147: Why You're Not Feeling Your Mushroom Powders with Hamiltons Mushrooms

Jan 21

Written By KK

Thank you Magic Mind for your 45% off this January Bundle
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Today we chat with Hamiltons Mushrooms a Medicinal Mushroom Nerd. Forager. Filmmaker and storyteller all on uncovering the secrets behind mushroom supplement industry as well as how to learn mushrooms quickly.

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How to Spot Top-Tier Mushroom Products: Insights from Hamilton’s Mushrooms
By KK, Host of Flora Funga Podcast

Are all mushroom supplements created equal? In this special episode, I chat with Hamilton of Hamilton’s Mushrooms, who offers an insider’s perspective on what sets truly premium medicinal mushroom products apart. Here’s what you need to know about fruiting bodies, mycelium, and avoiding fillers.

From Foraging to Formulation

Hamilton’s fascination with fungi began during a mushroom-foraging trip in Northern California and then studying in Nepal, where he discovered the thrill of finding chanterelles, porcini, and more. His passion soon evolved into deeper research when a family member began experiencing dementia, prompting Hamilton to learn about lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, and other functional mushrooms. Over time, he saw how mushroom extracts could not only boost the immune system but potentially help with neuroplasticity and overall well-being.

Powder vs. Extract: Know the Basics

One of Hamilton’s key distinctions is mushroom powder vs. mushroom extract:

Powder:
- Simply dried and ground mushrooms (or mycelium).
- Offers beneficial prebiotic fiber to feed good gut bacteria.
- Can be tough to digest if you’re sensitive to chitin, the fibrous component in mushroom cell walls.
Extract:
- Utilizes heat, pressure, or alcohol to concentrate active compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenes.
- Typically more potent for boosting immune health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Can target specific compounds such as hericenones (in lion’s mane) or cordycepin (in cordyceps).

Fruiting Bodies vs. Mycelium on Grain

When you see “mushroom” on a supplement label, you might actually be getting mycelium grown on grain rather than the actual fruiting body. The mycelium-on-grain approach can be cheaper to produce but often yields lower levels of the beneficial compounds. If you want maximum potency, opt for fruiting-body extracts, where the mature mushroom provides a concentrated profile of polysaccharides and other key nutrients.

Beware of Fillers!

Hamilton explains a common industry pitfall:

Pure mushroom extract is produced.
It’s sold to intermediaries who dilute it with maltodextrin or raw powder.
This process can happen multiple times before the finished product hits shelves.

The result? A potentially watered-down supplement that doesn’t deliver the advertised benefits. Before you buy:

Check for third-party testing. Look for data on beta-glucan and triterpene levels.
Read labels thoroughly. Watch for fillers like maltodextrin.
Research the brand’s transparency. Does the company disclose extraction methods?

The Filmmaker’s Approach to Fungi

Beyond his expertise in product sourcing, Hamilton wears another hat as a filmmaker, documenting the relationships surrounding various mushroom species around the world. From Himalayan hunts for cordyceps to local festivals, his storytelling underscores how mushrooms are intertwined with culture, ecology, and the global economy. It’s a powerful reminder that the journey from forest floor to supplement bottle involves ecosystems, communities, and ethical considerations.

Key Takeaways

Differentiate Powder vs. Extract: Powders retain beneficial fibers but may be harder on digestion, while extracts concentrate compounds for boosted efficacy.
Fruiting Bodies Reign Supreme: Look for fruiting-body-based products if you want high potency.
Avoid Fillers: Double-check labels for additives that dilute your supplement’s strength.
Stay Curious: Embrace the science and stories behind fungi—knowing their origins ensures you pick the highest-quality solutions.

Tune In for More

Want to hear the full conversation? Check out the Flora Funga Podcast episode featuring Hamilton’s Mushrooms. You’ll gain an even deeper understanding of medicinal fungi, how to spot top-tier products, and why mushrooms continue to captivate researchers, storytellers, and health enthusiasts alike.

For more tips on quality mushroom supplements, visit www.FloraFungaPodcast.com or follow KK on Instagram @FloraFungaPodcast.