A new exploratory study suggests that everyday functional mushrooms, such as Reishi and Lion’s Mane, could help manage epilepsy symptoms, particularly for people with drug-resistant forms of the condition.
The research, led by the non-profit Realm of Caring with Unlimited Sciences and Lily’s Lighthouse, found that these mushrooms may reduce seizure frequency and severity while improving cognitive health and daily living. The mixed-methods study, published in Pharmacological Research – Natural Products, combined surveys and interviews with adults living with epilepsy and caregivers of affected children.
Nearly all participants—94.7%—reported positive effects from adding functional mushrooms to their routine. Many noticed fewer and less intense seizures, sharper thinking, developmental progress in children, and an overall improvement in well-being.
“While these results are preliminary, they are incredibly encouraging,” said Matthew X. Lowe, PhD, senior research director at Realm of Caring. “Our participants reported meaningful improvements not only in seizure control but also in mental health, cognitive ability, and quality of life. We hope these findings encourage further research in controlled settings to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and dosing of these natural compounds in epilepsy care.”
Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization and the International League Against Epilepsy. In the UK, about 600,000 people live with the condition, facing unpredictable seizures that affect work, school, and relationships. Nearly one-third have drug-resistant epilepsy, where seizure freedom rates remain below 15%, according to The Lancet Neurology.
Functional mushrooms have a long history in traditional Asian medicine for supporting brain and immune health. Research published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms suggests that Reishi has anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Lion’s Mane may promote nerve growth and repair after seizure damage.
The Realm of Caring study also noted emotional and family benefits. Caregivers described reduced stress as seizures became milder or less frequent. One parent said their child began reaching developmental milestones such as clearer speech and better focus after starting the mushrooms. Others reported extended seizure-free periods for the first time in years.
“As a founding principle, Realm of Caring is committed to advancing research on cannabis and other plant-based medicines,” said Sasha Kalcheff-Korn, executive director of Realm of Caring. “This study builds on that legacy by exploring how sustainable, natural therapies like functional mushrooms may provide affordable and accessible options for families facing the challenges of epilepsy. Investing in this research is about empowering patients and caregivers with more choices and better outcomes.”
Realm of Caring, based in Colorado, has a long record of supporting evidence-based natural therapies. Its collaborators share that vision: Unlimited Sciences focuses on psychedelic and plant research, while Lily’s Lighthouse was founded by a mother whose daughter once suffered 50 daily seizures before finding relief through mushrooms. Their joint project, launched in early 2024, gathered real-world data from diverse participants rather than relying solely on laboratory settings.
As an observational study, the findings cannot establish causation, and researchers warn against viewing mushrooms as a cure. They emphasise the need for clinical trials to confirm safety, drug interactions, and dosage. Yet, with epilepsy medication often costing hundreds of pounds a year, functional mushrooms—available as teas or supplements for a fraction of that—could become a practical complementary option.
“At Lily’s Lighthouse, we believe every family affected by epilepsy deserves hope. For many, especially those with drug-resistant epilepsy, each day is a struggle against uncertainty,” said Sarah-Kate Boylan, CEO of Lily’s Lighthouse. “This research underscores the potential of functional mushrooms to reduce seizure severity and enhance quality of life, providing an adjunctive therapy where traditional treatments often fall short. We are committed to advancing this promising science to bring hope and relief to those impacted by epilepsy.”
