Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms and How You Can Use Them
Mushrooms have become some of the hottest 'herbs' or foods on the market. They are touted for their brain or nootropic effects, help with energy and stamina, boost immunity, regulate moods and more. Check out the benefits of the most popular mushrooms and how you can integrate these into your herbal regimen or food.
Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of edible mushroom that has been traditionally used in Asia for its potential health benefits. Some studies have suggested that lion's mane mushroom may have the following potential health benefits:
Improving cognitive function: Some research suggests that lion's mane mushroom may improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function.
Reducing inflammation: Lion's mane mushroom contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Boosting the immune system: Lion's mane mushroom is thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may help improve overall health and prevent illness.
Reducing the risk of heart disease: Lion's mane mushroom may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Protecting against cancer: Some research suggests that lion's mane mushroom may have anti-tumor effects and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps sinensis) are a type of edible mushroom that grows in the high-altitude regions of Tibet, Nepal, and China. Cordyceps grows on the larvae of insects, typically ghost moths, and are known for their unique shape and color.
Traditionally, cordyceps mushrooms were harvested from the wild, but they are now also cultivated in controlled environments.
Studies have suggested that cordyceps mushrooms may have the following potential health benefits:
Improving athletic performance: Some research suggests that cordyceps mushrooms may improve physical endurance and exercise performance.
Boosting energy levels: Cordyceps mushrooms are thought to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Reducing inflammation: Cordyceps mushrooms contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Improving heart health: Cordyceps mushrooms may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Boosting the immune system: Cordyceps mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may help improve overall health and prevent illness.
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of edible mushroom that grows on birch trees in cold climates, such as those found in Russia, Korea, and Canada. Chaga is known as the king of mushrooms. They are high in antioxidants and are thought to have a variety of potential health benefits. Through studies, health benefits include:
Reducing inflammation: Chaga mushrooms contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Boosting the immune system: Chaga mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may help improve overall health and prevent illness.
Protecting against cancer: Some research suggests that chaga mushrooms may have anti-tumor effects and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Improving brain function: Chaga mushrooms are thought to have a positive effect on brain function and may help improve memory and cognitive function.
Reducing the risk of heart disease: Chaga mushrooms may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of edible mushroom that has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its health benefits.
Reishi is adaptogenic and helps to balance the body
It's known for longevity and extending life.
It's a tonic mushroom that can be taken for long periods of time.
Boosting the immune system: Reishi mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may help improve overall health and prevent illness.
Reducing inflammation: Reishi mushrooms contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Improving sleep: Reishi mushrooms are often used to help improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
Reducing the risk of heart disease: Reishi mushrooms may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Protecting against cancer: Some research suggests that reishi mushrooms may have anti-tumor effects and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a type of edible mushroom that is commonly found on dead or decaying wood. It is native to North America and Europe and has been traditionally used in Asia for its potential health benefits. Some studies have suggested that turkey tail mushrooms may have the following potential health benefits:
Boosting the immune system: Turkey tail mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may help improve overall health and prevent illness.
Reducing inflammation: Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Improving gut health: Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in prebiotics, which are substances that help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This may help improve digestion and overall gut health.
Protecting against cancer: Some research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may have anti-tumor effects and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Improving cardiovascular health: Turkey tail mushrooms may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a type of edible mushroom that are native to East Asia and are commonly used in Asian cuisine. They are a good source of vitamin D and are thought to have a variety of potential health benefits, including:
Boosting the immune system: Shiitake mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may help improve overall health and prevent illness.
Reducing inflammation: Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Improving heart health: Shiitake mushrooms may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Protecting against cancer: Some research suggests that shiitake mushrooms may have anti-tumor effects and may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Improving gut health: Shiitake mushrooms are rich in prebiotics, which are substances that help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This may help improve digestion and overall gut health.
How to use:
All herbal mushrooms are traditionally used in teas. However, recent herbal formulas also powder them to include them in foods such as smoothies or coffee. Many will also use large slices in a soups or broth for added health benefits. The best (or most effective) option is using it in a tincture. However, to tincture mushrooms requires a multi-fractional (extracted) method to capture the most medicinal constituents out of the mushrooms. Monarch Herbs' Marvel Tincture is a multi-fractional herbal extract.
Check out these Monarch Herbs' products to get your mushroom fix:
Shooting Star: Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane
'Shroom Chai Tea: Reishi, Cordyceps, Lions Mane, Chaga
Marvel Tincture: Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail
Inspire Tea: Lion's Mane
Rival Tincture: Cordyceps
Enliven Tea: Cordyceps
Aura Tea: Reishi
Harmony Tincture: Reishi
Armor Tincture: Reishi
Oracle Tincture: Chaga
ReBuild Tea: Chaga
It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of mushrooms. As with any dietary supplement, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before adding mushrooms to your diet.