Healing foods and the power of medicinal mushrooms are favourite topics of mine! There are many to choose from. I want to share some info and resources with you ~ it's time to bring these magical healers into the 'everyday'! I know that they may seem very mysterious to some, but I will show you where to purchase so that you will easily add them to your meals. Recipes? Stay tuned! They just may become a daily ritual. Medicinal Mushrooms are definitely a healthy habit in my life!
The Power of Healing Mushrooms: 5 Types To Try Now
1. Reishi Mushroom:
(Ganoderma lucidum)
Need to chill out? Try reishi. Called lingzhi in China, which means "longevity and spirituality", reishi is one of the oldest mushrooms to be used as medicine! It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. With the ability to soothe nerves and stimulate sleep cycles, reishi can help to manage stress and promote a good night’s sleep.
Drink in the evenings to unwind or to hit the “reset” button during stressful days. It’s the best kind of night cap – a mushroom night cap!
I have used Reishi in my herbal practice. It is known to protect liver function and inhibit cancer cell deveolpment by stimulating macrophage activity. We can use reishi with allergy treatment as it can inhibit histamine release. It is both a muscle relaxant and an expectorant! There's much more to Reishi! For much more about this amazing ancient medicinal mushroom, see this article.
If you'd like to purchase some good reishi tincture, the folks at HerbPharm have made it for many years and have a super reputation.
One of my favourite ways to enjoy medicinal mushrooms is also very tasty ~ The wonderful folks at Four Sigmatic #onshrooms! have a wide variety of options! Check out these nutritious delicious drinks!
2. Lion's Mane Mushroom:
(Hericium Erinaceus)
Fluffy, bright white, and typically found growing on hardwood trees, shaggy lion’s mane has a delicious meaty texture often used in cooking. But the benefits of lion’s mane extend far beyond the kitchen!
Often called “the smart mushroom,” lion’s mane is one of the only mushrooms with neuro-protective benefits. it helps to protect against degeneration and maintenance of optimum brain function. It has been shown to improve memory and can boost concentration!
Drink before studying or when sitting down to work for the day to promote productivity. Some call it "a hug for your brain"
3. Chaga Mushroom:
(Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga grows in cold environments, like Siberia, North Korea, Canada, and some colder parts of the United States. Packed with antioxidants like beta-glucans, chaga is often brewed as a tea to help stimulate the immune system, although it can also be ground into a powder and consumed that way to reap the same amount of benefits.
Chaga is an endangered plant. ENSURE-- that you buy your chaga from an ethical source.
One of my favourites over the years is "Annanda Chaga". Purchase some great quality sustainably harvested chaga with this link for 15% off!
Like a force field in a cup! Drink to start your day off right or sip through the afternoon to support immune functions.
4. Turkey Tail
(Trametes Versicolor)
Turkey tail mushroom looks just as you’d imagine it – like a fanned-out turkey tail with stripes of varying colors radiating out from the edges. Rich in immune-supporting beta-glucans, studies have found turkey tail could be effective in supporting cancer patients whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy. These attributes have the ability to regenerate white blood cells, necessary to ward off infections! Additionally, the prebiotics in turkey tail may support the microbiome, aiding digestion and encouraging growth of good bacteria.
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The folks at Four Sigmatic are committed to high quality and very tasty products.
I've had the pleasure of trying many of the delicious beverage combinations offered.
Four Sigmatics is an affiliate partner here at Studio B. ~ anything purchased via affiliate link -- cost the same price for you but can sometimes offer a thank you to us..
5. Shitake Mushroom:
(Lentinula edodes)
Shitake mushrooms are popping up in farmers markets and kitchens all over the place! I do believer in the practice of 'eating our medicine' and this special plant medicine is a great one to know. Medicinally, attriutes include the following:
Immune modulation, tumor inhibition, adaptogenic, anti-viral, hepatoprotective,
lowers serum cholesterol and blood pressure, soothes bronchial inflammation,
Cancer preventative.
shiitake mushrooms being cultivated the traditional organic way
All of these above are wonderful choices to supplement your diet ~ they are my current list of favourites. They can be added to your day as a hot beverage or in powder form added
to soups, stews + smoothies.
My friends over at Healing Spirits Herb Farm live in upstate NY and are phenomenal people, dedicated to getting it right. They live herbs.. Eat. Sleep. Teach. Work.. herbs.. and now grow their own high quality mushroom products. They sell several amazing mushroom blends and 'singles'. You can call them or order online. Find some of their wonderful medicinal mushroom powder here.
One of my favourite blends for immune support is the 6 Mushroom Blend:
It contains : Chaga, TurkeyTail, Reishi, Cordyceps (C. sinensis), Lion's Mane, Artist's Conk
This assortment of mushroom species that have shown potent anti-carcinogenic properties as well.
Recommended Dose:
- Maintenance: 1 teaspoon twice daily
- Acute: 1 Tbsp twice daily
Simply add mushroom powder to juice, smoothies, soups or anything else for an effective medicinal dose.
So.. I know I mentioned 5 as the 'magic number' but I really can't stop here..
There are so many wonderful medicinal mushrooms
We can benefit from knowing about these plant (fungal) allies and I will continue to add to this post -- as time permits!
One of my favourite books on the subject, that is packed full of lots of great information and a ton of fabulous recipes. Healing Mushrooms by Tero Isokauppila (the founder of Four Sigmatic mushrooms) is a treasured book in my library! It's packed full of great innovative, easy recipes!
Medicinal Mushrooms can help you with a stressful life, to go the extra mile during a busy day or use to push your workout to the next level!
Cordyceps Mushroom:
(Cordyceps sinensis)
Also common in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, cordyceps have been used in many ways, from enhancement of liver function to improved athletic performance and increased immune function. For more details about Cordyceps check out this indepth article.
(Grifola frondosa)
Supports immune function, cardiovascular and liver health. Helps to support healthy blood sugar, blood pressure levels and balance of cholesterol.
(Cantharellus cibarius)
Supports our respiratory system and helps to increase resistance to respiratory infections. Well known to support healthy eyes -- strengthens night vision + soothes dry eyes and inflamed eyes and skin. Soothes and tones mucous membranes
(Pleurotus ostreatus)
Can help to relax tension in muscles. Stimulates healthy blood flow and supports healthy blood vessels. Supports good cardiovascular function and cholesterol levels. Can inhibit tumour growth.
Here's to our best health ~ Powerful medicinal mushrooms !
xo Carol. Tell me about your favourites ~comment below.
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