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Medicinal Mushrooms:
Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science... learn how they can help save the world.
Mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of fungi, have been a dietary staple and medicinal resource for centuries. With growing recognition of their potential in health and sustainability, medicinal mushrooms are undergoing rigorous research and clinical trials. Backed by over 50,000 scientific studies, these fungi offer diverse benefits, from enhancing immunity to combatting diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
How Mushrooms Are Turned Into Bacon And Styrofoam | World Wide Waste
All underlining's link to research and other sources.
Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
Scientific research has proven many health benefits of mushrooms. More than 50,000 scientific studies have verified the millennial experiences of traditional medicine and found that medicinal mushrooms:
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regulate blood sugar and fat (cholesterol and triglycerides),
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reduce atherosclerotic plaques and ischemia thus improving heart and brain health,
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and many more. (Sleep)
Mushroom Research
This research section is organized by topics of interest. For nutrition composition of common edible and culinary mushrooms, see: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Food Data Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov.
Scientists now estimate there are between 2.2 and 3.8 million species of fungi worldwide, although we only know about 10% of them.
Romans perceived them as the “Food of the Gods.” For centuries, the Chinese culture has treasured mushrooms as a health food, an “elixir of life.” They have been part of the human culture for thousands of years and have considerable interest in the most important civilizations in history because of their sensory characteristics.
The mushroom, Poria cocos, used as a traditional Chinese medicine which is used alone or in the combination with other herbs to cure diabetes and other disorders related to diabetes (Lindequist et al. 2005)
How many times have you seen a picture of a fairy sitting on a mushroom? If you’ve watched the classic animated film, Alice in Wonderland, you’ll notice them all over the scenes.
Mushrooms offer so many benefits that we have yet to discover. However, here are 12 unexpected health benefits you may find interesting.
1. Reduce Systemic Inflammation
6. Natural Source of Vitamin D
9. Restore Health of Skin and Nails
The Fungi Your Immune System Has Been Waiting For
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Did you know humans have more in common with fungi than any other kingdom? We share the same pathogens, meaning bacteria and viruses.
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Chinese medicine has used mushrooms for over 1,000 years.
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50 years of research has yielded very positive results, particularly for immune health.
Why Your Immune System Loves Mushrooms
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Several prominent polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, actually stimulate, or turn on, your body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Where do mushrooms get these beneficial compounds?
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From the mushroom’s host — usually a tree or other plant that has absorbed and stored healthful nutrients for decades.
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Mushrooms embrace and soak up these special nutrients, transforming into a little medicinal powerhouses.
Health benefits of Mushrooms:
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Reduced risk of heart disease
Mushrooms are Packed with These Vitamins and Minerals
It’s best to blend several mushroom species. A good trio includes:
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi has been called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” and has been used in Asia for thousands of years. It has ganoderic acid, which is being used to support cellular abnormalities.
Other Benefits: (Cancer regression rate) 98.5%
Shiitake Mushroom
A key component of Shiitake is Lentinan, which has been found to protect the liver and provide relief for a variety of stomach ailments. Lentinan has also been linked to combating illnesses that attack the immune system.
Other Benefits: (Medicine)
Cordyceps Mushroom
Called “Caterpillar Fungus,” Cordyceps is unique in that it grows out of an insect host rather than a plant host. Cordyceps has properties similar to those of ginseng and is traditionally used to help the body build strength and endurance. In traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps has been used to benefit the glandular system in both women and men. In addition, cordyceps supports the kidneys, aids the upper respiratory tract and may help the body maintain proper blood viscosity.
Other Benefits: (Easily Grown / Bins & Jars)
Mushrooms are extremely hearty organisms that thrive in good, and bad, environments. In ideal conditions, they absorb and concentrate healthful compounds. In poor conditions, they absorb and concentrate unhealthy, harmful, and even deadly substances. Be sure your mushrooms come from a reputable, safely grown source.
