The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms
Your Guide To Functional Fungi & Their Role In Immunity, Cognition, & Longevity
All mushrooms are magic: culinary mushrooms brew deliciousness in the kitchen; medicinal mushrooms reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support optimal cognitive function, mood, and longevity; and psychedelic mushrooms (the ones we typically think of as “magic”) open the mind and the heart.
But our focus here is specifically on the medicinal mycelium - so let’s dig in to what these mushrooms are, what they do, and how you can utilize these friendly fungi to support both your body and mind.
What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms are a type of fungi that have been used for centuries in traditional and functional medicine to treat ailments of all kinds. They are known to contain many beneficial bioactive compounds, , such as proteins and polypeptides, polysaccharides, phenolics, minerals, vitamins, etc. Studies have shown a wide-range of health benefits associated with consuming these mushrooms (think everything from supporting a good-night’s sleep to having anti-tumor and anti-cancer potential!).
While are many medicinal mushrooms, today we’ll be breaking down the benefits of the Big Six: Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Maitake.
These mushrooms can be taken in capsules, brewed into a tea, or consumed as food. If you choose to supplement, you can “choose your shroom” or mix-and-match depending on the benefits you want to prioritize.
Reishi:
Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to promote and optimize human health and wellbeing. They are so revered for their adaptogenic properties that they’ve been labeled the “Mushroom of Immortality” and the “Elixir of Life.” (#BigDeal).
These medicinal magicians are a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and a small amount of fat. They’re rich in minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, and zinc, not to mention the ~400 bioactive compounds scientists have identified to help these shrooms do what they do.
Reishi mushrooms are commonly touted for their immune-boosting superpowers. They help fight infections and contain antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties . . . but that’s not all! They also help:
Regulate inflammation and inflammatory responses in the body.
Prevent or heal gastrointestinal disorders.
Provide relief for those with allergies or asthma.
Prevent or protect from cardiovascular disease.
Lower blood pressure.
Support endocrine function and hormone regulation.
Ease anxiety and depression.
Set you up for a great night’s sleep.
And on top of all that, Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have anti-diabetic and anti-cancer potential. (Did we mention they’re a #BigDeal?!). Basically, Reishi mushrooms help you live better, longer. And while you’re unlikely to run into them at your local grocery store, high-quality supplements like those from Host Defense (link listed below, this company is founded by Paul Stamets, the mushroom guru himself) can be added to your daily routine in capsule or powder form.
Lion’s Mane:
Lion's Mane mushrooms are best known for supporting cognitive function and neurological health. These freaky-looking fungi are referred to as the “Smart Mushroom,” the “Mountain Priest Mushroom,” or maybe less commonly the “Bearded Tooth Fungus.” (Lol, who knew?)
Lion's Mane mushrooms contain nootropic compounds - including erinacines and hericenones - which are known for their protective effect on the brain. These compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). NGF and BDNF help to promote the growth, repair, and normal functioning of neurons, the nerve cells that are the building blocks of our brain and nervous system.
Lion’s Mane have also been shown to support immune function and be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. And they are being tested in the treatment of cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.
Turkey Tail:
Turkey Tail mushrooms are best known for their potent polysaccharides, especially polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). These polysaccharides support a healthy and robust immune response and manage the inflammatory response at the cellular level.
Turkey Tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung disease, and in Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product for administration during cancer treatment. Studies on patients with gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer show positive potential for helping boost the number of anti-cancer immune cells in the body; restore immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy; lessen the chance of recurrent cancer; and generally support and strengthen the immune system.
Turkey Tail mushrooms also support a healthy gut microbiome, which not only contributes to their immunity boosting powers, but improves digestion AND has been shown to reduce obesity in rats. And they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds which support a better healthspan and a longer lifespan.
Cordyceps:
Cordyceps are a rare entomopathogenic fungi, meaning they grow as parasites on insects. They are essentially very powerful bug shrooms (why not?).
Once of Cordyceps most important bioactive compounds is Cordycepin, which has massive therapeutic potential for being: anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidative, antimalarial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-arthritic, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. The Cordyceps have also been shown to support optimal immune system functionality and prevent/ protect from cardiovascular disease.
BUT . . . in addition to all of that, Cordyceps are known for their ability to support vitality, endurance, performance, and stamina by improving the availability of oxygen in the blood (and some studies have shown they also support post-workout recovery - goodbye, sore muscles!). They can be used daily for optimal, sustained benefit. You can take them in the morning as a wake-me-up or in the afternoon as a pick-me-up, or you can utilize them as a pre- or post-workout supplement level up your fitness routine.
Chaga:
Chaga mushrooms were traditionally a folk medicine remedy for gastrointestinal disease and distress. They have powerful antiviral and antiparasitic qualities, so much so, that several studies indicated they would be a good supplement to utilize during the pandemic. They stimulate the immune system and have hypoglycemic and insulin sensitivity potential.
Chaga mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which has been shown to potentially improve skin health and wrinkles caused by UV damage. Other bioactive compounds in Chaga mushrooms also support hair, skin, and nail strength.
Maitake:
Maitake mushrooms - native to China, northeastern Japan, and North America - were first discovered by a group of Buddhist nuns and woodcutters in Japan over 2,000 years ago. The story goes they were so overjoyed by the taste and medicinal powers of these mushrooms, they danced, giving the mushrooms their name (Maitake translates to dancing). They are also capable of growing to over 100 pounds, earning them a second title of “King of the Mushrooms.”
Maitake were used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve spleen and stomach health as well as calm the nerves. Today, we know they contain bioactive compounds that are antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor. They also support immune system modulation and appropriate insulin response, leading to healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. And they promote a healthy microbiome and efficient digestion.
Some of the most valuable compounds in Maitake mushrooms are their polysaccharide fractions and polysaccharide protein complexes, which have been approved for human use in immunotherapy and complimentary treatment of cancers with chemotherapy.
Our go-to recommendation for high-quality medicinal mushroom supplements are by Host Defense. You can shop them here.
Resources
Reishi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998036/
Lion’s Mane: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987239/
Turkey Tail: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424937/
Cordyceps: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356751/
Chaga: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8240111/
Maitake: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7824844/