Frequently Asked Questions
General
What are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are a group of mushrooms known for their potential health benefits. They contain bioactive compounds that can support various aspects of well-being, including immune function, cognitive health, energy levels, and stress management.
Do functional mushrooms have psychoactive properties? Will these mushrooms make me hallucinate?
No, functional mushrooms do not have psychoactive properties. While some mushrooms, such as certain species of psilocybin mushrooms, are known for their psychoactive effects, functional mushrooms typically do not contain these compounds. Functional mushrooms are cultivated and selected for their health-promoting properties rather than their psychoactive effects. They are safe to consume without causing any hallucinogenic or mind-altering experiences.
Are functional mushrooms safe to consume?
Yes, when used as directed, functional mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption. However, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
What is the best way to consume functional mushrooms?
Tinctures are known for their fast absorption, allowing the body to quickly assimilate the beneficial compounds. This efficient delivery method maximizes the potential health benefits and makes tinctures a preferred choice for individuals seeking a potent and convenient way to incorporate functional mushrooms into their wellness routine. The liquid form makes tinctures convenient to use, as they can be easily mixed with water or added to beverages.
Can functional mushroom supplements be used by everyone?
Functional mushroom supplements are generally safe for most adults. However, certain individuals such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with specific health conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into their routine.
Can functional mushroom supplements be taken with other medications or supplements?
If you are taking any medications or other supplements, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding functional mushroom supplements to your routine. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and ensure there are no potential interactions.
How long does it take to experience the benefits of functional mushroom supplements?
The benefits of functional mushroom supplements, especially their adaptogenic properties, are often seen through prolonged and consistent use. Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs and mushrooms, including some functional mushrooms, that can help the body adapt to stress and promote overall resilience.
While some individuals may notice initial improvements within a few weeks of starting functional mushroom supplementation, the full benefits of adaptogens are typically experienced over time. Consistency and regular use allow the adaptogenic compounds in functional mushrooms to accumulate in the body, supporting various aspects of well-being such as immune function, energy levels, cognitive health, and stress management.
The adaptogenic effects of functional mushrooms are best observed when incorporated into a long-term wellness routine. By incorporating functional mushroom supplements into your daily regimen and using them consistently over weeks and months, you can gradually build the benefits of adaptogens and enhance your body's resilience to stressors.
It's important to note that individual responses may vary, and factors such as dosage, overall health, lifestyle, and individual biochemistry can influence the time it takes to experience the full benefits of functional mushroom supplements and their adaptogenic properties.
What is an adaptogen?
Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs and mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. These natural substances are known for their ability to help the body adapt to various stressors and promote overall resilience.
Adaptogens work by regulating and balancing the body's stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. They help to modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, bringing them back into balance during times of both physical and mental stress.
One of the key characteristics of adaptogens is their ability to exert a non-specific response, meaning they can support multiple systems and organs in the body rather than targeting one specific area. They help to restore balance and enhance the body's ability to cope with stress, promoting overall well-being.
Functional mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane are examples of adaptogens. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that support the body's stress response and offer a range of potential health benefits, including immune support, cognitive function, and energy enhancement.
It's important to note that while adaptogens can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have specific health concerns, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Tincture Products
What do tinctures taste like?
Our Original (alcohol-based) tincture has a more potent, earthy flavour, whereas our Alcohol-Free (glycerin-based) tincture has a sweet taste and syrupy consistency.
Is Original tincture more effective than Alcohol-Free tincture? Which is best for me?
Both are equally potent and bioavailable. The Alcohol-Free format will not impact glucose levels, and the decision comes down to personal preference. Note that the shelf life on the Original tincture is longer.
Can I use more than one mushroom tincture at a time?
Yes! But we recommend starting with one mushroom tincture at the recommended daily dosage for up to two weeks to see how your body responds before adding another tincture to your routine.
How long will one 118 ml bottle of tincture last?
If you consume the recommended dose of 4 ml per day, the bottle will last approximately 30 days.
Which beverages can I add tinctures to?
You can add tinctures to any hot or cold beverage, including coffee, tea, water, and smoothies. Please note that the Alcohol-Free tincture has a sweet taste and, as such, may alter the taste of your beverage.
What is the shelf life like? How do I store unopened/opened tincture to extend shelf life?
Tinctures do not require refrigeration. We recommend storing your tinctures in a cool, dry place, away from any direct sunlight or heat sources. Our Alcohol-Free tinctures have a shelf life of 1 year, and our Original tinctures have a shelf life of 2 years.
