FAQ
ABOUT OUR MUSHROOMS
Why are your mushrooms more expensive than other brands?
Fair question, and we'd rather explain than just ask you to trust us.
The short answer: what's actually in the jar.
Most mushroom supplements on the market are made from mycelium — the root-like structure of the mushroom — grown on grain. When you test those products, you're often testing grain starch, not mushroom. Some independent lab tests have found products containing up to 60–70% grain filler by weight. You're essentially paying premium prices for a bag of starch with a mushroom label on it.
Our products are made from 100% fruiting body — the actual mushroom itself — with no grain, no fillers, and no mycelium. The fruiting body is where the active compounds are concentrated.
We then dual-extract each mushroom using both hot water and ethanol, which captures the full spectrum of bioactive compounds — including the beta-glucans that are responsible for most of the benefits you're after.
And here's the number that matters: our products consistently test at greater than 40% beta-glucan content. Most competitors don't publish this number at all, because theirs is significantly lower. Higher beta-glucans means more of what actually works, per teaspoon.
We also source our mushrooms from their Di Tao origin regions in China — the specific geographic areas where each mushroom first grew, evolved, and was used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Di Tao (地道) is an ancient Taoist principle meaning "of the earth" — the idea that a mushroom reaches its full potential only when grown in the right soil, climate, altitude, and environment it was naturally designed for. Growing Lion's Mane somewhere convenient rather than its native habitat is like growing Champagne grapes in a car park. The terroir matters. It's why we don't cut corners on sourcing.
So yes — our products cost a little more. But you're getting significantly more active compounds per serve, from a product that's actually what it says on the label.
What is a fruiting body and why does it matter?
A mushroom has two main parts: the mycelium (the underground root-like network) and the fruiting body (the actual mushroom you'd recognise above ground — the cap and stem).
The fruiting body is where the bioactive compounds — including beta-glucans, hericenones, and triterpenes — are most concentrated. These are the compounds that have been studied for their health benefits.
Many cheaper products use mycelium grown on grain because it's faster and cheaper to produce. But the resulting powder is a mix of mushroom mycelium and leftover grain starch, diluting the active content significantly.
All Shroom to Improve products are made from 100% fruiting body. No mycelium, no grain, no fillers.
What are beta-glucans and why do they matter?
Beta-glucans are the primary active compounds in medicinal mushrooms — the ones most associated with immune support, cognitive function, and adaptogenic effects.
When you see a beta-glucan percentage on a label, it tells you how much of the powder is actually the active compound you're paying for. A product at 5% beta-glucans and a product at 40% beta-glucans are not even close to the same thing, even if they look identical in the jar.
Our products test at greater than 40% beta-glucans — among the highest available in Australia. Most brands either don't test for this or don't publish the results.
What does "dual extract" mean?
Extraction is the process of making the active compounds in the mushroom available for your body to absorb. Raw or ground mushroom powder is poorly absorbed — the compounds are locked inside tough cell walls (chitin) that your body can't digest.
Dual extraction uses two methods:
- Hot water extraction — releases the water-soluble compounds, primarily beta-glucans and polysaccharides
- Ethanol (alcohol) extraction — captures fat-soluble compounds like triterpenes (important in Reishi especially)
Using both methods gives you the full spectrum of active compounds. Single-extraction products miss half the picture.
Where do your mushrooms come from?
Our mushrooms are sourced from their Di Tao origin regions in China — the specific natural environments where each species originated and has been cultivated for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
Di Tao is an ancient Taoist philosophy that recognises each herb and mushroom has an ideal native habitat. Sourcing from the right region means the mushroom grows in the right soil type, altitude, temperature range, and ecosystem — producing the richest, most bioactive version of itself.
For example, Reishi's Di Tao region is the mountainous forests of Zhejiang province. Lion's Mane originates from the cooler, forested regions of Northern China. Each of our mushrooms is sourced from its own specific Di Tao home.
Are your products certified organic?
Yes. Our mushrooms are grown using certified organic practices. All products are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilisers.
Are your products lab tested?
Yes. Every batch is tested by a third-party laboratory to verify beta-glucan content, purity, and the absence of heavy metals and contaminants. We're working on making our Certificates of Analysis (COAs) publicly available on the website — watch this space.
TAKING YOUR MUSHROOMS
How do I take Shroom to Improve products?
Our powders are designed to be added to any hot or cold drink — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, a smoothie, or warm water with honey. They dissolve easily and have a mild, earthy flavour that blends well without overpowering your drink.
Start with a half teaspoon for the first week so your body can adjust, then move to a full teaspoon daily. Consistency is key — most people notice a meaningful difference within 2–4 weeks of daily use.
When is the best time to take each mushroom?
