FAQS

Cordyceps are a type of fungi that grow in  higher altitudes in the Himalayan regions of China, Nepal, Tibet and India. There are over 750 different kinds, but so far 35 of them have been shown to have health benefits.

Yes, Cordyceps are parasitic in nature. However, it is only parasitic to insects.

“Here’s how it works: A cordyceps spore lands on and infects its host. It then starts to spread mycelia (or tendrils) throughout the insect’s body. Those tendrils replace the host’s internal tissues and feed off of its nutrients. Once the insect is fully paralyzed or dead, the cordyceps fungus erupts out of the insect’s body with a fruiting body (the visible reproductive structure of cordyceps). This fruiting body then spreads its spores to other insects of the same species” (Cleveland Clinic).

The fruiting body is what gives us the health benefits from Cordyceps. This can be ground up and added into our foods and/or drinks.

Cordyceps come in many different forms for consumption. These include but are not limited to: capsules, powders, teas, and coffees.

The two major Cordyceps that contain health benefits are C. sinensis and C. militaris. These have been shown to decrease inflammation, which can in turn help with our cholesterol levels as well.

Not only that, but Cordyceps has been shown to help increase exercise performance. It improves our VO2 max, which shows how much oxygen our bodies absorb during exercise. It also improves our ATP production, which provides energy to our muscle groups.

Cordyceps also contains anti-aging properties by regulating energy metabolism.

Some studies also show that it regulates blood sugar, as well as providing anti-cancer properties.

Amanita muscaria is a species of mushroom that’s naturally found in forests across the world. It’s been cultivated for hundreds to thousands of years. Mainly, it’s been used for ceremonies of a religious or spiritual nature. Overall, it’s an extremely popular and well-known species of mushroom. It’s also known for its psychedelic effects.

When prepared properly, amanita muscaria is considered safe to consume. When eaten raw, it can be dangerously toxic, but boiling it for the proper length of time rids it of its toxic compounds. Those who are predisposed to psychosis or schizophrenia, however, should refrain from taking this mushroom.

Each person’s experience with amanita muscaria mushrooms can be one-of-a-kind. People describe feeling euphoric, relieved of stress, creative, and capable of intense introspection. Some describe gaining spiritual insight, while others feel a sense of connectedness with nature and other people around them.

Chaga stimulates our immune system. It contains antioxidants, as well as helps with blood sugar & cholesterol levels.

Chaga is a fungus that grows on the side of trees, specifically birch trees. The fungus grows as a tumor, and is referred to as a “conk”. It absorbs nutrients from the tree itself. It is harvested by cutting the conk off of the tree.

Delta 8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. It’s a trace cannabinoid that makes up about 0.1% of the plant’s chemical composition. Delta 8 naturally results from the oxidization of delta 9 as the hemp plant ages. It’s also one of over 100 cannabinoids present in the hemp plant’s flowers.

Delta 8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid. Its high is described as relatively mild, while being calming to the mind and relieving to the body. Because it’s a fairly mild cannabinoid, it’s often recommended as a great starting point for anyone who’s new to the psychoactive compounds in hemp.

Besides its enjoyable high, delta 8 THC may have:

• Anti-nausea effects
• Appetite-enhancing effects
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Analgesic properties
• Anxiolytic properties
• Sleep-enhancing properties
• Neuroprotective properties

Delta 8 THC is a byproduct of delta 9 THC. As the hemp plant’s buds age, a small amount of delta 9 is converted into delta 8 through oxidization. During this process, the cannabinoid loses some of its potency, which is why delta 8 is said to be about 30% less intoxicating than delta 9. Delta 8 also seems to offer a more clear-minded high than delta 9. 

Delta 8 THC is naturally present in the buds of the hemp plant. But, the amount is so trace that to extract a meaningful amount of it would be a laborious and costly process. So instead, companies turn to a process called isomerization. All cannabinoids are isomers of one another, as they all come from CBG (cannabigerol), the “mother cannabinoid” which exists in immature hemp crops. CBG eventually splits off into over 100 cannabinoids.

Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular makeup, but a different molecular structure. Rearranging the molecules in CBD (cannabidiol), the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, converts it into delta 8 THC.

Delta 9 THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis. It’s the dominant compound in marijuana, and exists only in trace amounts in hemp. The delta 9 that we carry at Elyxr comes from the hemp plant, as marijuana remains a federally illegal substance.

