Mushrooms: some are good, some are poisonous, and some are psychedelic. You most likely think of the 60s and Carlos Casteneda when hearing about psychedelic mushrooms. Or, perhaps you know someone who tried gathering their own mushrooms in the wild only to end up in the hospital from eating a toxic species.
However, some mushrooms are good for eating. And, some mushrooms have medicinal qualities and a lengthy history of medicinal use in Chinese, Japanese, and Eastern European traditions. Our conventional western medicine is slowly embracing the health benefits of mushrooms.
Mushrooms support immune function, and they accomplish this by normalizing to your immune system rather than being a stimulant. They help in a wide variety of circumstances such as:
- Lowered resistance and “catching things” easily
- Chronic or persistent infections
- Certain autoimmune disorders
Mushrooms contain compounds that resemble a microbe that affects immune function. Your immune cells respond to this by increasing your innate immune activity, which is your front-line defense system. Your system goes on alert and into practice, which strengthens your system over time. Many species of mushrooms provide this benefit including common mushrooms found in your grocery store like Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms.
In addition to providing benefits to your immune system, mushrooms support other areas of your body as well such as the liver, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and others. Let’s take a deeper look at some mushroom species used frequently for their health benefits.
Lion’s Mane (Hieracium erinaceous)
Lion’s Mane supports your immune system, and it is used for its mental and neurological health benefits as well. It contains compounds that protect and promote growth in neurons. Clinical research with Lion’s Mane has demonstrated efficacy for anxiety, depression, and cognitive function. It is sometimes used to address overall nervous system health. Lion’s Mane mushroom powder is often found as an encapsulated product. Maintenance doses are 1-2 g daily, with the therapeutic doses starting at 3 g daily.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is a well-known medicinal mushroom. It can be used on an acute as well as a long-term basis to support immune functioning. Reishi also helps support the adrenal glands and your overall well-being. Use it if you are stressed out, run down, and falling ill frequently. It reduces the histamine response to allergic triggers, so it can help you with allergies and hay fever. Suggested doses are 5 ml of the tincture 3 times daily for active immune boosting, or 2 ml twice daily for immune and adrenal support.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
This is a delicious edible mushroom that also supports your immune function. It contains a compound known as D-fraction that has been heavily researched for cancer treatment. Maitake may also help with common cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and blood sugar issues. Tincture doses are 5 ml 3 times daily for active immune boosting, or 2 ml twice daily for maintenance.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga contains compounds called beta-glucans, a form of polysaccharide, which enhances immunity and reduces inflammation. In addition, Chaga contains medicinal compounds like betulinic acid from the birch trees they grow on and help to protect. A number of studies support its use.
Using mushrooms for daily well-being
So how do you take mushrooms? The first thing to know is that they have to be heated in order to be bioavailable. The fungal cell wall is indigestible, and heat allows the cell wall to break down in order to access its nutrients. There are supplements available on the market in the form of capsules and extracts.
You may also try the traditional method of incorporating mushrooms into your daily routine. You can prepare tea using mushrooms. Mushrooms are easily obtained in dried and sliced forms, which is perfect for making tea.
Using supplements
If you choose supplements, look for USA-grown organic mushrooms. Mushrooms can accumulate heavy metals, so read the labels for its sources. Ensure the mushrooms have been heated for bioavailability. If you are using a tincture, make sure it contains both water and alcohol. Alcohol is used to extract the key compounds, whereas water cannot do this.
Final thoughts
Mushrooms offer many health benefits. They can improve immune function, increase vigor, and support other systems of your body. They promote energy and reduce fatigue. They act as antivirals, reduce inflammation, and calm the stress response. For greater overall health, consider adding mushrooms to your daily routines.