Here's a comprehensive guide to medicinal mushrooms, covering various topics, including their history, benefits, and research:
**History of Medicinal Mushrooms**
* Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, with ancient cultures such as the Romans and Chinese valuing them for their health benefits.
* Chinese medicine has used mushrooms for over 1,000 years, with 50 years of research yielding positive results, particularly for immune health.
**Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms**
* Medicinal mushrooms can boost the immune system, prevent and fight cancer, regulate blood sugar and fat, normalize blood pressure, and reduce atherosclerotic plaques and ischemia.
* They can also slow the development of neurodegenerative diseases, protect bone from degradation and osteoporosis, help manage healthy weight, improve strength and endurance, and slow aging.
* Specific mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, and Cordyceps have been found to have additional benefits, such as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.
**Mushroom Research**
* Over 50,000 scientific studies have verified the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
* Research has shown that medicinal mushrooms can:
+ Reduce systemic inflammation
+ Lower cholesterol
+ Improve bone health
+ Prevent diabetes
+ Boost immune system
+ Natural source of vitamin D
+ Increase oxygen levels
+ Support weight loss
+ Restore health of skin and nails
+ Prevent cancer
+ Treat PTSD
**Types of Medicinal Mushrooms**
* Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - known as the "Mushroom of Immortality" and has been used in Asia for thousands of years.
* Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) - a key component is Lentinan, which has been found to protect the liver and provide relief for stomach ailments.
* Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) - grows out of an insect host and has properties similar to those of ginseng.
**Safety Precautions**
* Mushrooms can absorb and concentrate unhealthy substances in poor environments. Be sure to source mushrooms from a reputable, safely grown source.
**References**
* Various academic journals and research institutions, including the National Cancer Institute, have conducted studies on the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
* Books and articles on the topic include "Medicinal Mushrooms" by David M. Winston and "The Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus bisporus" by S. L. Chang.
**Patents**
* US Patent 10519175B2 (2019) relates to the large-scale production of psilocybin for use in medicine.
**Clinical Trials**
* Clinical trials are being conducted on the use of medicinal mushrooms for various health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
**List of Medicinal Mushrooms**
* Medicinal mushrooms are a vast and diverse group of fungi, with many species exhibiting potential health benefits. Here's a list of some of the most well-known and researched medicinal mushrooms:
1. **Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)**: Known for its adaptogenic properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential benefits for immune system function.
2. **Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)**: Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and beta-glucans, which may help support immune function and overall health.
3. **Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)**: A popular fungus in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its potential to improve oxygen uptake, reduce inflammation, and enhance athletic performance.
4. **Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)**: A widely consumed edible mushroom, also studied for its potential to boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antiviral properties.
5. **Maitake (Grifola frondosa)**: Also known as hen-of-the-woods, this mushroom is believed to have potential benefits for immune system function, blood pressure regulation, and cancer treatment.
6. **Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)**: Known for its potential to support brain health, nerve function, and digestive health, as well as its potential to enhance cognitive function and memory.
7. **Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)**: A type of polypore fungus, studied for its potential to boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties.
8. **Poria (Poria cocos)**: Also known as Indian bread or white mulberry, this mushroom is believed to have potential benefits for immune system function, cardiovascular health, and digestive health.
9. **Agaricus (Agaricus blazei)**: A type of button mushroom, studied for its potential to boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties.
10. **Ganoderma (Ganoderma tsugae)**: A type of reishi mushroom, known for its potential to support immune system function, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antiviral properties.
**Organizations**
* The Mushroom Research Center (MRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
* The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on medicinal mushrooms.
**Government Resources**
* The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides information on the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the production and sale of medicinal mushroom products.
Mushroom Patents (Class PLT/394)US10519175B2- 2019-04-25 This invention relates to the large-scale production of psilocybin for use in medicine.
*Lion's Mane - *Turkey Tail - *Maitake - *Shiitake - *Cordyceps - *Chaga - *Reishi - *Psilocybin - *Amanita Muscaria - *Amanita Mushroom Awr