What are medicinal mushrooms?

Medicinal mushrooms have become one of the hottest natural healing medicines for better health.

Although medicinal mushrooms (fungi) have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries, they are now gaining widespread popularity throughout the country as people are feeling and seeing the benefits of adding them to their diet.

There are a large number of edible mushrooms however, half of these top-performing varieties have superfood properties that stand out from the rest.

What are medicinal mushrooms used for?

Medicinal ingredients are used to tone, detoxify, strengthen, heal, treat, and purify the body and soul.

These medicinal mushrooms are not only beneficial to overall health but have well-documented cases to prevent and treat a variety of health conditions such as:

• Cancers
• Tumors
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Anxiety
• Pet Health
• Back pain
• Migraines
• Epilepsy
• Weight loss
• Pain
• Cold, Flu as well as Covid 19 symptoms

16 medicinal mushrooms and their benefits

Each mushroom has its own claim for fame however Reishi mushrooms have much of the basics covered. If you were to choose “one” Reishi may fit the bill.

Click on each name to see a photo and more info>

• Reishi Mushrooms – Known as “The God of Fungi” Inflammation, Anti-oxidant, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Lower LDL, Increase good HDL, Liver health, Cancer-fighting, Reduce seizures, Heart Health, Fatigue, Sleep, Focus, Depression, cold and flu. Relieves Anxiety due to the calming effects. Read more on Reishi Benefits & Dosage HERE.
• Chaga Mushrooms – High antioxidant, Vitamin nutrient-rich, Anti-aging, Inflammation, Lower LDL, Immune-boosting, lowers blood sugar, cancer-fighting. Read more about Chaga HERE.
• Lions Mane – ” Natures Dynamo” Liver, lung, heart, kidney, and spleen function, Depression, Anxiety, Heart Health, Diabetes, Inflammation, Anti-Oxidant, Dementia, Mental, and Nerve health, Cancer-Fighting. Read more on Lion’s Mane Benefits & Dosage HERE.
• Shitake – Weight loss, Heart Health, Antimicrobial properties, Vita D, Energy, Skin, Immunity, Brain Health, Blood Pressure, Cancer-fighting.
• Turkey Tail – Anti-oxidant, Immunity, Gut Health, Weight-loss, High cancer-fighting properties as well as used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Read more about Turkey Tail HERE.
• Enoki – Vita, nutrient-rich, Fiber, Anti-oxidant, cancer-fighting.
• Mesima – Anti-aging, Type 2 Diabetes, Immunity, Anti-inflammatory, Infertility, Antibacterial, Cancer-fighting.
• Agaricus Blazei – IBS, Dermatitis, Diabetes, Asthma, Hepatitis, High blood pressure, Fiber, Improve blood glucose levels, Pancreas inflammation, Cancer-fighting.
• Oyster – Immunity, Nutri-Vita enriched, Fiber.
• Poria Cocos – Fatigue, Memory, Sleep, Gut health, Cough, Anxiety, Fluid retention.
• Agarikon – Inflammation, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Flus.
• Maitake – Immunity, Anti-oxidant, Diabetes, Cancer-fighting.
• Cordyceps – “The Rejuvenator” Immunity, Fatigue, Lower back pain, Virus-fighting, Cancer-fighting. Anti- Tumor, used in conjunction with Chem to prevent kidney damage and prolong white blood cells, Mucus, Cough, and Phlegm. Read more on Cordyceps HERE.
• Suehirotake – Anti-candida, Anti-tumor, Anti-viral, Immunity, and Liver function.
• Ice Man – Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Cancer-fighting.
• Artist Conk – Anti-tumor, Diabetes, Reduced cholesterol, blood glucose, and triglyceride levels, Cancer-fighting.

Where to buy medicinal mushrooms?

You may be fortunate to see many varieties grown in your neck of the woods however, it is not easy to find or harvest if you are lucky to come across them. Most local stores, Health food stores, Asian markets, Markets, and also online such as Amazon or some great companies such as Real Mushrooms are here on this site.

These medicinal mushrooms come in many forms, Capsules, Powder, Raw, Mixes, Tinctures, and even Teas.

Products come in variables of individual or blends of up to 16 mushrooms. Find the best mushroom blend for your ailment and pick accordingly.

My Top Picks

Capsules

• Capsules may be the easiest way to reap the benefits however if swallowing daily capsules are your thing.

Powder

• Powder is the most popular way to enjoy the benefits. Add it to smoothies, soups, stews, teas, or anything. This hides the bitter earthy taste of the mushrooms.

Tincture

• Tincture Drops you can add into whatever you wish or take orally.

Hot Chocolate

• Mixes Drinkable mixes are another great way to enjoy getting in some mushroom benefits as well as other needed vitamins.

Raw

Raw Chaga, Reishi, and others are great on their own with many benefits however, a bit tedious due to having to break it up and steep for long periods of time.

Although recommending the above-mentioned, I highly suggest doing some research yourself. I personally love using multi-blends however Real Mushrooms has some great products.

Mushroom blends

Mushroom blends are a great choice for multipurpose uses. Whether it be for better Sleep, Anxiety, Energy, or just for overall health Real Mushrooms has it all.

Are mushrooms good for pets?

Absolutely! They have special pet blends also available.

Medicinal mushrooms can provide a range of health benefits for pets, including dogs and cats. Here are some of the potential benefits:

1. Immune system support: Medicinal mushrooms, such as Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake, contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that can stimulate and support the immune system in pets. This can help strengthen their immune response to fight off infections and diseases.
2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Medicinal mushrooms can also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for pets with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or allergies.
3. Antioxidant properties: Many medicinal mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect pets from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. This can have potential benefits for their overall health and longevity.
4. Digestive health: Some medicinal mushrooms, such as Turkey Tail, can also have prebiotic effects, meaning they can support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in pets. This can have potential benefits for their digestive health and immune system function.
5. Cancer prevention and treatment: Some medicinal mushrooms, such as Turkey Tail and Cordyceps, have been studied for their potential anti-cancer effects in pets. They may help inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells and support the immune system in fighting cancer.

Why Real Mushrooms?

Real Mushrooms is a newer company that prides itself on high standards of quality, product potency, packaging, and ethics.

With over 40 yrs experience growing mushrooms where founder Jeff was the first to bring mushroom extracts to the North American market. They also believe that many mushroom products on the market today do not contain pure mushrooms at all but are produced from mycelium (the root system of the mushroom) being grown on a grain substrate.

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TIP: Consuming medicinal mushrooms with Vita C can increase absorption.

Most of these mushrooms are found on trees as a conk, a hoof shape, or odd shape fungus found attached to tree trunks. Grown wild or grown indoors.

Are medicinal mushrooms safe?

Preliminary findings show they are generally considered safe with proper dosing. The effects on such ailments as cancer are promising as well as minimizing the effects of chemo on patients is significant.

Dosing depends on the type: Approx. 1 tsp of powder, Tincture 1-5 drops,

Read everything you need to know about Medicinal Mushrooms HERE

Find out how to make a healthy mushroom tea here.

Find out how to make mushroom tea with other healthy options to prevent cold and flu here.

How to grow medicinal mushrooms?

Most extracts come from China, the leading country in the cultivation of these mushrooms.

Caution:

Always consult your doctor before using alternative medicines especially combined with prescription medication as possible side effects can occur which can be life-threatening.