November 20, 2017
The Power Of The Mushroom
It’s no secret that mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine to treat a variety of ailments. There has been countless scientific research done on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Today, while I was in the Vitamin Shoppe, the salesperson was telling me stories of people she knows who’s fibromyalgia and cancer symptoms went away from the consistent use of medicinal mushrooms. It’s no secret that mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Many mushrooms have incredible benefits for the body. They have antiviral and antibacterial properties. They have incredible benefits for your immune system, hormones, and brain. (Just to name a few) It’s a wonder they’re becoming so popular and are even recommended by many doctors. So, without further ado, here are some popular medicinal mushrooms and the benefits they have for your health:
Maitake
“Maitake means dancing mushroom in Japanese. This mushroom grows wild in Japan, China, and North America. It contains chemicals that are used to treat cancer, relieve side effects of chemotherapy, help fight tumors, and stimulate the immune system. There are many other benefits this mushroom can provide.
Reishi
The chinese name for the reishi mushroom is ling chih. It means “mushroom of immortality”. (How could you not want to take this with a name like that!) One of its’ active ingredients is polysaccharides. This mushroom can enhance the body’s immune system, improve blood circulation, improve blood sugar, possible anticancer activity, and life-span extending properties.
Turkey Tail
This mushroom’s name is due to its’ close resemblance of turkey feathers. The turkey tail mushroom has natural antiviral and anti-fungal properties that fight off infections. (Common cold, pneumonia, and herpes to name a few) It is also known to fight cancer, strengthen the immune system, and increase energy.
Shitake
These mushrooms are high in the B vitamins and are a good source of vitamin D. They aid in weight loss, support cardiovascular health, have anticancer properties, lower cholesterol, and boost the immune system.
Chaga
This fungus grows on tree trunks, particularly birch trees. It grows in many places, China, Russia, Canada, and the United states to name a few. Chaga has an ability to modulate the immune system due to its’ source of beta-glucans. It is also known its’ ability to reduce inflammation. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties that can inhibit the progression of cancer.
What a list! There’s plenty more of where that came from. While some of them I’m familiar with, there were many I was not aware of. I am also thrilled about the ongoing research and discoveries that are being made regarding medicinal mushrooms. They are available in tincture, pill, powder, tea, and dried form. So, go grab you some of this incredible herb and feel the power of the mushroom!
