TL;DR: Mushrooms aren't plants. They belong to a separate kingdom called fungi, absorbing nutrients by breaking down organic matter rather than producing their own through photosynthesis. Functional mushrooms (reishi, chaga, lion's mane, tremella, cordyceps) are prized for health benefits. Psychedelic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and chemically distinct. Verdoie's Le Shroom Stack™ uses four functional varieties, harnessed through Le Complément Alimentaire and La Crème Hydratante.
Are mushrooms plants?
No. Mushrooms belong to a separate kingdom called fungi. Plants produce food through photosynthesis; mushrooms obtain nutrients by breaking down organic matter in their surroundings.
Mushrooms do form symbiotic relationships with plants through mycelium threads, creating underground networks that transfer water, carbon, nitrogen, and other minerals.
How many mushroom species exist?
Scientists have identified more than 10,000 species. It's estimated that less than 1% of the world's mushroom species are currently known, with new varieties being discovered regularly.
What's the difference between psychedelic and functional mushrooms?
Two categories with very different effects:
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Psychedelic mushrooms: hallucinogenic fungi containing psychoactive compounds like psilocybin that interact with serotonin receptors. Used historically in ritual and spiritual practices; induce euphoria and altered perception.
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Functional mushrooms: prized for health benefits including stress management, immune support, cognitive function, and skin health. Examples include reishi, chaga, lion's mane, tremella, and cordyceps.
According to Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials, functional mushrooms are scientifically documented for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, digestive, and neuroprotective activities. The effects come from bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and terpenes.
Which functional mushrooms does Verdoie use?
Reishi is often called the "mushroom of immortality." It calms the mind and body with mood-boosting terpenes, has anti-inflammatory properties, supports stress management, and promotes collagen production through its amino acid and beta-glucan content.
Tremella is Mother Earth's humectant: its molecules are smaller than hyaluronic acid, penetrating the skin more easily and locking in moisture. Verdoie concentrates reishi and tremella (alongside chaga and shiitake) in Le Shroom Stack™. In Le Complément Alimentaire, reishi acts as an adaptogen to regulate the body's stress response; in La Crème Hydratante, tremella provides humectant hydration and reishi stimulates collagen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all mushrooms safe for skincare?
A: No. Only specific functional varieties (reishi, chaga, tremella, shiitake, lion's mane, cordyceps) have documented skin benefits. Psychedelic, wild-foraged, and some culinary mushrooms don't translate to topical or ingestible skincare use.
Q: Are Verdoie's mushrooms psychedelic?
A: No. Verdoie uses only functional, non-psychoactive varieties: reishi, chaga, tremella, and shiitake.
Q: What does "adaptogenic" mean?
A: Adaptogens are natural compounds that help the body regulate its stress response. Reishi is one of the most studied adaptogens, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
Q: Which mushroom is best for hydration?
A: Tremella, the snow mushroom. It holds more than 500 times its weight in water and penetrates the skin more deeply than hyaluronic acid.
Author: Verdoie Team
Last updated: April 2026