The Complete Guide to Healing Medicinal Mushrooms
Can you mange stress, focus longer and support your immune system with medicinal mushrooms? Perhaps, read on.
*Affiliate disclosure.
Medicinal mushroom capsules, elixirs, extracts, blends, and powders are popping up everywhere in the supplement section of health food stores with major claims to alleviate some of our most challenging health issues.
Seemingly the latest health craze, medicinal mushrooms are anything but new. Co-founder of Dragon Herbs, Ron Teeguarden, explains, “Mushrooms have been known for thousands of years to possess profound health promoting and healing properties.” While Dr. Josh Axe, co-founder of Ancient Nutrition, adds, “I really do believe in the principles of ‘ancient’ nutrition, and beneficial mushrooms fall squarely into that category.”
The list of health claims for medicinal mushrooms is far reaching – from managing blood sugar levels, improving brain health, reducing inflammation, adrenal support, weight management, glowing skin, hormone balance, strengthening the immune system to fighting cancer.
So, why are mushrooms so beneficial? Four Sigmatic founder, Tero Isokauppila, explains that “as humans, we share almost half of our genetic makeup with mushrooms and are affected by many of the same diseases and problems as mushrooms. Thus, we can easily take advantage of the special immune-enhancing benefits and other survival methods that they build for themselves.” (You can read more about Tero’s book, Healing Mushrooms A Practical and Culinary guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health, here.)
To help you wade through the mushroom supplement boon, this guide explains the five major varieties of mushrooms and blends so you can easily start incorporating them into your lifestyle.
Medicinal Mushroom Controversy
Major health claims don’t come without controversy. Yet, the debate isn’t whether or not mushrooms have health benefits. Rather, the controversy lies within how the mushrooms are best grown, harvested, and processed for commercial consumption.
Brent Hefley of Profungi attributes this to “the fact that medicinal mushrooms are relatively new to the western world and there isn’t much in the way of accepted standards yet and we don’t even completely understand all of the [medicinal] components.”
Skye Chilton, founder of Real Mushrooms raises what could be a concern for a growing technique known as myceliated grain. He says, “[Myceliated grain] is the process of growing the mycelium, the mushroom’s root system, on a sterilized grain substrate. The mycelium grows out on the sterilized grain and once fully grown, it‘s dried, powdered, and sold as a mushroom supplement… the result containing no mushrooms and being more grain than mycelium.”
Despite the debate medicinal mushroom suppliers are passionate about harnessing their full healing potential. To get started, choose a brand that is 100 percent organic with transparent labeling about its growing and harvesting methods. Then pick the form whether it’s capsules, powders or extracts that best fits your lifestyle.
5 Medicinal Mushrooms You Should Know
These five highly studied medicinal mushrooms are some of the most popular and packed with antioxidants and healing benefits. To decide which single mushroom is right for you Sandra Carter, founder of Om Mushrooms, suggests taking only one type of mushroom at a time to discern its beneficial effects on your body.
1. Reishi
New Chapter Life Shield Reishi helps regulate the body’s stress response for long-term vitality.
OM Reishi is an immunity tonic that is a natural adaptogen.
Real Mushrooms Reishi 415 is hand-picked from 100% log-grown, organic, red reishi mushrooms.
Roots & Bones Duanwood Reishi can balance hormones and even prevent premature aging.
Proofing Reishi Extract is wild harvested from small organic farms or wild harvested for full potency.
Known as the “immortality mushroom” Reishi is one of the most studied mushrooms in the world. A star of traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years, it has a staggering number of potential health benefits including improved sleep, vitality and reduced inflammation and cortisol. It may also provide allergy relief and balance hormones. One word of caution, Reishi is known to lower blood pressure so be advised if you have a condition and consult your health practitioner.
2. Chaga
OM Chaga is beneficial to your metabolic system and helps with anti-aging for increased vitality.
Real Mushrooms Chaga is hot water extracted and organic with no added starch or grain.
Roots and Bones Chaga is wildcrafted and organic and rich in rich in phytonutrients, b-vitamins, and digestive enzymes.
Profungi Chaga Extract has been used for thousands of years for its immune boosting and antioxidant effects.
Nutrient dense and a powerful antioxidant, Chaga mushrooms contain powerful vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can ward off colds. A go-to mushroom for frequent travelers or when you’re exposed to germs, Chaga’s potential health benefits range from antiviral properties, balancing the immune system, lowering stress and cholesterol, and improving digestion.
3. Lion’s Mane
Host Defense Lion’s Mane helps keep a healthy focused mind and can eliminate brain fog.
OM Lion’s Mane helps support nerve health and brain function.
