Written by Gemma Ogston, Chef, Author, and Wellness Advocate
Gemma Ogston is a chef, author, and wellness advocate passionate about nourishing food, mental health, and community. Founder of Mama Shrooms and Gem’s Community Kitchen, she blends plant-based recipes, recovery, and self-care into everything she creates.
Before becoming a chef and wellness advocate, I spent 10 years working as an addiction counsellor, supporting people through some of the most challenging periods of their lives. It was during this time I first saw how deeply connected food, mental health, and recovery truly are. Plants, I realised, could be medicine, a way to nurture not just the body but the mind too.
This philosophy stayed with me as I transitioned into the world of plant-based cooking and eventually led me to functional mushrooms. Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps aren’t just powerful for physical vitality; they offer crucial support in managing stress, anxiety, and burnout, something I’ve experienced firsthand. In a world where mental health challenges are on the rise, particularly post-pandemic, these fungi have been a lifeline in my own wellness routine.
But the mental health crisis isn’t confined to adults. It’s becoming increasingly urgent among young people. According to recent NHS data, over 1 in 4 teenagers in the UK struggle with a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression leading the charge. Waiting lists for professional support are at an all-time high, leaving many families feeling powerless. As a mum of two teenagers who’ve faced their own mental health struggles and battled the pressures of school systems, social media, and societal expectations, I kept asking myself: Why aren’t we offering these wellness tools to teens?
This question inspired me to launch my upcoming teenager-focused mushroom range. There’s a glaring gap in the market: nothing formulated specifically for young people navigating hormonal changes, anxiety, focus challenges, and stress. Introducing adaptogens and gentle wellness practices early can offer teens the tools they need to build resilience, balance their mood, and support overall well-being before a crisis hits.
With Mama Shrooms and now our teen range, my mission is simple: to make natural, effective mental health support accessible for everyone. Functional mushrooms have supported me and my family through anxiety, sleepless nights, and burnout, and I’m passionate about sharing that with the next generation.
Read more from Gemma Ogston
Gemma Ogston, Chef, Author, and Wellness Advocate
Gemma Ogston is a chef, author, and founder of Mama Shrooms, a wellness brand focused on women’s health and recovery. A former addiction counsellor, she’s now a recipe developer, community advocate, and bestselling author of The Self-Care Cookbook and The Healing Cookbook. Gemma regularly appears on BBC and ITV, works with brands like Soho House and Witch, and leads local projects promoting affordable, nourishing food. She’s also an ambassador for Young Minds UK and FareShare.
