens and functional mushrooms offer different kinds of support, but they can complement each other well, which is why you’ll often see them in blends together. 

One common pairing is Rhodiola Rosea and Cordyceps, as both are believed to help support energy and physical resilience, making them a smart stack for endurance and vitality.

On the other hand, if you were looking for natural support to help with stress and brain fog, a combination of Ashwagandha (a calming adaptogen) and Lion’s Mane (a mushroom known for cognitive support) would be particularly powerful. 

This is exactly why we created our Ashwagandha KSM-66® + Lion's Mane blend – to aid a calmer, clearer mind with two naturally supportive ingredients that complement each other perfectly. 

Are they safe to combine?

Yes, in general, adaptogens and functional mushrooms are considered safe to take at the same time, and are often combined in supplements for their complementary effects. Together, they offer a layered approach to building mental and physical resilience. 

However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, speak to your GP or a medical professional before taking adaptogens or functional mushrooms, as research is still limited.