Real Mushrooms Lion’s Mane can be a creativity booster and improve focus.
Roots & Bones Lion’s Mane has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with mental clarity.
Popular with bio-hackers, Lion’s Mane is said to be a game changer for alleviating brain fog, memory loss, and nerve issues. Studies show that this mushroom has an abundance of neuroregenerative properties that may improve brain function and relieve anxiety. It’s also being studied to help prevent dementia and MS.
4. Turkey Tail
Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail is organic and hot water extracted for potency.
Profungi Turkey Tail is triple extracted and rich in rich in complex beta-glucans, glycoproteins, ergosterols, and triterpenoids.
This medicinal mushroom is approved as a cancer treatment in Japan and now is being studied in the U.S. But don’t wait until you’re sick to benefit from its powerful healing properties. An immune booster, it’s packed with antioxidants and prebiotics and said to have a positive effect on gut health.
5. Cordyceps
Dragon Herbs Cultured Cordyceps Drops support endurance and immune functions.
Real Mushrooms Cordyceps-M is certified organic and is used for increased and sustained energy.
Known as the “Fountain of Youth” for its antioxidant properties Cordyceps is the fitness enthusiast’s go-to mushroom for increased stamina, energy levels, and endurance over time. It may also be beneficial in helping treat diabetes by supporting healthy kidney function. Add that to detoxing the liver and balancing hormones.
Medicinal Mushroom Blends
Ultimate Shrooms is a source of natural energy that can improve your mood and support healthy weight.
Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend Mix features a powerful blend of medincinal mushrooms to support general wellbeing and improved health.
Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders is made from highly concentrated extracts from all organic mushrooms that you can put in shakes, smoothies, coffee, and tea.
Dragon Herb’s Four Kings combines the power of four tonic mushrooms to help boost immunity and healthy aging.
New Chapter Immune Support is an immunity boosting blend of potent medicinal mushrooms.
THORNE Myco-Immune’s liquid extract is a powerful combination of seven mushroom extracts to boost immunity.
Ancient Apothecary Fermented Multi-Mushroom blend has seven organic mushrooms that combats stress and anxiety.
New Chapter Liver Force detoxes and purifies your body with a powerful mushroom blend.
OM Mushrooms Fit may help you work out longer and recover faster.
New Chapter Mind Force can improve mental clarity and focus from this mushroom synergy.
Multi-mushroom blends are the easiest way to get a multitude of health benefits. You can add blends into hot or cold drinks in the morning or on the go. However, Hefley, founder of Profungi, points out that while medicinal mushroom blends are great for overall health – if you’re looking for a specific benefit, the more types of mushrooms in a blend, the less of one particular mushroom you ingest. Amanda Chantal Bacon founder of Moon Juice adds, “[Mushroom blends] are functional. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of combining ingredients for targeted benefits. Some ingredients are energizing, some are nourishing – so it’s important to have a thoughtfully crafted blend that takes each individual ingredient and its benefits into account.”
Mushroom Blends with Herbs and Adapadagens
Moon Juice Brain Dust enhances focus and mental stamina and can improve your mood.
Gaia Mushrooms + Herbs Everyday Immune can help boost your immune system everyday.
Ancient Apothecary Fermented Cordyceps is a powerful blend of bontanicals and mushrooms that help manage cortisol and exercise performance.
Moon Juice’s Power Dust increases energy and reduces fatigue with its blend of superherbs and mushrooms.
OM Brain Fuel supports brain function to keep sharp and be able to focus longer.
Ancient Apothecary Fermented Lion’s Mane can help reduce mental fatigue and may improve memory.
Gaia Mushrooms + Herbs Mental Clarity is a powerful blend of adaptogentic herbs and mushrooms that support brain health.
Wildcrafted Brain combines mushrooms and super herbs to ease stress and increase memory.
Along with medicinal mushrooms, herbs and adaptogens have been used for thousands of years as powerful remedies for our most challenging health issues. Today, suppliers are combining traditional mushrooms with herbs and adaptogens to create targeted blends.
To choose the right blend Amanda Chantal Bacon, creator of Moon Juice, advises to “tune into how you want to feel and what your body needs. Then consider what mushrooms and adaptogens will help provide those targeted benefits. For example, Lion’s Mane is known for its neuroprotective properties and Ashwagandha is calming, mineral dense, and nourishing. It also has been shown to be neuroprotective, so this combination would be great for brain benefits.”
Choosing a targeted blend based on your specific need – whether it’s better sleep, more energy, or improved focus – is a wonderful way to start exploring the powerful health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
*No statement in this article has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. For medical concerns, please consult your health practitioner.
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