Medicinal mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses with a myriad of health benefits including the following;
- providing immune support
- full of antioxidants
- supports a healthy inflammation response
- balancing blood sugar
- supports brain health and cognition
- supports the nervous system, and
- increases energy and stamina
These medicinal mushrooms share their power of resiliency and adaptability with us. They are fantastic superfoods that have seen a real resurgence recently, although Chinese medicine and Japanese cultures have been utilizing the power of these medicinal mushrooms for thousands of years. Here is a summary only of some of the benefits of these incredible mushrooms; I encourage you to do further research into each of the mushrooms. This synergistic blend aims to support all systems within the body.
Lions Mane – The Neurological Powerhouse
The primary medicinal benefit of using Lions Mane is that it supports healthy brain function and neuro-regeneration. Lions mane is full of a multitude of important compounds such as beta-glucans which are immune modulating, antioxidants, and neuroprotective phytonutrients. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses this mushroom for the spleen and its association with digestive energy and water regulation. TCM also uses medicinal mushrooms as a tonic for stress-related disorders and for lack of energy. Lions Mane helps increase the ability to concentrate and is well-established in promoting cognitive function.
Reishi Mushroom – The Mushroom of Immortality
The primary medicinal benefit of the Reishi mushroom is the potential immune-modulating benefits of the polysaccharides. Reishi is associated with immune function, and if taken over time Reishi can significantly support the immune system. It also provides restful sleep and a calm mind, reducing stress and restlessness. It can also support lung and respiratory health,
and support balanced blood sugar levels due to its well-rounded capacity to support numerous systems in the body. Many herbalists refer to Reishi as ‘The Queen of Medicinal Mushrooms’. Reishi has a 2000-year-old written record in medicinal texts, and Chinese culture used it to promote calmness, as well as enhance their meditative practices. Reishi also promotes longevity and is held as the mushroom of immortality. It is a superior herb that supports a long life healthy aging and boosts energy. It is an incredible adaptogenic, providing energy when needed, or promoting sleep and calmness when required. It works on all Jing, Qi and Shen to promote overall health and vitality.
Cordyceps – The Energy Booster
The primary function of Cordyceps mushrooms is to improve lung capacity. It has incredible energy-boosting properties and can increase the production of ATP (the compound that gives cells their energy). Cordyceps is a great mushroom supplement for those undertaking exercise for peak physical performance. Cordyceps supports healthy levels of inflammation and immune markers, and it also contains hormone-regulatory properties including supporting kidney health. Traditional healing has used this fungus as a powerful tonic to improve energy, appetite, stamina, and endurance. It was traditionally used as a tonic to revitalize and restore symptoms such as fatigue exhaustion and chronic stress. It can be both stimulating and warming. It is powerful in a traditional context and it has an affinity to the kidneys and the lungs, meaning that it supports these organs effectively.
Chaga – The King of Mushrooms
Chaga is known as ‘The King of Mushrooms’. It has amazing health benefits such as being high in antioxidants, supporting digestion, immune function, modulates inflammation and contains key antimicrobial properties. It is also a very powerful anti-cancer agent. Chaga is best taken over extended periods of time to notice the effects. The active compound Beta D Glucans is among one of the most highly researched and natural immune-modulating compounds.
Maitake – The Dancing Mushroom
The primary medicinal benefit of using Shiitake mushrooms is to support cardiovascular health, however, Shiitake mushrooms are also great for immunity and liver health. The polysaccharides found in Shiitake mushrooms have shown great promise as an immune-boosting agent. It helps to maintain cholesterol levels within a healthy range. These mushrooms are great to cook with and are also loaded with B vitamins, helping to modulate blood sugar levels in the body and support a healthy inflammation response. Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to increase IGA (a key immune cell associated with our first line of defense). When it comes to immunity, Shiitake mushrooms can also reduce reactive protein or blood marker that detects inflammation. In Chinese, Shiitake translates to fragrant mushroom, and it was also deemed the elixir of life in Japan. Shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated for use as food and supplementation for a healthy long life supporting healthy circulation.