How are Forage Hyperfoods tinctures extracted?
At Forage Hyperfoods, we use industry-leading ultrasonic extraction technology to produce high-potency dual extracts that feature all of the mushroom's beneficial polysaccharides, triterpenes, and vitamins. This method is the most efficient at breaking down chitin to release the active compounds in fungal cell walls, delivering a potent and bioavailable liquid extract. This process allows us to have alcohol and glycerin-based extracts with similar high potency.
Below are some of the advantages of ultrasonic extraction:
- Most efficient at breaking down mushroom cell walls
- Isolates bioactive compounds
- Produces high-quality, full-spectrum extracts
- Rapid extraction process
- Various solvents can be used to extract medicinal mushrooms
- Considered a "green technique" as it requires low solvent volumes and consumes less energy
Subscription & Membership
How do subscriptions work?
Our subscription program allows you to receive automatic deliveries of your favourite Forage Hyperfoods products at a discounted rate of up to 20% off. You can choose the frequency of deliveries that suits your needs, and we'll take care of the rest!
There are no obligations to continue your subscription. You may modify or cancel your subscription anytime!
How do I sign up for a subscription?
Simply select the "Subscribe & Save" option on the product page, choose the frequency of your delivery, and add the product to your cart.
Once the order has been placed, you will receive an email allowing you to manage your subscription, or you can log in here.
Can I customize my subscription?
Yes! With our subscription program, you have the flexibility to customize your deliveries. You can adjust the frequency of deliveries, skip orders, add, remove or swap products, and even update your shipping address or payment information anytime through your account dashboard.
Feel free to contact us if you need any assistance with managing your subscription.
How often will I be billed for my subscription?
You will be billed based on the frequency you selected during sign-up. For example, if you chose a monthly subscription, you will be billed every month. We'll send you a reminder 5 days before each charge, and another email 3 days before the order is placed. This ensures you have ample time to cancel or skip your order before it is processed.
What is the cancellation policy for subscriptions?
You can cancel your subscription at any time without any penalties. Simply log in to your account and follow the cancellation instructions. You can manage your subscription through the emails you receive or log in here.
Please note that cancellation requests made after a recent order has been processed will only apply to subsequent deliveries.
Orders and Shipping
What countries does Forage Hyperfoods ship to?
We proudly ship to Canada, USA, the UK, Ireland, France and Germany at this time.
Which carrier do you ship your packages with?
All of our packages are shipped via Canada Post.
Can I track my order?
Yes, once your order is processed and shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your shipment and estimate its delivery date.
Can I pick up my package at Forage Hyperfoods' facilities?
We do not offer pickup from our facility in Carleton Place. Your shipment will be sent via Canada Post.
Please note that shipping is free for orders over $25 for customers located in Canada and the United States. Shipping fees for orders under $25 and international destinations are calculated at checkout.
I need to cancel or modify my order, what should I do?
Once we receive your order, we process it quickly so that your product will ship within the next business day (Note: We do not ship on weekends or holidays).
Orders placed after 12 pm EST on Friday’s and over the weekend will be processed within 1-3 days from the following Monday.
We highly encourage all customers to carefully review their orders before placing them. If you need to cancel or modify your order, please contact us within 12 hours of placing your order. Provide your name, your Order #, and the changes you'd like to make.
How long does it take for an order to be fulfilled?
Once we receive your order, we process it quickly so that your product will ship within the next business day (Note: We do not ship on weekends or holidays).
Orders placed after 12 pm EST on Friday’s and over the weekend will be processed within 1-3 days from the following Monday.
We’ll send you the order tracking information by email (copy of the payment receipt, waybill number and delivery details).
How long will it take to receive my package? Will I have to pay customs fees?
Canada and United States: We offer free tracked shipping on orders over $25. The delivery time ranges from 1 to 10 business days, depending on your location.
USA packages - Be aware that packages may be subject to duties and customs fees which are not calculated at check out. These fees are a requirement of the government in the recipient's country and something Forage Hyperfoods cannot control or predict. It is the client's responsibility to pay the custom fees and taxes that might be imposed by the postal authorities. Please contact your local customs office to determine fees ahead of time.
International - All other countries: In most cases, the projected arrival by air for orders shipped using Canada Post's Tracked International service is 6-10 business days, and 4-7 business days with the Xpresspost International service. Please note that this does not account for the time the package may spend at customs.
