Category Archives: Mushroom Spotlight Series

Mushroom Spotlight: Shiitake aka The Black Forest Mushroom

Close-up of hands holding a bunch of fresh shiitake mushrooms against a blue background.

Shiitake mushrooms: the savory superfood that’s been flexing in East Asian kitchens and medicine cabinets for centuries. Packed with flavor and functional benefits, these umami powerhouses support heart health, immunity, and taste like velvet thunder in a stir-fry. In this week’s Mushroom Spotlight, we explore the roots, benefits, and cultural magic of the mighty shiitake—and show you how to bring them into your everyday meals with style.

Mushroom Spotlight: Reishi aka The Mushroom of Immortality

Close-up of a Reishi mushroom, known as the Mushroom of Immortality, with a glossy brown surface and golden edges.

What do emperors, monks, and modern wellness junkies have in common? Reishi. Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” this ancient fungus isn’t promising eternal life—but it is offering better sleep, stronger immunity, and a calmer nervous system. We dig into what it is, what the science says, and how to work it into your daily ritual. Spoiler: immortality’s probably off the table, but thriving is very much on it.

Mushroom Spotlight: Lion’s Mane – The Brainy Fungus

Organic Lion's Mane mushrooms in packaging and fresh on a wooden cutting board

Lion’s Mane might look like a fluffy sea creature clinging to a tree, but don’t let the looks fool you—this mushroom is serious about brainpower. In this week’s Mushroom Spotlight, we dive into the science, culinary charm, and forest-dwelling mystique of one of nature’s most nootropic fungi. Whether you’re chasing clarity or just want to impress your neurons, Lion’s Mane has your back (and your brain).

Not All Magic Mushrooms Are Psilocybin: A Guide to the Other Weirdos

Cluster of glowing bioluminescent mushrooms in the dark, showcasing their vibrant green light.

Think all magical mushrooms are psychedelic? Think again. From glow-in-the-dark fungi to stinkhorns that look like they crawled out of a horror movie, the fungal kingdom is full of bizarre, beautiful, and downright weird species that won’t get you high—but might blow your mind in other ways. Come meet the strange side of shrooms.

Mushroom Spotlight – Cordyceps – The Delicious Zombie Mushroom

Dried Cordyceps mushrooms in wooden spoons on a rustic wooden surface for SmilesHigh.Club blog post about the zombie mushroom.

Deep in the insect underworld, a tiny but terrifying fungus lurks—Cordyceps, the real-life inspiration behind The Last of Us. This mind-controlling mushroom doesn’t just infect ants; it hijacks their bodies, forcing them to climb high before erupting out of their heads in a spore-filled horror show. But could this ever happen to humans? With The Last of Us Season 2 on the horizon, we dive into the science behind Cordyceps, its bizarre lifecycle, and its surprising benefits as a health supplement.

Read on—if you dare. 🍄🧟‍♂️
With psilocybin levels reaching up to 1.8%, Azzys deliver intense visuals, introspective journeys, and profound emotional experiences—but their powerful effects come with a need for caution and respect. Whether you’re interested in ethical foraging, psychedelic research, or simply learning more about the fungal wonders of the Pacific Northwest, this deep dive into Psilocybe azurescens is for you.

🌿 Explore the world of Azzys and their role in psychedelic history. Read more! 🍄

Mushroom Spotlight – Psilocybe Azurescens aka Azzys

A close-up of Psilocybe azurescens mushrooms growing in their natural habitat among dried grass and organic debris.

Deep in the coastal dunes of Oregon and Washington, a legendary psychedelic mushroom thrives—Psilocybe azurescens, affectionately known as “Azzys.” Recognized as one of the most potent naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms, this species has captivated foragers, researchers, and psychonauts alike.

With psilocybin levels reaching up to 1.8%, Azzys deliver intense visuals, introspective journeys, and profound emotional experiences—but their powerful effects come with a need for caution and respect. Whether you’re interested in ethical foraging, psychedelic research, or simply learning more about the fungal wonders of the Pacific Northwest, this deep dive into Psilocybe azurescens is for you.

🌿 Explore the world of Azzys and their role in psychedelic history. Read more! 🍄

Mushroom Spotlight – Psilocybe Cubensis aka Golden Teachers

Cluster of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms with golden-brown caps and white stems, growing on a dark substrate against an orange background.

Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as the magic mushroom, shroom, golden halo, golden teacher, cube, or gold cap, is a species of psilocybin mushroom of moderate potency whose principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin.