Druzy Journeys - Paul's Druzy Fusion Mushroom Experience

I'm very grateful to Paul for volunteering to share his story. He has been an integral part of the founding of Druzy Fusion. We have been friends for many years - he was the first to try our Lion's Mane tincture. In fact, he was the inspiration behind it when we began researching its benefits! His feedback has helped us improve the formula into the product it is today. Paul also likes to come help out at some of the events we attend, there is no doubt that he's our most vocal supporter! 

I sat down with Paul last week. Here's what he had to say...

Which Druzy Fusion products are you currently taking, and for how long?

I've been taking Lion’s Mane for just over 1 year. I added Red Reishi about 6 months ago and Cordyceps 2 months ago. 

How do you usually take your tinctures (morning routine, with coffee/tea, etc.)?

I put Lion's Mane and Cordyceps in my coffee every morning. I take Red Reishi with a little water at night in a shot glass.

Did you notice any changes right away, or did benefits build over time?

The Lion’s Mane was a gradual effect that has gotten better over time. With Red Reishi, I slept better the first time I took it. Cordyceps makes a huge difference in my energy levels that is different than caffeine and I noticed that within a few hours of taking it, but it probably took me a few days to credit it for the energy. Honestly, there’s not a DF product that I wouldn’t take.

When I started the Lion’s Mane, I didn’t notice any changes myself, but my wife and my friends noticed the changes before I did. It took me a few months to recognize the changes myself, but others noticed the improvement in my mood within a few days.

What originally motivated you to try functional mushrooms?

Carl and Rebecca are friends of mine and I was one of the very first adopters. I had been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's and was having issues getting through multi-step tasks by myself. I was also having some issues managing my emotions, especially my temper. It would just flare up out of nowhere.  

In the early days of Druzy Fusion, they were in the research stages. They would call me and say 'I just read this paper that says Lion's Mane was shown in a human Alzheimer's study to help with task completion and emotions'. I kept saying 'Hurry up and grow it!'.

Was there a particular moment you realized “this is actually working for me”?

One day I was sitting outside and my wife mentioned how much better my temper flare ups have been. That made me start looking for improvements and I notice them more and more in myself.

If you could go back and talk to yourself before starting, what would you say?

You gotta get your act together. I should have started sooner.

What’s one activity you can now enjoy more fully because of the support you’ve experienced?

Because I’m more clear in my mind, I can enjoy my alone time better than before. I don't get as confused as I did before I started the mushrooms.

Have friends, family, or colleagues noticed a difference in you?

My wife says she has her husband back. She says she doesn’t have to remind me to do tasks like feed the fish every day.

How would you describe the difference you feel in one word?

Relieved. This is what my mother passed from and now I have hope and my anxiety over my condition is much less. I fear becoming a burden.

Which of your values do you feel align most with the way Druzy Fusion products are made?

Having seen the process firsthand, I know personally when I take these products, I’m getting the best of the mushroom. The products align with my values in regard to cleanliness, and the care and detail that goes into the tinctures. The amount of research that went into developing the products really made me trust what they were building.

What do you wish more people understood about functional mushrooms?

If people understood that so much big Pharma medicine is derived from nature — so much started out as a natural thing, not a manufactured chemical. I’m a firm believer in natural medicines.

If someone was hesitant about trying tinctures, what would you tell them?

Don't read into the hype - look for products like these that are made from fresh mushrooms that you can trace the source of. Liquids are easier for us oldies to absorb!

How do you see these supplements fitting into your long-term health journey?

Well, I hope to have at least another 10 years and I intend to take them every day for the rest of my life, however long that may be.

Which stack or tincture would you never want to run out of, and why?

Lion’s Mane is my go-to. Red Reishi helps me sleep so much better at night, that would be my second choice.

Paul's stack is the basis of our Mental Fitness Stack - he also adds Cordyceps to his routine for the extra support for his inflammatory response and its adaptogenic benefits.