Turkey Tail – The Immunity Promotor
The primary function of Turkey tail is to boost the immune system. It improves immune function by stimulating cytokine production, increasing natural killer cells through immune boosting functions, the protein-bound polysaccharides found in Turkey Tail. The most research-backed immune-supporting effective proteins, these compounds enhance immune cells like T-cells when used alone or in combination with other synergistic herbs. Turkey Tail is a safe mushroom to use long-term. Traditional Chinese medicine has used Turkey Tail for supporting digestion, lung health, body fluid regulation, and supporting vitality. It is also used widely in Japan and China to strengthen the immune system due to the highest amounts of beta glucans of all the mushrooms, which help our immune system stay healthy over an extended period of time.
Shiitake – The DE-flammer
The primary medicinal benefit of using Shiitake mushrooms is to support cardiovascular health, however, Shiitake mushrooms are also great for immunity and liver health. The polysaccharides found in Shiitake mushrooms have shown great promise as an immune-boosting agent. It helps to maintain cholesterol levels within a healthy range. These mushrooms are great to cook with and are also loaded with B vitamins, helping to modulate blood sugar levels in the body and support a healthy inflammation response. Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to increase IGA (a key immune cell associated with our first line of defense). When it comes to immunity, Shiitake mushrooms can also reduce reactive protein or blood marker that detects inflammation. In Chinese, Shiitake translates to fragrant mushroom, and it was also deemed the elixir of life in Japan. Shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated for use as food and supplementation for a healthy long life supporting healthy circulation.
Agaricus – The Brillant Button
has medicinal benefits that support cardiovascular health and provide excellent levels of vitamin D. Agaricus mushroom has been shown to have positive effects on PSA levels in those with prostate health concerns. They also have a favourable shift in gut health by increasing beneficial species in the microbiome. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used this mushroom to regulate the body’s Qi and to promote overall well-being. It is beneficial to gut health as well as providing a healthy inflammation response and benefits to the cardiovascular system. Agaricus is an excellent source of Vitamin D. This mushroom also has the potential benefits of detoxing the body of xeno-estrogens.
Tremella – The Beauty Youth Promoter
Tremella mushroom is also known as the ‘Snow Fungus Mushroom’. The potential primary medicinal benefits include promoting healthy youthful complexions through its potent anti-aging properties. This mushroom may just be the beauty powerhouse you’ve been searching for. The unique polysaccharides found in tremella are also known for their intense hydrating properties, much like hydronic acid, without the cost of the high-end anti-aging cosmetic products. In addition to its remarkable hydrating properties, Tremella mushroom exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-aging, immune boosting, gut nourishing, and neuroprotective properties. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have recommended Tremella as a yin tonic for thousands of years to promote health, long life, and beauty. Being a stomach and lung yin tonic, traditional Chinese medicine uses this mushroom to treat dry conditions such as dry cough, skin, throat, and more.
Polyporus – The 3D Mushie (Digestion/Diuretic/Detox)
This mushroom is well known for its diuretic properties. It can eliminate excess sodium and fluids, and lowers blood pressure only when it is too high. The other beneficial effect of Polyporus is on hair – it stops hair from falling out, protects you from aging, and promotes regrowth. At the same time, it also assists the bones, making the bones and fingernails stronger. Polyporus contains many trace minerals, trace elements, steroidal properties, powerful antibacterial properties, and beta-glucans which are natural immune-stimulating compounds. Aquaporins which are three proteins that assist with the elimination of excess water and sodium from the body.
Astragalus – Vitality and Wellbeing
Astragalus is a herb that has various health benefits including being an antioxidant, and its antiviral properties. Some research suggests that Astragalus may have the potential to treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes, however, further conclusive research into the effects of Astragalus is necessary. The three main active compounds of Astragalus are polysaccharides (or complex carbohydrates), flavonoids, and saponins. Some of the traditional Chinese medicine benefits are reported to include antioxidant effects, modulation of the immune system. antiviral effects, and cardiotonic activities such as stimulation of the heart muscle. It may also assist with graceful aging by reducing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. It may act as a tonic to help build stamina, and promote immune system function. Astragalus may have potential benefits for cancer, and some research suggests that it has a positive effect on tumors. Some research has demonstrated that the polysaccharides in Astragalus can assist with regulating blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. The active ingredients found in Astragalus are also beneficial for the liver, acting as an anti-fibrotic agent to prevent scarring of the liver. There are some potential benefits to the kidneys as well. Astagalus regardless is antimicrobial and antibacterial. It contains flavonoids and polysaccharides which support the immune system and suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms. This herb also creates an anti-inflammatory effect.