Delta 9 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid, so yes, it will get you high. How high you get depends on your tolerance, the amount you take, the product type you choose, and the strain of the product, if the product comes in different strains. The high is often described as euphoric, hazy, relaxing, and soothing to the muscles, all at once.

Besides the fact that delta 9 can get you high, it also offers a number of potential benefits which have been studied over the last several decades, including:

• Anti-nausea effects
• Appetite-enhancing effects
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Analgesic properties
• Anxiolytic properties
• Sleep-enhancing properties
• Neuroprotective properties

Under a microscope, the delta 9 found in hemp and the delta 9 found in marijuana are identical. The same cannabinoid is present in both plants. This means that no matter which plant delta 9 comes from, the effects that you feel will be exactly alike.

Kava is a powerful plant-based stress relieving, Nootropic drink from islands in the South Pacific that has been highly regarded for 3000 years as a safe, natural alternative to drugs and alcohol.

The therapeutic effects of kava are due to a combination of its most active compounds, called kavalactones (not to any single substance or compound), as well as many other supportive constituents that are present in the traditional kava preparation from the islands. These compounds naturally modulate key receptors in the brain, which gives them the ability to gently enhance the activity of the body’s main pleasure chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Because of its natural chemical composition, kava is able to illicit all of these effects without driving the body out of balance and leading to toxicity, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Kava has effects comparable to alcohol, but without the side effects and drunkenness. Connoisseurs describe the experience as a calm, focused, enhanced state of natural sobriety. Kava can bring about significant mood boosting, cognitive enhancing and anxiety relieving effects. This provides users with increased productivity and relaxation at the same time. It also allows users to loosen up and connect easier during social interaction.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)  is a fungus that is mostly found and used in Asia, specifically Korea, Japan, India, and China. However, it is becoming so popular that you can easily obtain it at this point in time. The mushroom itself has a very unique appearance, which gives it it’s name. It’s flavor has been described to be similar to seafood, however, since there are several ways to consume Lion’s Mane, having it in a liquid or powder form will not give it the same flavor.

There are multiple ways to consume lion’s mane. It can be used in capsules, powder, and added to your meals in that way.

Lion’s mane has a slew of health properties. Among these are anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. This is because lion’s mane contains a carbohydrate called oligosaccharides, which helps with these properties. It is the fourth most potent mushroom in containing antioxidants. Lion’s mane has also been shown to help with obesity, by lowering the inflammation caused by fat tissues. Not only that, but lion’s man contains hericenones and erinacines,  which are two chemicals that accelerate the growth of brain cells. This is very helpful for those struggling with dementia. It also stimulates acetylcholine – one of the most common neurotransmitters that is used by neurons (brain cells) to transmit information & is mainly responsible for us in our “waking state”. “Lion’s mane is also a great  source of neurotrophic compounds, a family of biomolecules (most of which are protein-based) that promote the growth, survival, and several physiological functions of both new and mature neurons. These neurotrophic compounds have a positive impact on human nerve cells that may help overcome many neurodegenerative conditions such as:

Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Motor neuron disease, Prion disease, & Spinal muscular atrophy”. Furthermore, lion’s mane can help reduce anxiety & depression. Several studies have indicated that taking lion’s mane consistently helped lower the subjects’ anxiety, and lessened depressive episodes.

The quick answer is no, lion’s mane will not give you psychedelic effects. Lion’s mane does not contain psilocybin, which is the effect that gives people a “trip” or “high”.

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, are mushrooms that grow in Asia, particularly the humid areas. It is known for its health properties

Reishi is known to help boost our immune system. Some studies have indicated that Reishi can help with our white blood cell count. This in turn can be used to help with some cancer treatments. Even moreso, studies are also suggesting that Reishi can help with depression and fatigue. Using Reishi along doctor prescribed medication has shown that Reishi interacts with the medication, and can help reduce depression, fatigue, dizziness, and anxiety. Studies also have shown that Reishi can help with heart health, as well as blood sugar levels.

The quick answer is yes, unless you have issues within your liver. Why’s this? In some studies, patients with liver issues, or taking immunosuppressants showed deterioration within their liver. However, it was not specified whether this was a direct link to Reishi itself. Nevertheless, to maintain safety, avoiding Reishi would be best for those who are on immunosuppressants, or struggle with their liver already.