- Lion's Mane — Morning is ideal. It supports focus and mental clarity, making it a great addition to your morning coffee or tea. It can also be taken at night as it may support REM sleep.
- Reishi — Morning to help manage stress through the day, or before bed if your focus is sleep quality.
- Cordyceps — Morning or pre-workout. It supports energy and athletic performance, so earlier in the day is best.
- Chaga — Morning or any time of day. It's an immune-supporting daily tonic.
- Turkey Tail — Any time of day. Works well added to meals or drinks consistently.
- Tremella — Any time of day. Works well in beauty drinks, lattes, or smoothies.
- ON Blend (Lion's Mane + Cordyceps + Chaga) — Morning, to set you up for an energised, focused day.
- OFF Blend (Reishi + Tremella + Turkey Tail) — Afternoon or evening, to wind down, support your immune system, and nourish your skin.
- Ashwagandha KSM-66 — Can be taken morning or evening. Many people find it useful at night to support sleep and recovery.
Can I take more than one mushroom at a time?
Absolutely. Medicinal mushrooms work well together and are commonly stacked. A popular combination is Lion's Mane + Reishi — cognitive clarity and calm together. This is actually the thinking behind our ON and OFF blends, which take the guesswork out of combining.
If you're new to medicinal mushrooms, we suggest starting with one product and adding a second after two weeks once you've noticed how your body responds.
How long until I notice results?
Medicinal mushrooms are not stimulants — they work through gradual, systemic changes rather than an immediate hit. Most people notice a meaningful difference within 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use, though some notice changes in the first week.
The key is daily consistency. Taking it occasionally won't give you the full benefit. Think of it less like medication and more like adding a powerful nutritional foundation to your day.
What's the right dose?
A standard daily serve is ½ to 1 teaspoon (approximately 2.5–5g) once per day. We recommend starting with half a teaspoon for the first week, particularly if you're new to adaptogens, then settling into a full teaspoon as your daily habit.
Because our mushrooms are so much more concentrated than most — testing at greater than 40% beta-glucans from 100% fruiting body — you don't need to take more than a teaspoon to get a powerful, effective dose. More isn't better here; consistency is.
Due to this potency, some people find they feel the benefit on even less than half a teaspoon. Start low, listen to your body, and find what works for you.
Can I cook with these powders?
Yes. Our extracts are heat-stable, so you can add them to warm dishes, soups, broths, bliss balls, and baked goods. The bioactive compounds are not destroyed by normal cooking temperatures.
SAFETY & SUITABILITY
Are your products safe to take every day?
Yes. Our mushrooms have a long history of daily use in traditional medicine spanning thousands of years, and are well tolerated by most people at standard doses. They are not stimulants and are not habit-forming.
As always: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or have an existing medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before adding any new supplement to your routine. These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA.
Are your products vegan and gluten-free?
Yes. All Shroom to Improve products are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. No animal products, no added fillers, no starches.
Can children take these products?
Yes — medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use across all ages, and many of our customers give them to their kids daily. We've been giving our own children mushrooms since before they were born.
For children, we simply recommend a smaller dose — around a quarter teaspoon per day is a good starting point, adjusting based on age, size, and how they respond.
One exception: Chaga. We recommend waiting until at least 12 months before introducing Chaga. It's a potent immune modulator and the research on Chaga specifically for very young children is limited — some sources suggest caution under 10 years of age. The other mushrooms in our range — Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Tremella, and Ashwagandha — are all well-tolerated in small doses by children.
As always, if your child has any existing health conditions or takes medication, check with your healthcare practitioner first.
Can I take these alongside other supplements or medications?
Most people take our mushrooms alongside standard supplements like protein powder, vitamins, and magnesium without any issues. However, if you are on prescription medications — particularly blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or immunosuppressants — please check with your doctor first, as some medicinal mushrooms may interact with these.
ORDERS, SHIPPING & RETURNS
How much is shipping?
Shipping is free on orders over $150. For orders under $150, standard shipping rates apply at checkout.
How long does delivery take?
We ship across Australia. Standard delivery typically takes 3–7 business days depending on your location. Express options are available at checkout.
What if I'm not happy with my purchase?
We stand behind our products 100%. If you're not satisfied, we offer a full money-back guarantee — no questions asked. See our Money Back Guarantee page for full details.
Can I subscribe and save?
Yes. You can set up a subscription on any product page and save on every order. Subscriptions can be paused, changed, or cancelled at any time — no lock-ins, no fuss.
Do you have stockists or wholesale options?
Yes — we're stocked in select locations around Australia, and we welcome wholesale enquiries from cafés, health food stores, gyms, naturopaths, and wellness businesses. Visit our Stockists page to find a retailer near you, or fill out the form to enquire about stocking our range.