International packages - Be aware that packages may be subject to duties and customs fees which are not calculated at check out. These fees are a requirement of the government in the recipient's country and something Forage Hyperfoods cannot control or predict. It is the client's responsibility to pay the customs fees and taxes that might be imposed by the postal authorities. Please contact your local customs office to determine fees ahead of time.
Where is my order? The tracking says it is delivered but it is missing.
We understand how frustrating it can be when the tracking information shows delivery, but the package is not in your possession.
To resolve this matter promptly, we recommend taking the following steps:
1. Confirm the Delivery Address: Please verify that the delivery address provided during the order process matches the address where you expected the package to be delivered. Sometimes, a small discrepancy or typographical error can lead to a misdelivery.
2. Check with Neighbours and Household Members: Kindly inquire with your neighbours or household members to see if they received the package on your behalf. Sometimes, a well-intentioned neighbour might have accepted the delivery for safekeeping.
3. Check Community Mailbox: If your residence has a community mailbox or a shared mailbox system, please check there as well. Occasionally, carriers may deliver packages to a central location rather than directly to your doorstep.
4. Contact Local Post Office or Carrier: Get in touch with your local post office or the carrier responsible for the delivery. Provide them with your tracking number and explain the situation. They will be able to investigate further and provide additional information about the delivery status.
5. File a Claim or Investigation: If the previous steps do not yield any results, we can initiate a claim or investigation with the carrier to further investigate the situation. Please contact us if you would like us to proceed with this option, and we will assist you accordingly.
We genuinely care about your satisfaction and want to help resolve this issue as soon as possible. Please keep us informed of any updates or progress you make following the above steps. We are here to support you throughout this process and will do everything we can to ensure a positive resolution.
What is Route?
Route is a package protection service that offers insurance for your orders, giving you peace of mind from the moment your package ships until it arrives safely at your doorstep. With Route, your parcel is covered against common issues like loss, theft, damage, and even those dreaded porch pirates.
Benefits of Route Insurance:
- Peace of Mind: Enjoy worry-free shopping, knowing your package is protected from start to finish.
- Protection Against Theft: Porch pirates are a real concern, but with Route, you’re covered if your package is stolen after delivery.
- Coverage for Lost Packages: If your parcel goes missing in transit, Route helps you get a replacement or refund quickly.
- Damage Protection: Accidents happen, but with Route, you’re covered if your package arrives damaged.
- Easy Claims Process: Filing a claim with Route is simple and hassle-free, ensuring you get the help you need promptly.
By adding Route insurance to your order, you can shop confidently, knowing that your purchase is protected every step of the way.
Customer Service
How do I contact your customer service team? What are your customer service hours?
You can contact our customer service team by email at support@foragehyperfoods.com, or by filling out the contact form on our website.
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm EST. We strive to provide prompt assistance during these hours, and any messages received outside of our operating hours will be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
We aim to respond to customer inquiries within 24-48 hours. However, during peak times or holidays, it may take slightly longer. Rest assured, we value your time and will make every effort to provide you with a timely and helpful response.
I cannot log into my account, what do I do?
If you're having trouble accessing your account, please click here to reset your password.
How do I access my subscription account to make changes?
You can easily access and manage your subscription through the emails you receive by clicking "Manage Subscription" or by logging into your subscription account here.
I used an old shipping address by accident, how do I fix this?
Please contact us immediately so we can update your address before the package is shipped.
Once we receive your order, we process it quickly so that your product will ship within the next business day (we do not ship on weekends or holidays).
Orders placed after 12 pm EST on Friday’s and over the weekend will be processed within 1-2 days from the following Monday.
My package arrived damaged and/or is missing items. What do I do?
If your product arrives damaged or with missing items, please contact us within 48 hours of receipt and include your order number, photos and/or videos of the damage, and any other relevant details. We will do everything we can to ensure a positive resolution.
What if my package is lost or stolen?
Please note that once your order has been shipped and a tracking number is provided, our responsibility for lost, stolen, or misdelivered packages is limited. We highly recommend keeping an eye on your tracking information and ensuring someone is available to receive the package at the provided shipping address.
For customers who have opted for Route package protection, your order is covered against loss, theft, and damage. If anything goes wrong, simply file a claim with Route for a quick resolution.
For customers without Route protection, we will do our best to assist you in filing a claim with the shipping carrier and provide any necessary documentation. However, please understand that if there is a delivery confirmation or a picture of the shipment, our ability to help may be limited, as the final outcome is subject to the shipping carrier's investigation and policies.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and will do our utmost to support you, but please be aware that certain circumstances may be beyond our control once the package is in the possession of the shipping carrier.