aum alchemy (Brighton): Mushrooms, Adaptogens and Healthy Fats for Wellness
Brighton and London’s wellness communities are buzzing about medicinal mushrooms and plant adaptogens like lion’s mane, maca, turmeric, and ashwagandha. These special ingredients are valued for their potential health effects – for example, experts note that mushrooms are being studied for benefits in cognitive function, stress, fatigue and even menopausal symptoms[1]. Adaptogens, common in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, similarly help the body balance its stress response[2][3]. At Aum Alchemy we infuse these powerful botanicals into our peanut butter, creating a delicious, on-the-go wellness food that fits today’s active, plant-based lifestyle.
Mushrooms & Adaptogens: Nature’s Allies for Mind & Body
“Mushrooms” span everyday culinary varieties (like shiitake, cremini) and functional fungi (Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, etc). Lion’s Mane, for example, contains compounds (erinacines, hericenones) known to promote nerve growth factor (NGF) and neuroplasticity[4]. (Early research even links lion’s mane to improved memory and focus, though human trials show mixed results[4][5].) Reishi and cordyceps have long histories of use for energy and immunity. Mushrooms like turkey tail, chaga or culinary shiitakes also pack antioxidants and immune-supporting beta-glucans[1][6].
Likewise, adaptogenic herbs are prized for mental and hormonal support. Ashwagandha (Withania) is renowned in Ayurveda for relieving stress[7], and contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds[8]. Maca root (a Peruvian tuber) is traditionally eaten to boost mood and energy[9], and is now being studied for fatigue relief and hormone balance. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In short, these plants help us adapt to modern-day stress – but their benefits often depend on how we take them.
Why Fats Make Mushrooms & Adaptogens Work Better
A key takeaway from mushroom experts (like Tom Baxter of Bristol Fungarium) is that many mushroom compounds are fat-soluble. As Baxter explains, adding fats (butter, peanut butter, olive oil, coconut oil, etc.) can help absorb mushroom bioactives. In the Doctor’s Kitchen podcast Baxter says: “if you have fats in your coffee, the lipids in the fats will coat the compounds and get them further into your digestive tract”[10]. In other words, pairing mushrooms with healthy fats can increase uptake of nutrients and create a smoother delivery into the body. (He notes it’s a modest effect – “marginal gains” – but useful when optimizing absorption[10][11].)
This idea is well-established for other adaptogens, too. For example, turmeric’s main active (curcumin) is fat-soluble, so studies recommend consuming turmeric with fat (plus black pepper) to improve bioavailability[12]. Unsurprisingly, our peanut butter (rich in healthy fats) is a perfect vehicle. Likewise, ashwagandha’s key molecules include fat-soluble components[8], suggesting it too may be better absorbed when eaten with a fatty medium. In short, combining these herbs or mushrooms into a nut butter “glue” helps deliver their beneficial compounds effectively.
Beyond absorption, peanut butter itself offers heart-healthy fats. Peanut butter is mostly unsaturated fat (about 80% of its fats are mono- and polyunsaturated[13]), which lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supports cardiovascular health[14]. In fact, large studies show that people who regularly eat nuts or peanut butter tend to have less heart disease and diabetes over time[15]. So Aum Alchemy’s peanut base not only makes for delicious snacks – it provides the healthy fat matrix to “activate” the adaptogens and mushroom extracts we blend in.
Aum Alchemy’s Adaptogen-Infused Peanut Butter
At Aum Alchemy, we’ve turned this science into a tasty ritual. Our handcrafted peanut butter blends each pair key adaptogens with nourishing peanuts, honoring yogic wellness traditions and mindful living[2][16]. For example, our Mind Butter features organic Lion’s Mane extract, while our Body Butter highlights Peru’s Organic Maca root [16]. Turmeric round out our ingredients. Each jar is made in the UK (and soon beyond), fully plant-based and sugar-free – perfect for city dwellers who want a wholesome, grab-and-go “boost” after yoga, a run, or anytime between meals.
Using peanut butter as the base also fits our audience’s tastes. UK wellness enthusiasts – from Shoreditch to Brighton – love nut butters and smoothies, so hiding adaptogens in a familiar food makes them easy to enjoy. (Indeed, the snack world is catching on: adaptogens now appear in everything from granolas to peanut butter cups[3]!) Aum’s buttery blends require no special prep; you simply spread or blend them like any nut butter. They align with local values, too: many of our customers seek organic, sustainable products.
