For better brain health, some people are turning to the power of nature. This includes mushrooms that have been specially prepared and formulated to improve wellness. While mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years, their effect on the human body are still a mystery. However, research is promising, and more people are turning to mushrooms when western medicine fails. Here’s what you need to know about medicinal mushrooms.
The History of Mushrooms as Medicine
Humans have been using mushrooms for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In fact, it was Greek physician Hippocrates, who promoted the amadou mushroom as an effective anti-inflammatory that could be used in wound care.
The alchemist Tao Hongjing, who lived around the 5th century, also used ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) and zhu ling (Dendropolyporus umbellatus), for medicinal purposes.
Although mushrooms have long been used as medicine for centuries, research into their effects has only been conducted more recently. We are taking steps to better understand why they work, how they work, and how they are best used to improve our overall health.
Why has it taken us so long to study mushrooms? Well, in essence, some mushrooms can feed us, some can heal us, and some can kill us. It made very little evolutionary sense for our ancestors to trial different mushrooms when so much was at stake. But now, we can safely test and understand the powerful chemicals found in mushrooms and process them into safe medicines for the body and brain.
Which Are Mushrooms Good For Health?
Medicinal mushrooms are nutritionally very powerful, and can help with the following:
- Immune system support
- Antioxidant
- Anti Inflammatory
- Blood sugar stabliser
- Brain boost
- Energy boost
The healthiest mushrooms known to research currently are:
Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucans, which are antioxidants and neuro-protectors. Essentially, they protect the body and brain. Certain compounds in Lion’s Mane (erinacines and hericenones) help with nerve growth factor and the synthesis of nerve cells. Animal research has also shown that Lion’s Mane supports motor function, healthy brain function and neurogenesis.
For energy boosting properties, cordyceps wins the race. Studies have shown that cordyceps can elevate the production of ATP, which is what gives cells energy. Some athletes like this mushroom as it can maximise performance in a safe and natural way. Older people struggling with general fatigue can also benefit. Test tube studies have also shown that this healthy mushroom supports the immune system, improves sperm health and enhances kidney function.
If you struggle with skin conditions, chaga is a good mushroom to use. It has been shown to be a good antioxidant, and regulates inflammation. It can help to clear up acne, and also assists in helping stomach upset.
Known as the King Of Mushrooms, Reishi contains polysaccharides (sugar) that helps immune function, sleep, calm, and lung and respiratory health. Reish has also shown to support a balance in blood sugar and can also help reduce discomfort associated with urinary tract infections.
Turkey tail stimulates cytokine production, increasing the strength of the immune response to diseases. It also has protein-bound polysaccharides which also keep the immune system healthy and regulated.
Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to support the immune system, the liver, the cardiovascular system and inflammatory responses. It is high in B vitamins, which help regulate blood sugar, and has also shown to increase the immune cell igA. Shiitake mushrooms can also decrease C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a blood marker that detects inflammation.
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most popular and edible mushrooms found in the world, and have a wide nutritional profile. They are packed with protein, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. They also lower cholesterol, and can improve the immune system functions. Oyster mushrooms are also very clever, and can ‘clean up’ environmental toxins within their reach.
Are Mushrooms Safe To Use?
Whether or not mushrooms are safe to use is entirely dependent on the mushroom and how it is eaten. The mushrooms you buy in shops and supermarkets are safe to eat but might not have the nutritional, nootropic properties of those listed above.
Foraging your own mushrooms can be risky if you do not know what you are doing. Some mushrooms can look similar to safe mushrooms but may in fact be poisonous.
Particularly deadly mushrooms include:
- Death cap (Amanita phalloides).
- Death angel (Amanita ocreata).
- Autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata).
- Conocybe filaris.
- False morels (Gyromitra esculenta and Gyromitra infula).
Unless you are well versed in foraging, we recommend you do not attempt to pick and eat your own mushrooms for medicine purposes and instead buy a branded and regulated nootropic mushroom. This is because:
- You might eat the wrong type of mushroom and become sick
- You could eat contaminants such as environmental pollutants, especially if you pick from an urban area or road side
- You might not know how to properly store and clean mushrooms
- Different mushrooms need to be prepared in different ways
- The mushroom might be spoiled
- Insects or bacteria might be present on the mushroom which can harm your health
Mushroom Nootropics
If you are looking for a reishi mushroom to enhance energy levels, improve sleep, support your immune system and help with common ailments like UTIs or inflammation, you can get the Shroom Shop Reishi Mushroom 90000mg Powder. This powder can be added as a supplement to food and drink to form part of your normal everyday diet. You can expect 60 servings.
If you want an energy boost fit for an athlete, you can also get our cordyceps mushroom 90000mg powder.
Or, if Lion’s Mane has taken your fancy, then you can get your hands on this popular nootropic by clicking here.
Our whole nootropics range, including many other mushroom supplements, can be found on our website. Use these mushrooms yourself or supply them to your customers with all the third party lab testing certificates for additional safety and reassurance. If you’d like help with your purchase please get in touch and one of our team will be glad to assist.
