Medicinal mushrooms, oh how I love you- No, not magical mushrooms- Medicinal. Ever since I can remember one of my biggest fears, has been death. Death by illness or disease. I don’t know why cause thankfully I am blessed, perfectly healthy and thank God haven’t lost a close one to such a thing. Maybe I carry it from a past life- but when I found out that medicinal mushrooms can prevent disease and cancer I was automatically interested and hooked. Then- when I first tried it, I was more obsessed. The instant clean energy, the clear mind, the focus AND I am gaining health benefits? Where have you guys been my whole life?
Now when something sparks my interest, I immediately become passionate and research until I’m satisfied with my knowledge. The history, benefits and continued research of medicinal mushrooms is only fueling my interest. I continue to learn something new about these medicinal mushrooms each and every single day. I incorporate them in my every day diet and try to get my husband and son to understand the importance of there in take as well. There’s so much information on each specific medicinal mushroom. I probably will never be able to cover them all. BUT I will go over my favorites; including benefits and best way to intake. Again, I have my favorites and I will go into more depth on the specific ones on a separate article.
About 100,000 species of mushrooms or fungi are members of a kingdom of living organisms that grow – continuously. Unlike strawberries or watermelon, where the die each season and re-grow- Mushrooms get more Mycilin the longer they grow. The older the mushroom is- the more potent the benefits will be.
Overview: Medicinal mushrooms have been used for over thousands of years. 4,000 years ago, there was a medicine kit found with a mummy, containing a mushroom- used for antibiotic uses. Penicillin, for example, is produced from the fungus Penicillium notatum.
The following medicinal mushrooms
Cordyceps sinensis- great for athlete, anyone with asthma or respiratory issues. This is one of my least favorite tasting mushroom- it is pretty strong. I suggest mixing it in a morning shake or smoothie for a great energy boost and improvements on focus and brain clarity.This is strictly a medicinal mushroom, not a culinary one.
Boosts Energy Protects Heart Health
Balances Cholesterol Levels
Regulates Respiratory Function
Prevents Cancer
Strengthens Immune System
Anti-aging Properties
Treats Sexual Dysfunction
Detoxifies the Body
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) My favorite way to intake: powder form in a drink or shake. This is my night time favorite, as it helps induce a deep, repairing sleep. Or if I simply just need to feel a bit more “calm”. This is strictly a medicinal mushroom, not a culinary one.
Cancer Preventing
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Diabetes
Inflammation
Frequent Infections (urinary tract, bronchitis, respiratory infections, etc.)
Liver Disease
Food Allergies and Asthma
Digestive Problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome
Skin Disorders
Autoimmune Disorders
The common flu/ cold
Viruses- HIV/AIDS or hepatitis
Heart Disease, hypertension, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)- Now this is my favorite morning drink- it taste great- it feels great and I can drink it up to multiple times a day with no negative side effects. Before my morning hike, before my yoga class, at my 2:00pm crash when I need a pick me up- I grab my Chaga mushroom powder and make an instant coffee.
Cancer Physical Endurance
Immune System
Ulcers
Cholesterol Levels
Blood Pressure
Inflammation
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)-A great medicinal and culinary mushroom, Probably best in powder form or in a capsule recommended to take to improve memory.
Improves memory impairment
Stimulates nerve growth
Brain Function
Digestion
Cancer fighting
Inflammation
Mental Health
Immune System
Atherosclerosis
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)- Purely medicinal – The most effective anti- cancer mushroom.
Prevent and Treat Cold
Provide support during Chemotherapy
Control Diabetes
Reduce Inflammations
Rich in Antioxidants
Lower Cholesterol
Aid Digestion
Help in AIDS
Reduce Hypertension
Treat Breast Cancer
Improve Bone Health
Treat Human Papillomavirus
Oyster- I love Oyster Mushrooms for multiple reasons. They are tasty to eat. The literally clean the air around it. Soaking up toxins and radiation, acting as an air purifier. And then of course- the health benefits. Great culinary Mushroom!
Cholesterol
lowering
Anti-oxidant
Anti-cancer
Protein & fibre
Iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus & selenium
Calcium
Folic acid
Vitamins B1, B3, B5 & B12
Vitamin C & vitamin D
Shitake – This is my favorite mushroom to eat! It is so tasty and great for many dishes, breakfast lunch and dinner. They also improve health- most importantly shiitake mushrooms help with thyroid issues, especially hashimoto’s disease. Great culinary Mushroom!
Skin Care
Help in Weight loss
Reduce Inflammation
Improve Circulation
Fight Cancer
Improve Digestion
Boost Overall Energy
Reduce Stress
Boost Immune System
Help in Growth and Repair
Lower Cholesterol
Lower Blood Pressure
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) – Maitake comes in a tie with shiitake mushrooms. There so tasty and great to cook with. Dried or Fresh you must try this! Great culinary Mushroom!
Antioxidants
Anti- Viral
Anti- Cancer
Helps control blood pressure
Regulates blood sugar levels
Beta-glucans
Vitamins B and C
Copper
Potassium
Fiber
Minerals
Amino acids
picture credit: Ancient Vibration's, Manda Gannon
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