Key Audiences for Aum Alchemy Peanut Butter
Urban Wellness Enthusiasts: Young professionals (23–40) in London, Brighton and other cities, who swapped pub nights for non-alcoholic socializing (run clubs, yoga studios). They earn £40k+, prioritize fitness (running, cycling, yoga), and care about clean, plant-based nutrition. Brands like Headstrong, PureSport or Purasana appeal to them. They attend wellness events and look online for “wellness Brighton” or “health food London”[17][16]. Aum’s peanut butter fits their lifestyle as a convenient, nutritious snack after a morning workout or midday desk break.
Yoga & Holistic Practitioners: People dedicated to mindful living and sustainability. Often plant-based, with interest in Ayurveda and Eastern wellness. They may be yoga teachers, holistic coaches, or creative professionals (designers, writers) aged 25–40. They value organic, ethical products (supporting local UK makers) and follow influencers in the yoga/wellness niche. Ingredients like turmeric latte or adaptogen lattes are familiar to them. Our blends – marrying yogic “herbal wisdom” with the taste of peanut butter – resonate as simple self-care: e.g. stirred into porridge after a sunrise meditation.
Biohackers & Performance Seekers: Tech-savvy, career-driven individuals (often in startups, finance or tech) who use nutrition to optimize performance. They follow health podcasts (like The Doctor’s Kitchen), and take keen interest in nootropics and supplements. Inspired by biohacking trends (TikTok and TV have sent Lion’s Mane searches skyrocketing in the UK[17]!), they look for tangible, science-backed benefits. These buyers typically earn well, shop online frequently, and appreciate the fusion of “smart” ingredients in everyday foods. Aum Alchemy appeals to their desire for convenient, functional foods that support concentration, immunity, and stress resilience during busy workweeks.
Each of these audience segments is drawn to Aum Alchemy’s message: balance begins within, with wholesome, plant-powered foods. By blending adaptogens and mushrooms into a British-made peanut butter, we meet people where they are – infusing everyday diets with mindful nutrition.
Podcast Insights (Chronological)
· Tom Baxter on Maitake (favourite mushroom): When asked in the podcast, Tom said he loves maitake mushroom for its taste and difficulty to grow[18].
· Dr. Rupy’s Question on Fats: Dr. Rupy asked if there’s any benefit to having mushrooms with a fat source (butter, olive oil, etc.).
· Tom Baxter (1:47:55): “If you have fats in your coffee, the lipids in the fats will coat the compounds and get them further into your digestive tract…”[10]. He explained that fats help carry mushroom nutrients during digestion.
· Tom Baxter (1:48:21): “So yes, definitely… because the lipids will coat the compounds…”[10]. He confirmed fat enhances absorption (though only marginally).
· Tom Baxter (1:48:43): He noted that adding vitamin C or fats can slightly boost uptake of mushroom compounds – again “only single percentage point increases” in efficacy (a small effect).
Each quote above is from the Doctor’s Kitchen podcast episode with Tom Baxter, and illustrates why Aum Alchemy pairs mushrooms and adaptogens with a fatty peanut butter base[10][12].
Sources: Information is drawn from the Doctor’s Kitchen podcast transcript[10][1], UMass nutrition research on turmeric[12], Harvard Health on peanut butter[15][14], and industry news on adaptogen trends[17]. All content is for educational and SEO purposes, aligning with Aum Alchemy’s Brighton-based wellness focus.
[1] [10] [11] [18] #284 Reishi, Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake and more with Tom Baxter, Farmer and Mushroom Expert | The Doctor's Kitchen
[2] [16] aum alchemy | Adaptogen Peanut Butter for Mind Body Soul
https://aumalchemy.co.uk/aumalchemyjournal/thepowerofadaptogens
[3] [6] [7] [9] Feel-Good Treats Full of Adaptogens
https://www.thespruceeats.com/functional-snacks-5186464
[4] [5] Frontiers | Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom) on cognition and mood in healthy younger adults: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1405796/full
[8] Ashwagandha: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
https://www.verywellfit.com/the-health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-89543
[12] Using Black Pepper to Enhance the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Turmeric
[13] [14] [15] Why is Peanut Butter "Healthy" if it has Saturated Fat? - Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Health
[17] Lion's mane spores 450% Google search growth
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2024/06/07/Lion-s-mane-spores-450-Google-search-growth/
